The Untethered Soul

I have struggled with self-limiting thoughts and behaviors. I tend to focus on where I’ve come from, where I went to school, etc. as my identity. As I read more, though, I am starting to realize that past events should not impact my future decisions as much as they do.

One’s mind never stops humming in the background. It’s constantly churning out thoughts and interpreting the input it receives from our senses. The very first step towards greater self-knowledge is being able to listen to that background “noise”: to realize how often it is talking and determine how it is affecting our decisions in life.

I am just finishing up a book called The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer. In the book, Singer explores the question of human identity and shows how the development of consciousness can enable us all to dwell in the present moment and achieve happiness and self-realization.

Sounds new-agey and weird, right? Well, it’s not. It’s an entertainingly written work that reminded me how much I am my own worst enemy sometimes.

My book review in two sentences:

1. Singer gives the clearest explanation of how to disregard the lies that the running commentary often tells you in order to become the best version of yourself.
2. In a highly entertaining way, he explains the internal battle that occurs in our minds better than anyone else I have ever encountered!

Three Action Thursday Takeaways:

1. Self-realization. YOU ARE IN THERE! You are not your body. You are aware of your thoughts and body but you aren’t synonymous with those things.
2. We mostly think negatively. We need to focus and learn to let go of negative thoughts without allowing them to affect us.
3. Pain is OK. Don’t fight it or “bottle it up”. Feel the pain and slowly let it go.

Life Changing “Aha Moment”:

We have to stop trying to change the outside world; instead, we need to shift our focus toward being happy and peaceful within ourselves. Only then can we start affecting the world around us (family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, strangers, etc.) in a positive way.

**Action:

1. Watch Tony Robbins interview Michael A. Singer.
2. Pick up a copy of the book, The Untethered Soul.
3. When you read the book, I’d love an email letting me know what you think!**