I had just graduated from Energy Healer school, winning second place in the calligraphy competition.
A spiritual teacher gave me a hug. Usually, parts of me long for recognition, connection and affirmation. So usually this hug would be very moving and meaningful to me.
But I was in a different state of consciousness, in which I felt completely whole, and so, while I felt connected and present to being hugged, it didn’t elicit any of those younger parts of me whatsoever. As I noticed that I was completely unblended from those younger parts of me, my state of consciousness went into a stratospherically different space. It was one of the highest states of consciousness I’ve ever experienced.
Another spiritual teacher came to talk to me about a friend of mine, who was having a bit of a breakdown as a result of the intensity of the training. I received what he had to say with total equanimity — absolutely no drama, no stress, just pure presence.
He was surprised. Recognizing my unusual state of consciousness, he said, “Oh, you are very organized.“
I said, from that deep place where I was, simply: “Yes.“
I walked up the hill and sat on a bench. I looked at the extreme blue sky as the sun set in the Arizona desert. I had no thoughts. It was as if I had become the entire sky. The peace was astounding. The silence was stupendous.
You said to focus on emotions, which led me towards more negative emotions, but the questions you proposed at least provided practical guidance. I don't know where you get those exercises from, Chris, but they are helpful! Thank you
The one time I felt like I was finally free of my family was when I met the man who replaced me as my father's son. My father found out I was sexually abused when I was 15 and decided he would disappear from my life after that point. He found another child in need and helped him in every way he could, eventually getting him to the point that he was the son I was supposed to be and I was his understudy.
That replacement son was upset that I was blood related to my father and he was not, which I freely signed off on the transfer. I introduced him to my father's side of the family, told him he was the replacement me, and walked away. Sure, it hurt to be replaced, but it also gave me that last little bit of freedom that I could look at and say "This life is truly my own, no matter how miserable it is or will be."
I tried this out. I didn't expect the journey I wrote to end on such a bleak note, but it did. I'm not up for sharing specific memories, but I truly hope this story is not over yet.
Great questions, and I really like the suggestion of beginning with an emotion.
Do others also get stuck when someone asks about the ‘most scared’, ‘favorite food’, best memory’ etc. I find that I trip over the superlatives. It’s easier when I drop those, and just focus on one memory yet is that cheating? 🤗
These prompts are beautiful and help us see our lives as the poetic tapestries that they are. I love this approach as it also helps us create our story through the experiences that are most meaningful as opposed to “the facts”. I’m writing a memoir using this approach and the experience is truly nourishing.
I had just graduated from Energy Healer school, winning second place in the calligraphy competition.
A spiritual teacher gave me a hug. Usually, parts of me long for recognition, connection and affirmation. So usually this hug would be very moving and meaningful to me.
But I was in a different state of consciousness, in which I felt completely whole, and so, while I felt connected and present to being hugged, it didn’t elicit any of those younger parts of me whatsoever. As I noticed that I was completely unblended from those younger parts of me, my state of consciousness went into a stratospherically different space. It was one of the highest states of consciousness I’ve ever experienced.
Another spiritual teacher came to talk to me about a friend of mine, who was having a bit of a breakdown as a result of the intensity of the training. I received what he had to say with total equanimity — absolutely no drama, no stress, just pure presence.
He was surprised. Recognizing my unusual state of consciousness, he said, “Oh, you are very organized.“
I said, from that deep place where I was, simply: “Yes.“
I walked up the hill and sat on a bench. I looked at the extreme blue sky as the sun set in the Arizona desert. I had no thoughts. It was as if I had become the entire sky. The peace was astounding. The silence was stupendous.
It’s such a gift to have had one of these experiences in life:)
Love your opening line here - I was so intrigued to read on!
These questions are helpful for anyone trying to be more introspective. Thank you.
You said to focus on emotions, which led me towards more negative emotions, but the questions you proposed at least provided practical guidance. I don't know where you get those exercises from, Chris, but they are helpful! Thank you
Will play with this one !! Thank you!!
The one time I felt like I was finally free of my family was when I met the man who replaced me as my father's son. My father found out I was sexually abused when I was 15 and decided he would disappear from my life after that point. He found another child in need and helped him in every way he could, eventually getting him to the point that he was the son I was supposed to be and I was his understudy.
That replacement son was upset that I was blood related to my father and he was not, which I freely signed off on the transfer. I introduced him to my father's side of the family, told him he was the replacement me, and walked away. Sure, it hurt to be replaced, but it also gave me that last little bit of freedom that I could look at and say "This life is truly my own, no matter how miserable it is or will be."
Very Helpful
'By reconnecting with these emotional milestones, you may find yourself more grounded in the present...'
Yeah, that's true. The act of remembering such impactful emotional moments in our lives naturally directs our thought and focus to the present moment.
It's a good practice for us to develop more present-mindedness, Chris.
I tried this out. I didn't expect the journey I wrote to end on such a bleak note, but it did. I'm not up for sharing specific memories, but I truly hope this story is not over yet.
Great questions, and I really like the suggestion of beginning with an emotion.
Do others also get stuck when someone asks about the ‘most scared’, ‘favorite food’, best memory’ etc. I find that I trip over the superlatives. It’s easier when I drop those, and just focus on one memory yet is that cheating? 🤗
Hey Chris, Did you sell off or end the World Domination Summit, the annual conference in Portland? The website stops at 2022.
These prompts are beautiful and help us see our lives as the poetic tapestries that they are. I love this approach as it also helps us create our story through the experiences that are most meaningful as opposed to “the facts”. I’m writing a memoir using this approach and the experience is truly nourishing.