The Untethered Soul at Work

1. Awareness is the key to understanding your true self

You are the one who sees. From back in here somewhere, I look out, and I am aware of the events, thoughts, and emotions that pass before me.

Witness consciousness. At the core of your being lies pure awareness, distinct from thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences. This awareness is the constant observer, the true self that remains unchanged amidst the ever-changing landscape of your inner and outer world. By cultivating this witness consciousness, you can begin to detach from the incessant mental chatter and emotional turbulence that often dominate your experience.

Practical application. To develop this awareness:

• Practice meditation to strengthen your ability to observe thoughts without attachment
• Throughout the day, pause and ask yourself, "Who is aware of this experience?"
• Notice the distinction between the observer (you) and the observed (thoughts, emotions, sensations)
• Cultivate the habit of watching your mind without judgment or interference

2. Let go of mental chatter and embrace the present moment

The truth is that most of life will unfold in accordance with forces far outside your control, regardless of what your mind says about it.

Mental noise vs. reality. The constant stream of thoughts in your mind often creates unnecessary suffering and distorts your perception of reality. This mental chatter, largely focused on past regrets or future anxieties, prevents you from fully experiencing and appreciating the present moment.

To quiet the mind and live more fully in the present:

• Practice mindfulness techniques to anchor yourself in the now
• Recognize that thoughts are just mental events, not absolute truths
• Cultivate acceptance of what is, rather than resisting or trying to control reality
• Engage fully in your current activities, bringing your complete attention to each task
• Regularly remind yourself to "be here now" and return to the present when you notice your mind wandering

3. Transcend the limitations of your psyche

Your current relationship with your psyche is like an addiction. It is constantly making demands of you, and you have devoted your life to serving these demands.

Breaking free from psychological constraints. Your psyche, shaped by past experiences and conditioning, often acts as a prison, limiting your potential and creating unnecessary suffering. By recognizing these limitations and working to transcend them, you can experience greater freedom and fulfillment.

Steps to transcend psychological limitations:

• Identify recurring patterns of thought and behavior that hold you back
• Question the validity of your beliefs and assumptions
• Practice self-inquiry to uncover the root causes of your fears and insecurities
• Embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery
• Cultivate a willingness to let go of old identities and ways of being
• Regularly challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone

4. Embrace change and release resistance

If you want to be free, you have to learn to stop fighting these human feelings.

Accepting impermanence. Life is constantly changing, yet we often resist this fundamental truth, causing ourselves unnecessary suffering. By learning to embrace change and release our resistance to it, we can find greater peace and adaptability in the face of life's challenges.

To cultivate acceptance and reduce resistance:

• Practice mindfulness to become aware of your reactions to change
• Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and learning
• Develop flexibility in your expectations and plans
• Cultivate gratitude for the present moment, regardless of circumstances
• Practice letting go of attachments to specific outcomes
• Remind yourself that all experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant, are temporary

5. Cultivate unconditional happiness as a spiritual practice

Do you want to be happy, or do you not want to be happy? It's really that simple.

Choosing happiness. Unconditional happiness is a powerful spiritual practice that can transform your life. By making a conscious choice to be happy regardless of external circumstances, you free yourself from the tyranny of conditions and open yourself to a deeper, more stable sense of well-being.

Strategies for cultivating unconditional happiness:

• Make a firm commitment to choose happiness in all situations
• Practice gratitude daily, focusing on the positive aspects of your life
• Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and learning
• Let go of the need to control outcomes and accept what is
• Cultivate compassion for yourself and others
• Regularly engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment
• Remind yourself that your happiness is a choice, not a result of circumstances

6. Use death as a teacher to live life fully

Death is not a morbid thought. Death is the greatest teacher in all of life.

Embracing mortality. Contemplating death can be a powerful tool for living a more meaningful and purposeful life. By acknowledging the inevitability of death, we can gain perspective on what truly matters and live with greater intentionality and appreciation for each moment.

Ways to use death as a teacher:

• Regularly reflect on your own mortality to clarify your priorities
• Ask yourself, "If I had only a week to live, how would I spend it?"
• Practice living each day as if it were your last, bringing full presence and appreciation to your experiences
• Use the awareness of death to let go of petty grievances and focus on what's truly important
• Cultivate gratitude for the gift of life and the experiences you've been given
• Make conscious choices about how you spend your time and energy, knowing that your time is limited

7. Find balance through the middle way

Somewhere in between, you passed over the Tao.

Seeking equilibrium. The middle way, or Tao, represents the balance between extremes in all aspects of life. By finding this equilibrium, we can live more harmoniously and avoid the pitfalls of excessive behavior or thinking.

Practical applications of the middle way:

• In relationships, balance closeness with independence
• In work, find equilibrium between effort and rest
• In consumption, practice moderation in eating, spending, and material possessions
• In emotions, cultivate equanimity between excessive excitement and apathy
• In spirituality, balance disciplined practice with spontaneity and joy
• In decision-making, consider multiple perspectives before choosing a course of action
• In self-improvement, balance self-acceptance with the desire for growth

Last updated: November 7, 2024