Chapters 2-5: Awakening the Infinite Self: Exploring Our Unlimited Potential

Chapter 2:  Exploring Our Unlimited Potential

An Electrician’s Guide To Our Galaxy—Living On Life’s Widest Frequency

Discover how to transcend sensory limitations, awaken your highest self, and access infinity through spiritual insight, healing, and conscious transformation.

Awakening the Infinite Self: Exploring Our Unlimited Potential

The idea that humanity possesses an innate connection to an infinite, higher self has long fascinated philosophers, spiritual seekers, and mystics across generations. From the Buddha mind in ancient Eastern traditions to the Christ consciousness of Western thought and even the cosmic consciousness described in modern spiritual circles, countless wisdom traditions echo a singular truth—a higher self exists within us, waiting to be awakened.

But what does this awakening truly entail? How can finite beings, whose senses operate within narrow physical constraints, perceive the infinite? If the essence of our existence is inherently boundless, what inner transformation must we undergo to access the vast potential beyond the confines of the flesh? These questions invite us to look deeper into the nature of our perceptions, limitations, and paths to transcend them.

At the heart of humanity’s search for its higher self lies an undeniable truth—our biological senses anchor us to a limited reality experience. Consider sight. The human eye can perceive only a narrow band of the electromagnetic spectrum, a sliver of visible light nestled between ultraviolet and infrared frequencies. Beyond this band exists a world we can neither see nor imagine, teeming with cosmic patterns and dimensions beyond our comprehension.

Hearing illustrates another profound limitation. Our ears pick up sound waves from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, leaving frequencies above and below wholly undetectable. Even the tactile sense of touch is limited to an arm’s reach, relying solely on physical contact to bridge the gap between ourselves and the external world.

When we compare this to the astonishingly expanded awareness available to some creatures—bees, for example, with their ability to see ultraviolet light or dolphins communicating through ultrasonic clicks—one truth becomes painfully clear. Our current sensory experience brings to us a mere fragment of the universe’s grand tapestry.

If our relationship with reality is dictated by such boundaries, how might we begin to grasp the infinite? To evolve beyond the tools our biology has provided, we must look inward toward subtler dimensions of perception.

To awaken is to pierce through the veil of ordinary awareness and catch glimpses of the limitless. The process is often described in spiritual and philosophical traditions as the expansion of consciousness, where an individual begins to perceive existence not only through physical senses but through higher faculties of intuition, insight, and universal connection.

Awakening isn’t a singular event but a gradual unfolding. The sages of the Upanishads describe it as removing “layer upon layer” of illusion, while modern thinkers like Eckhart Tolle refer to it as living in the “now,” fully conscious of the present moment. Each step dismantles the boundaries that our daily lives convince us are immutable.

Expanding consciousness challenges us to reinterpret our senses—not as defining boundaries but as gateways. Each sensation offers a starting point for penetrating deeper into the essence of things. Through meditation, breathwork, or contemplative stillness, the mind becomes a magnifying glass, enhancing clarity and exposing truths that lie beyond the observable.

How, then, can we “see” the infinite? What senses can guide us to connect with the unbounded nature of our being?

The answers, paradoxically, appear not in external exploration but internally. Many spiritual practices suggest that there exist inner senses beyond physical faculties, capable of perceiving universal truths. Intuition, or the ability to “know” without analytical reasoning, often emerges as a catalyst for this type of higher perception. It is said that intuition whispers the language of the soul, illuminating what logic alone cannot comprehend.

Similarly, inner knowing—a quiet yet profound understanding arising unbidden—suggests there are deeper levels of awareness within us. Call it spiritual insight or gnosis, this sixth sense connects us to realms of perception untouched by time or space. Mystics throughout the ages have described moments of communion where the finite self dissolves, leaving only a boundless recognition, an infinite oneness that envelops all.

These intangible inner “senses” speak of a reality far greater than the one we can physically apprehend. They open the door to envisioning infinity not as an abstract concept but as a lived experience.

The path to infinity is not without its demands. It requires healing—both physical and psychic—as well as a willingness to undergo profound inner transformation. The limitations we experience through our senses are often reinforced by emotional blockages, cultural conditioning, and deeply rooted fears. Stepping into our highest selves necessitates peeling away these layers to reveal our true essence.

Spiritual traditions and wellness philosophies provide myriad tools for this transformation:

• Meditation and Mindfulness help still the restless mind, allowing for heightened awareness beyond external stimuli.
• Energy Work, as seen in Reiki or qi gong, offers pathways to harmonize the human energy field, unlocking dormant potential.
• Shamanic Practices go further, using altered states of consciousness to bypass physical senses altogether, opening channels to spiritual dimensions.

Each process holds the potential to “mutate” or rewire the way we experience reality. It is said that through consistent practice, individuals begin to vibrate at higher frequencies, developing unprecedented levels of awareness that align them with cosmic intelligence.

Transformation, then, is far more than self-improvement—it is the gradual unlocking of infinite perception. The self heals, not to remain as it was but to become something greater.

The invitation to awaken to your highest self is one extended to us all. Regardless of which tradition or philosophy resonates with you, the message remains consistent—there is more to existence than meets the eye, ear, or hand. The infinite is within our grasp, provided we take the steps necessary to expand our awareness and shed the limitations of mind, body, and conditioning.

Begin by cultivating small moments of stillness. Nurture your connection to those inner senses—intuition, insight, and inner knowing—and explore practices that promote healing and transformation. Each subtle shift brings you closer to perceiving the infinite tapestry of being.

Ultimately, the awakening to infinity is a deeply personal and spiritual undertaking, one that unfolds uniquely for each seeker. Yet, as individuals awaken, they contribute to something much larger—a collective evolution of humanity’s consciousness. And perhaps, in doing so, we inch closer to realizing the infinite potential that has resided within us all along.

“One is never afraid of the unknown; one is afraid of the known coming to an end.”
― Krishnamurti

Our present-day national consciousness continues to be heavily influenced by the dark energy of propaganda and skewed knowledge, misinterpreted history, racism, white male supremacy, Christian Nationalist and fundamentalist-inspired ignorance, hatred ideologies, patriarchy, misogyny, and xenophobia. I was born and raised under these cultural conditions, and all Americans like myself have been strongly impacted by the divisive energy that is spawned from these lower energy levels and understanding.  I also come from the class of white male Americans who are now considered to be the most susceptible to anxiety, despair, loneliness, suicide, alcoholism and/or drug dependency, and depression, though the race and sex that I belong to and the country that I consider to be my home do not have the monopoly on all such spiritual diseases.

My main coping mechanisms for dealing with the darker sides of human consciousness are to practice spiritual healing principles, and write about and share with others who are also resonant with me on issues about spirituality and continued recovery from the effects of trauma and the human condition.   Our paths have taken all of us to unique and valuable viewpoints, so it is of prime importance that we find our voice and share knowledge with each other.  Through multitudes of all such energy exchanges, we benefit from all healing experiences, and contribute to the formation of a more self-aware, peaceful, and holistic collective consciousness in America. We join with the huge spiritually awakening element that has already risen out of ignorance, and who continue to capture the imagination and attention of many oppressed and repressed Americans.

It is important to understand the internal headlights that our minds use to search for knowledge, and truth. The headlights tend to encourage self-fulfilling predictions/prophecies, so for us to look at that which looks will bring amazing insights and enhance the potential for healing experiences.  What types of information really are, or aren’t important?  Which attitudes, insight, and knowledge leads to greater measures of wisdom, and, potentially, freedom from our inhibiting and restrictive knowns, especially in the situations where our knowledge appears to be in conflict with the truth?   As a long-term practitioner of mindfulness, mysticism, and personal inventory, as well as an unintentional expert in recovery, toxic masculinity, toxic religion, and toxic capitalism, I have a lot of insight into why the world spins the awkward way it now does.  All of my present writings revolve around my knowledge about those subjects.

Most of the male peer groups from my childhood and early adulthood were populated by individuals who were both coarse in interpretation and superficial in presentation of their lives, and they could have cared less about what I am now writing about or saying.   Many of my peers, and friends from those days have already died relatively young, or continue to practice unhealthy attitudes and dependencies into their later years, as a direct result of their unwillingness or inability to delve deeper into the painful traumas and issues, concerns, and mysteries of their lives.  Their own personal knowledge of the world can not actualize their healing potentials and bring a deeper sense of purpose and meaning to their lives.  There is the fear of the unknown, which inhibits the revelation of truth in one’s life.  By staying in familiar painful ruts, the view at least does not change too much.  And far too many people stuck in those ruts are not even aware that they are engaged in self-defeating attitudes and behaviors, or, if they are aware, have already given up hope that there is another life available for them.  Yet, staying in the familiar hell remains the unconscious choice that most suffering people make, all the way up to their deaths, imprisonment, or insanity..

The conscious being has infinite capacity to witness life and then create knowledge, where necessary, around those interactions.  It only takes one time getting bitten by a snake and suffering mightily under the influence of its poison to create and share the knowledge that it is vitally important to avoid physical contact with serpents while doing outdoor chores or walking in the desert.  The unconscious being also has the same infinite witnessing capacity, yet their choices for how they see themselves and their lives can be so self-limiting as to make them prisoners in their own homes.  In the snakebite situation, a more unconscious person would use the knowledge of the potential damage from a snakebite to create fear-based stories that would keep the person behind closed doors, avoiding the outdoors altogether, or even obtaining and carrying a loaded firearm, just in case they need to protect themselves.  On the other hand, the curious and conscious ones might just walk around the snake, and study it, and learn the lessons, without fear, that the snake has to offer..

Yet each category of awareness, be it conscious or unconscious, must arise from the same pool of potentiality, where the mystery of collective consciousness and the entrainment of all individual minds to that group mind, creates and maintains the appearance of whatever order and reality that each individual both anticipates and actually experiences.  However, even the relatively more conscious ones of the world will still be challenged to find what the real truth is behind each new situation that presents itself to awareness.

It has been said in certain contest guidelines:

“You must be present to win”.

This is also true as far as knowledge goes.  Being a witness to an actual event gives whatever story one creates and shares credibility, at least up to the point that the story teller can be trusted, and has been accurate and honest in the past.  If a personal memory is not available to convey a teaching or a message, listening to the stories of other first-hand witnesses can be beneficial.  A great example is that of the knowledge that fathers pass on to their sons around issues of family philosophy/religion, self-esteem, growing up into manhood and accepting personal responsibility, sexuality, learning to ride a bike or drive a car, and future community involvement. Our teenage years showed how poor of listeners we can become, as we search out our own inique lessons.  Parents, teachers, children, and students learn that the less experiential the teaching, the less the staying power of the message, so it is important to keep the listener engaged with all of their senses, if possible.

The printing press opened civilization up to much more advanced opportunities for education and information transfer and sharing.  The internet has opened humanity up to potential for the real time witnessing and sharing of other people’s adventures and learning experiences, almost without limits.  Watching a multi-media presentation will carry more potential meaning and  information to the higher intelligence centers of the brain than just a meme or soundbite, which arouses the more basic areas of the brain where fear, pleasure, and pain are most prone to rule.   There is never a shortage of information, but there is always a question about the accuracy of the information, and how it is to be presented.

Several decades ago, Saudi Oil Minister Sheikh Yamani gained recognition for his insight into global development:

“The Stone Age did not end for lack of stone, and the Oil Age will end long before the world runs out of oil.”

Today, we live in what many call the Information Age, and we are in absolutely no danger of running out of information, particularly in data form. There is a general perception that we are overwhelmed with data, making the ability to store, process, analyze, interpret, consume, and act upon that data a primary concern.  There are, potentially, infinite streams of information available, yet most information may have little or no use to our discerning, conscious minds..  There is so much more to reality than what just greets the eye, and appears on the screens of our cellphones and/or computer monitors, however.  Scientists, mathematicians, theologians, artists, philosophers, enlightened politicians, and Google algorithm writers, continue to struggle towards some unknown destination that our collective search for truth continues to guide us towards as a human race.  The exponential increase in available information does little to settle what the “truth” might be, let alone which direction that its search may best be started from.  The truth will only be found when the mind becomes quiet enough to study itself without any desire other than to see without the burden of the unhealed self.

Information can help us to know why we are ill and which illnesses we have, exactly. But wisdom is to know how to heal them.

—Dr. Alberto Villoldo

We need only watch the evening news, or read any newspaper or magazine, to recognize that we are no closer now to a consensus reality than we were before, even with the advent of the internet.  Religious and philosophical divisiveness, ego aggrandizement, wealth accumulation, and personal and corporate power are still being celebrated and supported as ideals to pursue by our cultural power brokers, and these principles lead to further propagation of lies, misstatements, half-truths, and illusions, as well as accelerating the destruction of our sacred planet.  All people who follow these ignoble paths have no true knowledge of their fundamental selves, nor would they possess this knowledge about the other people in their worlds, thus they have limited access to the truth, and their styles of communication reveal that ignorance.

Can truth and love be reduced to a series of binary decisions?  Where does our reliance on technology connect with a search for truth?  Search engines now serve you up what they think you are looking for. They know who you are, and more importantly, what your online consumer preferences are. They know how you are looking for things, as well as how you search for news, companies, products, etc. Plus, they know the zip code and the local geography where each user is located. Search engines are getting better and smarter at knowing YOU, as well as what’s new, and old, in your micro-locale every day. A quick type into Google, and you are being fed more information, and the foundation for  yet another illusion, with just another photograph of or written interpretation of a past that never was true.  Do you think for one moment that truth, or love, can be reduced to a string of “1’s” and “0’s” (machine code for programming of computer hardware) or ascii characters.

The result of “I Love You” in hexadecimal notation based on ASCII code is

49204C6F766520596F75.

In binary notation, it is a string of 80 0’s and 1’s, or

0100100100100100110101101111011101100110010100100000010110010110111101110101

These characters give you a real warm, fuzzy feeling, don’t they?

Many types of knowledge actually breed division and separation between human beings. It is easy to tell the difference between the ministers, politicians, teachers, teachings, and knowledge just by feeling within our own inner chambers of consciousness how their message impacts our hearts. Eventually the presenters of knowledge and the highest learned truths of the day will be ignored, if they are not able to break through the psychic/spiritual barrier between the mind and the heart, while still presenting, or preaching, to others their message. Did they just bring more information, which we tend to daily saturate our awareness with anyway (Google it!), or did they bring the intellect coupled with the heart awareness, where we can experience the promised fruits of deeper connections with all of creation, and, perhaps, experience an increased measure of peace of mind and thus bring more love into our world?

The control of information is something the elite always does, particularly in a despotic form of government. Information, knowledge, is power. If you can control information, you can control people.

—Tom Clancy

Understanding what we now consider to be sources for knowledge is all important, as well. With the idea of FAKE NEWS being so casually tossed about these days, it is important to keep in mind that fake news has always been with us. It can be traced all of the way back to the days when we first starting naming objects, and attaching emotional linkages to our observations. Everybody sees things somewhat differently, though similarities outweigh differences by super-substantial amounts. But the human mind tends to focus on the differences, and, thus, temporarily accentuate those divisions while examining the objects of its reality, reassembling the new information into its own unique information matrix known as our personalities.

To the more technically inclined, it takes more than cleaning cookies or turning off personalized searches in Google’s browser, Chrome, to get to the truth.  Keep in mind that most of the search algorithms are Capitalist Oriented Male Biased (COMB) computer coding exercises that sort and order the objects of reality based on that slanted mind-set.  The locations that a person visits and lives in reveal a great deal about them, especially if it is linked to a GPS position calculated by using one’s own phone position.  By shaping the menus and the choices that we pick from, and by observing the collective internet purchases and behaviors of our geographic peers, technology then attempts to hijack the way we perceive our choices and replaces them with new ones that the ad purchasing merchants may be promoting. But the closer we pay attention to the options we’re given, the more we’ll notice when they don’t actually align with our true needs. Their surreptitious collection and use in ad targeting can pave way to ads that are harmful, target people when they are vulnerable, or enable harassment and discrimination.  The issue of privacy can become particularly acute when there’s the presumption or wish for confidentiality – say, during a therapist visit or at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

I see COMB-overs as having run their course, with the  need to be balanced with a more feminine, humane perspective.  If we all want that biased mindset, then we will continue to trust and rely upon Google, and most other search engines, for the ordering of our reality. It should be more than a little concerning to know that many of the same values that our former President Trump touts as his own are built right into these algorithmic formulas.

     In an era where information is at our fingertips yet wisdom appears out of reach for the majority, the quest for truth has never been more pertinent. The concept of collective consciousness, together with the illusory nature of reality, prompts us to peer beyond the veil of widespread beliefs and societal norms to uncover what is genuine and authentic.  Collective consciousness refers to the shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society. But what happens when these shared beliefs are a product of misinformation or mass hypnosis? The wise ones explore the intricate layers between perception and reality, resulting in a roadmap for spiritual seekers, conscious living enthusiasts, and truth seekers to navigate the complex web of common knowledge and propaganda.

     The term Maya, often interpreted as illusion or ignorance, challenges us to consider the extent to which our perception of reality is skewed by subjective experiences and societal conditioning. As spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle states,

“The world can only change from within.”

     If so, what hope is there to have for religions practicing idolatry and low self-awareness, and cultures drinking from the polluted troughs of fear, political extremism, and rampant materialism? As individuals we are required to recognize the filters that color our view of the world, and to see beyond them to face the truth, no matter how difficult it might be to accept.  History reveals that mass hypnosis has swayed societies through emotionally charged propaganda and influential rhetoric. Reflecting on World War II propaganda, post 911 American anti-Muslim hysteria, and the present day cult of Donald Trump by members of what once was the Republican Party, we witness the power of narratives in mobilizing nations and shaping perspectives, often leading to unquestioned collective beliefs and highly questionable or insane actions.

Marianne Williamson advocates for the power of love and independent thought to dissolve falsehoods.

“Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learned here,”

She encourages scrutiny of the mainstream narratives that drive our collective fears and actions.

In seeking truth, knowledge is our ally. Its power lies in its capacity to catalyze personal growth and shape reality by enlightening our minds and fostering informed decisions. This pursuit often leads to breakthroughs both personally and within the wider collective.

Deepak Chopra wisely counsels us to look within as much as we look outside:

“In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.”

To discern truth amidst the noise, we must embrace skepticism towards mainstream channels and venture into a judicious exploration of diverse viewpoints, while remaining acutely aware of our own biases, and even our woundedness 

     Maintaining an open mind and consciously seeking truth are not merely intellectual exercises; they are transformative practices. As we sharpen our critical thinking and learn to discriminate between fact and fiction, we contribute not only to our own awareness but also to the collective consciousness. In the unfaltering search for truth, let us be guided by a blend of healing ontentions, spiritual insight and intellectual rigor to foster a world where the collective consciousness evolves through authenticity, informed awareness, and enlightened action.

      French sociologist Émile Durkheim coined the term Collective Consciousness over a century ago, but the idea remains highly relevant. It hypothesizes that there exists a form of consciousness that emerges from the collaboration and coherence of individual consciousnesses.The feeling of being part of something greater than ourselves—often reported during group activities, whether in music concerts, worship, protests, or conferences—is not just spiritual by nature but also grounded in the tangible reality of our minds working in unison.

     Collective consciousness is an age-old concept that has percolated through the fabric of numerous civilizations, each offering a nuanced vista on this intricate human experience. In today’s dynamic world, the whispers of ancient wisdom resonate with profound importance, inviting an intimate dance with modern thought. The path of the modern consciously aware person involves integration of time-honored knowledge with contemporary insights, crafting a harmonious symphony that echoes through our collective being.

     The ancient Hindus envisaged the universe as a woven tapestry of consciousness, where the individual ‘Atman’ mirrors the universal ‘Brahman.’ This spiritual realization serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of all life, a reminder that our individual actions ripple through the cosmic pond. Integrating these notions into our present milieu, we find a compelling argument for empathy and unity in our diversely globalized society, particularly as we pivot towards more ecologically sensitive lifestyles.

     Greek sages, like Plato, contemplated an ideal whereby individuals share in the wealth of wisdom and strive toward the common good. This pursuit of eudaimonia or human flourishing, when applied presently, encourages us to foster societies rich in philosophy and science while caring for the well-being of every member. Their pursuit of truth and virtue remains relevant, nudging us towards a world that esteems rational discourse and ethical reflection.

     Early Christianity brought forward a potent directive: “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” This cornerstone of faith, prevalent in the teachings of Christ, advocates for a radical form of empathy and unity that transcends simple tolerance. In the current age, where divisiveness often seems rife, such a principle could revolutionize our approach to community and cooperation, chiseling paths towards peaceful coexistence. The prophet behind much of Christian thinking has much to say about collective consciousness.  Have you ever felt an undeniable surge of energy in a crowd, or found strength in the shared silence of a group meditation? I This sensation, often unexplainable, resonates deeply with a particular teaching from Jesus Christ: 

“If two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:19-20).

     The underlying implications of this message can be profound, especially when we consider the psychological concept of collective consciousness. This powerful assurance from Jesus has been widely embraced in religious and spiritual gatherings as evidence of the divine presence during collective practices. But what if this statement holds another layer of truth, linked closely to our innate psychological frameworks?  Drawing parallels between Jesus’ message and collective consciousness isn’t sacrilege; it’s an exploration of the common ground between spirituality and psychology. Recognizing a psychological element does not negate the spiritual; it might instead provide a bridge between faith and understanding, where science and spirituality can co-exist without contradiction.  His words subtly acknowledge the potency of collective intention—something that both empowers prayer and amplifies personal meditation within communal practices. This synergy of group dynamics can have transformative power and enhance individual spiritual experiences through the reinforcing energy of others.

     Native American cultures instilled a sacrosanct bond between humankind and the natural world. They understood the Earth as a living entity, a repository of shared consciousness deserving respect and care. As our modern world stands at the brink of environmental crisis, this indigenous wisdom calls for a rekindling of that bond; it champions sustainable living that honors our collective home and heritage.

     Turning to contemporary luminaries like Thich Nhat Hanh, we’re tendered insights that blend the ancient with the new. Mindfulness, as promulgated by Hanh, echoes ancestral meditative practices while embracing modern therapeutic approaches, forging a tool for psychological and spiritual wholeness. He has introduced the concept and practice of interbeing, where our responsibility to and experience of our self extends to all others.  By weaving this with the empirical strides made in psychology, we uncover robust approaches to collective well-being.

     As threads of a sprawling web, where each filament impacts the whole, so too are we—indelibly part of a greater collective. Neither antiquated nor obsolete, the ancient ideologies on collective consciousness are stepping stones to a more profound understanding of our social selves. When aligned with modern insights, they expand our moral and empathetic horizons, guiding us to build a more connected and compassionate world. This synthesis of epochs is not about choosing between past and present but about creating a dialogue that honors and learns from both. In this enduring conversation, may we find the wisdom to co-create a tomorrow that is conscious of its ancestry and wise in its progression.

     Examples of this phenomenon are plentiful: from the collective mourning in the wake of the 1986 Challenger explosion, national celebration of our Olympics sports heroes, to the local unity experienced during large meditation retreats. Each event is a theater of collective human emotion and intent that seems to transcend individual participation.  I’ll never forget the resonance of a shared silence I experienced in a group meditation session led by renowned thinkers like Barbara Marx Hubbard, Mary Boggs, and Jack Boland at the 1987 International New Thought Alliance conference. There was a tangible sense of support, a buoyancy provided by the shared intention that seemed to carry each one of us into a deeper state of joy of sharing the group energy.  I have been in group meditations with Eckart Tolle, Robert Beatty, Eilern Bowden, and Deepak Chopra where I had the experience of no longer being a solitary meditator but part of a consolidated force amplifying peace and tranquility that propelled us towards enlightenment.  Though I no longer attend church, I have been in gatherings where every person seemed to share one heartbeat, one breath. The collective worship was a profound echo of unity and spiritual resurgence. It kindled my faith and reminded me and many others of the strength gathered from communion. These experiences of shared praise are beacons of light that reflect the human yearning for connection and the divine.

     I recall several  rock concerts, including with Jason Mraz, the Moody Blues, Rod Stewart and the Faces, Savoy Brown, Fleetwood Mac, and Michael Franti that weren’t just about the music; they were a communion of souls. Everyone around me, though strangers, became family. We were connected by the pulse of the music, bonded by the shared excitement and passion. In a sea of disparate lives, the concert created a unified entity, an escape where for those few hours, we lived in a heightened emotional state together, uplifted by the collective ecstasy.  In one concert I left my body of awareness, becoming one with the incredible group energy.

     Whether it’s the shared rush of appreciation among concertgoers or the solemn resolve of a community working towards a common goal, there is a palpable intensity. These moments lend credibility to the idea that our collective intention can converge, crafting an atmosphere where transformation is not just an individual but a shared journey.   I find myself persuaded that there is indeed power in numbers in every collective endeavor driven by a unified purpose. As we harness this collective consciousness—whether in church pews, meditation halls, sporting events, concerts, mass protests, or digital forums—our endeavors may be imbued with a significance that transcends the sum of our individual efforts. And perhaps, in these moments of unity, we find our shared humanity and testaments to our interconnectedness.

     We’ve all felt it at some point in our lives – the electric charge that pierces the atmosphere when a group of people unites with a common purpose. Whether in silence during a meditation session or amidst the roaring waves of sound at a rock concert, there is something undeniably potent about collective energy. It is this very energy that can catalyze some of the most profound transformative experiences.  We are guaranteed to experience life on a much wider frequency of being through participation in healthy, life affirming group experiences.

Overcoming Societal Conditioning

     Society speaks in a language of achievement and propriety, which often becomes an ironclad script dictating life’s path. To unlearn such prescriptive narratives is to free oneself from invisible chains. This process is not just rebellious; it’s revolutionary—in the sense that it takes us full circle to who we were before the world told us who to be.  In the hustle of adulthood, encumbered by the weight of obligations and the drone of routine, we often misplace the treasure of childlike wonder. Yet it is in the rediscovery of this precious attribute that we find the keys to personal growth and, ultimately, to a life more richly lived.

In a world preoccupied with complexity, power, and skepticism, the profound words of Jesus of Nazareth from 2000 years ago resonate with a bewildering simplicity:

“Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

     This is our invitation to see what it means to possess childlike qualities within our spiritual journey.  In the purity of a child’s innocent perception lies an implicit trust in the goodness of life and the people around them. To emulate this innocence is to cultivate a heart that is open to the possibility of God’s (Grandfather Great Spirit, Love, Higher Power, etc) unconditional love without the skepticism that too often colors adult experience. Few qualities are as emblematic of children as their simplicity in pleasures and their unaffected humility. Their world is uncomplicated by ego or pretense. Children possess an innate curiosity and a willingness to learn and to be guided. They approach new understandings with awe and wonderment.  And children know how to play.

     We can mirror this simplicity and humility, while stripping away the layers of pride that obstruct our spiritual growth.   Can we look beyond adult complexities and, frequently, our cynical minds filled with knowledge and certainties to rediscover the core principles that often come so naturally to children?  We are beckoned to approach a wider frequency of being with the same enthusiasm, sense of humor, joy,  and receptiveness to newness as children.  As we unfold the layers of our spiritual selves, let us remember the childlike spirit within us all. It is this very spirit that has the potential to see the world from the perspective of marvel and possibility and to unlock the door to a higher possibility..

The Power of Laughter and Comedy

     Laughter stitched the edges of a fraying day together.  Comedy paints the silver lining on a clouded horizon. Humor is more than an escape; it’s a lifesaver in a sea of seriousness. It has the ability to uplift our spirits, to reframe struggles into manageable narratives, and to heal wounds through guffaw and giggle. Laughter isn’t just medicine for the moment; its benefits ripple through our mental and physical state long after the echo fades.  Children often laugh and smile 40 times a day or more, wheras the typical adult laughs only one-fifth of that amount.   Children know the truth, and that truth keeps them free.

C.S. Lewis beautifully comments,

“The childlike man is not a man whose development has been arrested; on the contrary, he is a man who has given himself permission to continue to develop.”

Like Lewis, Gandhi emphasized the power of simplicity and truth in forming a society embodying these childlike virtues.

     In 1987 I had a series of spiritual experiences that restored me to a lost innocence and brought with it a new openness to life.  There became a simplicity in my beliefs, and a trust in our Universe that became unfettered by doubt.  One spiritual experience was introduced into me by a vision of the Divine Creative Mother holding a baby, which flooded my 32 year old mind for several days.   It was through this experience that I realized that spiritual adulthood requires retaining the radiant heart of a divinely inspired child, while also carrying the nurturing and life giving energy of the divine Mother..  That vision and its teaching continues to guide and provide for me after 37 years.

Outdoor Activities and Adventure

     Stand before the open sky, on the brink of a skydiving adventure, and there you are—on the precipice of pure wonder. It was there, hurtling through the air, that I rediscovered an irrepressible joy, a freedom untethered from the burdens of ground-bound life. There’s also indescribable vitality in propelling oneself through the streets on a bicycle, the same vigor found in the rhythmic motions of running, dancing, tail chi, aikido, or hiking wilderness trails that weave us into the great unknown. Each activity is a call to our spirit of adventure that pulses within, often ignored, but never extinguished.  Those who remember that they only get one life, and the only time to live it is now, finally find their exalted second life, a life immersed in the thrill of letting go of the controls that kept them tethered to a joyless and limited past

Connecting with Nature

     Hikes in old-growth forests, along coastal moutain ranges or in the deserts brings us into alignment with the energy of Nature and Mother Earth.  Conversing with ocean waves and confiding in the coastal breeze during walks along the shore becomes nothing short of therapeutic. It is in these moments of communion with nature that we find clarity whispering amongst the ripples and serenity in the air, be it dry, humid, or salty.  Nature is the pristine mirror that reflects our truest selves back at us—unfiltered, profound, and peaceful.  If you reach the beach don’t forget to take off the shoes and go wading in the surf!  If you have a dog, you are already prepared to get a little wet.

Embracing Curiosity and Playfulness

     Why should curiosity be the privilege of the young when its benefits are timeless? Nurturing a constant state of exploration and learning fuels us, driving innovation and personal evolution. And it’s there, in the laughter and frivolity of play, that we shake the dust off our imagination and dance in the creativity it brings.

     Embrace vulnerability. Dance in the rain of uncertainty. Laugh loudly enough to scatter thoughts of fear and depression. There’s an undisputed potency in inviting childlike wonder back into our lives. It reconfigures the canvas of our existence, splashing it with vibrant colors previously washed out by the mundane. It is a challenge I put forth to you: rediscover that unbound joy, for in that rejuvenation, you will grow. Not just in breadth but in depth, in the ability to see life, not for its limits, but for the limitless.  We are created to live life on the widest frequencies of being.

Spiritual Seeing–Embracing a Higher Spiritual Vision

     In a world that often seems to emphasize the material over the ethereal, it’s easy to forget that we are spiritual beings on a human journey. Our daily existence is punctuated by consumerism, social divides, and the cult of personality that often overshadow the more profound truths we should be attuned to. Each individual, regardless of race, creed, or circumstance, has the potential to tap into a deeper spiritual reality—one that transcends the superficial constructs of our culture. Every day we must remind ourselves of and connect with the unseen, yet deeply felt dimensions of existence that bind us to a greater universal force.

     The lens through which we view the world is heavily influenced by our cultural backdrop. The societal norms, traditions, and belief systems we grow up with shape our perceptions and, in doing so, can often obscure our connection to a higher spiritual reality. The very act of categorizing spirituality as separate from our cultural worldview is a testament to the degree to which these systems influence us. Yet, the human soul yearns for something beyond the temporal; it seeks a more profound connection that speaks to the heart of our shared experience.  Rather than viewing cultural norms as antagonistic to spirituality, we consider a more inclusive perspective. By incorporating elements of our culture into a higher spiritual vision, we can create a narrative that honors both worlds. Our rituals, art, and even our conversations can become points of access to the spiritual if we approach them with open hearts and minds.

     The belief that we are part of an intelligent and loving universe is foundational to any spiritual vision. It’s a belief that is often challenged by the harshness of the world, the news we consume, and the conflicts that arise. However, in the backdrop of this chaos, there is an unyielding truth that our essence is rooted in something divine. Accepting the dichotomy of human and spiritual is a balancing act. We must be in this world, but not wholly of it. Engaging with society is crucial, yet we should do so with a sense of detachment, knowing that our ultimate identity is in the universe’s loving design.  This dualistic view of the human experience can be useful, if It allows us to engage with the world in a meaningful way while we keep an eye on the spiritual undertones that thread through our lives.

     Escaping the clutches of cultural mindsets that shy away from spirituality is no small task. It requires a deliberate effort to break free from the molds that have been cast for us, to adopt a more expansive vision of our place in the grand scheme of things.  One approach to transcending cultural mindsets is through the practice of mindfulness and meditation. These tools can help us center our thoughts and feelings, allowing the voice of the soul to be heard above the din of everyday life. Critical self-reflection is also instrumental, as it demands we question the values we hold and the motivations that drive us. By consciously rejecting the elements of culture that dull our spiritual senses, we can begin to redefine our relationship with the divine.

     Societal norms serve a purpose, but they should not dictate the entirety of our existence. We are called to grow amidst these norms, to be in the world and live by its rules while constantly reaching for the spiritual planes that lie just beyond our grasp.  The message is clear—our spiritual vision deserves to be just as if not more robust than the cultural lenses we wear. By remembering our true essence as part of an intelligent, loving universe, we can live more intentionally, love more deeply, and make a more significant contribution to the world. The spiritual call is one of purpose and meaning, grounded in the beauty of creation and the inevitability of transcendence.

     This isn’t a call to abandon our culture; it’s a call to enrich it with the spiritual insights that add depth to our collective human experience. It’s an invitation to each one of us to embrace a higher spiritual vision, to remember who we truly are, and act with the knowledge that our souls are vast and connected to a cosmos brimming with love, wisdom, and purpose.

Spiritual Seeing and Discernment: Beyond Literal Interpretation

     Spirituality is a realm that has long eluded the grasp of human language. As individuals, our exploration of divine truths is often mediated through religious texts — the sacred scriptures that have not only served as guides for living but also as repositories of human wisdom. A debate as ancient as these texts themselves revolves around their validity and historical accuracy, and their literal and spiritual interpretation. My experience has shown me that spiritual insight transcends the confines of literal readings and dogmatic adherence, and that through spiritual seeing and discernment the true profundity and revelatory power of religious texts is revealed.

     The conventional approach to religious texts has often been a literal one, especially in doctrinal study and religious discourse. This approach roots faith in historical events and the veracity of accounts as written, leading to a complex network of dogma and ritual. However, such rigidity often masks the fluid and living nature of spiritual truths, allowing for misinterpretation or the loss of contextual relevance.

     When I look at religious dogma, I am reminded that these sacred texts were not originally penned in a vacuum. They were products of their times, intricately woven with cultural and historical contexts that informed their creation, and they were never devoid of poetic license.. Literal interpretation, while serving as a robust foundation for faith traditions, runs the risk of oversimplification and reductionism, obscuring the layers of meaning that exist within these texts. By contrast, spiritual interpretation acknowledges the layers of allegory, metaphor, and nuance, which often carry messages that are universally timeless and deeply resonant with the human condition.

The Essence of Spiritual Seeing

     Spiritual seeing into sacred texts transcends factual verification or inquiries into historicity. It is the pursuit of meaning untethered to the constraints of time and context, guided by a quest for the divine within the narrative. For me, spiritual seeing involves a sustained effort to understand the underlying principles and cosmic truths that a text may speak to, rather than viewing it through the narrow lens of a particular era, cultural practice, or present-day interpretations by those who consider themselves fundamentalists and part of the religious orthodoxy.

     My personal encounters with religious texts have been marked by epiphanies that a simple retelling of historical facts could never evoke. I first heard a famous Christian author reinterpret several lines of Old Testament scripture, and was impressed by the added meaning his view offered.  In a modern new-age Christian church, Bruce Robertson spiritually reinterpretted the entire bible, giving a whole new, more inclusive perspective of what the Jewish and pre-Jewish writers were attempting to teach others. The story of the Good Samaritan in the Christian New Testament takes on profound implications when interpreted as a teaching on universal compassion rather than merely as a parable of ethical conduct. Such insights were not gleaned through academic rigor alone; they required a leap of faith into the allegorical dimensions of the text, which opened up a world of spiritual awareness.

     Adopting a spiritual interpretation of religious dogma presents both challenges and benefits. The primary challenge lies in the intellectual and emotional labor required to seek the metaphorical meanings that might lay buried beneath the surface. This approach demands an openness and a willingness to grapple with the uncertainties that come with navigating non-literal terrain. However, when one persists, the rewards are boundless.

     Spiritual discernment enables a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things and the ever-present opportunity for personal and collective growth. It facilitates a dialogue with the divine that is dynamic and evolving, rooted in principles rather than prescriptive directives. Each insight gained through spiritual interpretation becomes a lens through which life is seen with greater clarity, compassion, and purpose. To read with the heart open and the mind alert, willing to trace the contours of spiritual truths that embody resilience and wisdom.  In the end, spiritual discernment is not a radical departure from the literal understanding of religious texts but a complement to it — a necessary path toward a richer, more soulful engagement with the divine.

Spiritual Seeing, Intuition, Insight, and Intelligence

     As we consider our journey and those moments of intuitive knowing, we can explore our experience of spiritual seeing. No matter where finding ourself on the spectrum of belief, we can reflect, even if just as a thought experiment, on the richness that might unfold from perceiving beyond the physical to the immense landscape that underlies our reality.  We all have the capacity to be inspired by the great energy behind and beyond our senses, and to be mystics and spiritual savants, should we choose to follow that unseen light.  Is there not something deeply human about yearning for connection with the enigmatic and seeking unity within the wonders of existence?  As we open our eyes, the eyes of our heart and soul, and we might discover worlds uncharted and treasures unseen within the grand mystery we call life.

To be a spiritual seer is to develop unflinching insight into the self, to nurture one’s intuition, and to hone an inner awareness that listens to the subtle frequencies of life. It calls for an attunement to that which is not always tangible or visible yet informs us through whispers in our psyche. Engaging with this spiritual dimension can enlighten our experience of the world, offering insights that pierce through the veils of a mundane, socialized existence.  We can see every encounter and every event as laden with symbolism and rich with hidden threads seamlessly woven into the tapestry of our life. Such a perspective enhances our appreciation for the beauty and diversity surrounding us, fostering a deep understanding of interconnectedness and the feeling of an intimate relationship with the cosmos.

Artist’s Conception Of Life Energy Field

Each of us is both a receiver, and transmitter, of information. We often believe that the information that we are exchanging with our world is facilitated solely through our words, and our body language, yet there is another level of transmission that remains poorly understood, ignored, or even denied..We all have access to infinite Spirit, with its extra sensory perception, yet we risk ridicule from many sources, including those scientifically inclined, or religiously indoctrinated, should we ever experience its mystery and claim it for ourselves.

Each of us has a life energy field, which has not yet been detected by science, but certainly has been detected by the sensitive beings within the shamanic tradition, as well as within the healers and mystics of the human race over the entirety of human existence. This life energy field, or in Rupert Sheldrake’s terms, the morphic field, is the field that we not only radiate, but that we are immersed in from the collective, interacting fields of nearly eight billion other human beings now living, as well as all humans and precedent life that has ever lived.

     The scientific mind often points towards empirical evidence and rational thought first and foremost, leading many to only trust what can be quantified or verified. However, this dimension of existence that defies the confines of the observable world beckons—the realm of spiritual seeing. In navigating both the seen and unseen aspects of our reality, the world opens up in remarkable ways when we perceive beyond the surface.  We were created to appreciate this vision, with its capacity to see on much wider frequencies of being,

     We can inhabit a world replete with depth and symbolism. While spiritual insights are innately personal, they frequently echo universal experiences and hold an enduring appeal that crosses cultural and temporal boundaries.  Ours is a courageous journey that embraces the mysteries surrounding our existence, enriching life with a profound sense of wonder and purpose, and evoking the kind of intuitive knowing that touches the very soul. Striking a balance between these insights and rational practicality enriches our capacity to navigate the world meaningfully. Moreover, the rising interest in mindfulness and holistic practices signals a societal shift towards recognizing and valuing spiritual dimensions, with its expanding and awakening consciousness.

     Consider for a moment a work of art. At first glance, we see colors, forms, and lines—a literal representation of reality depicted on canvas. And, consider the same for a poem.  It  appears as a sealed packet of words, perhaps rhythmic in nature, or free flowing prose.. Consider Mother Nature, and all of her flora and fauna. From the outside of a forest, we only see the trees, but once we hike into it, a whole new world of color, shape, diversity of form, and life explodes unto the screen of our senses.  Finally, consider that mentally ill person that you run across on one of your daily walks.  In the past you might have considered walking across the street to avoid that person to avoid their bizarre appearance and behavior.  If you were to overcome your desire to turn away from their apparent suffering, you may realize that within that person lies latent, and obscurred through their woundedness, all of the potential for life and live you are now experiencing.  Yet, for art, for poetry, for Nature, and for our fellow human beings,  as we delve deeper, a story unfolds, emotions rise, and truths, which no words could fully encapsulate, resonate with our very being. This is the essence of seeing truly—recognizing beneath the physical exteriors to the myriad of messages, and frequencies of existence waiting to be uncovered.

     As we consider our journey and those moments of intuitive knowing, we can explore our experience of spiritual seeing. No matter where finding ourself on the spectrum of belief, we can reflect, even if just as a thought experiment, on the richness that might unfold from perceiving beyond the physical to the immense landscape that underlies our reality.  We all have the capacity to be inspired by the great energy behind and beyond our senses, and to be mystics and spiritual savants, should we choose to follow that unseen light.  Is there not something deeply human about yearning for connection with the enigmatic and seeking unity within the wonders of existence?  As we open our eyes, the eyes of our heart and soul, and we might discover worlds uncharted and treasures unseen within the grand mystery we call our life.