It is on my list to write a #bookworm blog on The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer. I learned of this book on another podcast where Tony Robbins interviewed the author. This book is in my top ten to read. But this is the #podcastjunkie blog.
I am a huge believer in your mindset determining your present and future outlook. If you constantly dwell in a negative mindset, your brain automatically looks for those things which are negative and overlooks the positive energy which also surrounds you. Summarizing what Napolean Hill says in Think and Grow Rich, your mind targets that which you think about. One of Earl Nightingale’s most famous quotes is, “You become what you think about.”
I recently listened to the podcast on the School of Greatness, hosted by Lewis Howes. This is one of my go-to podcasts for learning. He interviews some of the most amazing guests and draws information from them, which is relevant to all. On Episode 830: Cultivate Inner Peace and End Suffering, Lewis introduces us to Preethaji, co-founder of O&O Academy in India. She takes us on a journey very similar to the one Singer describes in his book.
It is no wonder Preethaji points to the Aspen trees when giving an analogy for human connectedness. When you look at a cluster of Aspens, you could potentially see one hundred different trees. However, this entire cluster is considered to be ONE living organism; connected by a single, extensive root system.
When you look at the human race, one might see billions of individuals. However, it is Preethaji’s belief we are all connected by a Universal Intelligence, an energy. Whatever you call this connectedness, be it God, the Universal Intelligence, the Infinite Intelligence, etc., most agree it is there.
Preethaji believes so deeply in connectedness, she started a school, the O&O Academy, to teach people how to tap into the joy of being connected. She defines two states of mind: the beautiful state and the suffering state. Her goal is everyone dwells in the beautiful state where we are connected and communicating with each other through our energy.
Living in the beautiful state opens us up to meet the right people and go to the right events to help us achieve our goals. Although I am not perfect at living in the present (also part of a beautiful state), I have tried harder over the last couple of years to be more aware of this state. As a result, I feel I have met many people who have helped catapult my growth and career. I have met my mentors who continue to guide me in my journey and connectors who continue to introduce me to the people I need at this moment.
In order to achieve a beautiful state, Preethaji again uses an analogy. This one is about the cobra. When we are living in a suffering state (a state of disconnectedness), we are engrossed with only ourselves. We open ourselves up to chaos as we are telling the universe we are open to problems. Remember, the mind targets what you think about. We are uncomfortable in this state but it is easy to stay here. In order to move to a beautiful state, we must transform our minds.
Back to the cobra. When the cobra outgrows its skin, it will begin to feel very uncomfortable and its vision will become blurry. The cobra will seek solitude in order to shed the tight skin and emerge shiny and sleek with vision restored. This process of shedding can take as long as two weeks, but the transformation is necessary for the cobra to continue growing.
It is the same for us. Although we do not have to put ourselves in solitude for two weeks, it is important we dedicate time to transforming our minds. There are many ways to do this, but Preethaji advocates meditation as a means to clearing your mind and beginning anew. Praying, reading, and journaling are also effective in transforming your thoughts.
She gave many powerful insights during this discussion and I would like to share a few which were impactful to me:
- “Hold a vision for your internal life.”
- “…something is brewing in your consciousness which causes your behavior.”
- “Do not allow weeds to grow in your mind.”
- “We believe we are separate, but we are connected.”
Preethaji and her husband, Krishnaji recently wrote a book guiding one to live a life in a beautiful state. You can find “The Four Sacred Secrets” here. In summary, the four secrets are as follows:
- Spiritual Vision
- Inner Truth
- Accessing the Universal Intelligence
- Spiritual Right Action (blueprint for behavior)
To learn more about how to implement the four secrets, be sure to listen to the podcast and pick up a copy of the book.
Happy Podcasting!
