![]() It takes a whole book to explain this concept in a way that starts to feel real and applicable but it is a comfortable read. (…) The minute you stop putting your whole heart and soul into the mind as if it were your saviour and protector, you will find yourself behind the mind watching it.” You, the one inside watching the neurotic mind, just relax. The strength of the book lies in the gentle introduction of these questions and the raising of awareness that life might be different if we choose. We also seek to avoid pain in many ways that includes blaming others for things that we cannot confront in ourselves, or trying to control the world so that it fits with our own mental models and experiences. ![]() So we hide behind finances, relationships with people, fame and adoration. It seeks external changes which don’t address the root of the problem which is that we don’t feel whole and complete within ourselves. The mind is constantly telling us what to do or not do, where to go an act of constantly worrying that is a form of suffering. Step by step, Singer introduces the concept of consciousness and how, by watching our mind, we notice that it is constantly engaged in the process of trying to make everything safe. ![]() Ever since he said those things to me, I can’t even sleep. You may even tell someone, ‘My mind is driving me crazy. For example: “Thoughts can stop and they can also get extremely noisy. The skill of the book is how it guides the reader through these questions using everyday experiences. Or in other words, what is this ‘inner monologue’ or ‘voice inside our head?’, why do we have it and, more importantly, why do we let it dominate our thoughts, feelings and actions? Is it us? Can we stand aside and observe it? What might the benefits be of that observation? Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950), a great teacher in the yogic tradition, is quoted as teaching that in order to attain inner freedom one must continuously and sincerely ask the question ‘Who am I?’ and that this is more important than learning mantras or going to holy places. From the introductory section Singer quotes Shakespeare, Freud and various Eastern and Western texts. People go through so many changes in the name of “trying to find myself.” They want to discover which of these voices, which of these aspects of their personality, is who they really are. If you don’t understand this, you will try to figure out which of the many things the voice says is really you. “There is nothing more important to true growth than realising that you are not the voice of the mind - you are the one who hears it. For a book this helpful and practical for everyday life, it needs a re-brand. ![]() I do wish MIchael Singer would reconsider the title and the image on the cover though. If you’re looking for a good book this January that will provide inspiration beyond the usual barrage of inspirational (or irritating) quotes on social media, try this. Book review of ‘The Untethered Soul’ by Michael A. ![]()
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