BookBabble #65: "The Untethered Soul" by Michael A. Singer

"The journey beyond yourself"

It's been a while since I read this book and can't remember what led me to it first time round, but there it is in my Kindle with some parts highlighted. I can say it's a fascinating read and a spiritual guide delving into the nature of the self and how people can achieve inner peace and freedom.

Well, that's a good start!

The book is divided into five parts, each addressing different aspects of consciousness and personal growth, delving into energy and dare I say reaching some sort of 'enlightenment'.

Let's jump into those key areas and concepts as well as any cool quotes…

Summary of the 5 Sections

1. Awakening Consciousness

This part introduces the concept of self-awareness. Singer explains that our inner dialogue, the constant stream of thoughts, is not our true self. Instead, we are the observers of these thoughts. By recognising this distinction, we can begin to untether ourselves from the mental chatter and experience a deeper sense of consciousness.

2. Experiencing Energy

Next we get into the flow of energy within us, particularly that of the heart. The author suggests that by staying open and allowing energy to flow freely through us, we can experience a more vibrant and fulfilling life. This involves letting go of past experiences and emotions that block our energy.

3. Freeing Yourself

Let go and be free! By clinging to past experiences (whether positive or negative) we create unnecessary suffering. By practicing non-attachment and accepting each moment as it is, we can free ourselves from the limitations we impose on our minds.

Check out the BookBabble on Letting Go which ties in with this idea. Buddhists and Stoics would have something to say on this score too.

Source

4. Going Beyond

Next we're encouraged to move beyond our comfort zones and habitual thought patterns. It's about surrendering to life's flow and trusting the process (as difficult and sometimes counterintuitive as that may be).

By doing so, we can transcend our limitations and fears, leading to a more expansive life and feeling liberated.

5. Living Life

And finally we get to how to integrate the lessons from the book into daily life. Singer advises maintaining a focus on the present moment, practicing mindfulness, and staying connected to the deeper self. He also discusses the concept of death as a motivator for living a fully engaged and authentic life.

Top 10 Takes: some great quotes from the book, followed by my thoughts…

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.

It's about controlling the controllable. We may have influence over many things but some things are simply nothing to do with us and we need to accept it, and do something about what we can control (if needed/desired).

Energy doesn’t get old, it doesn’t get tired, and it doesn’t need food. What it needs is openness and receptivity.

Energy in this sense doesn't come from food or rest. This is something deeper that we draw on. We can be full of beans without those 2 things but also be very tired when we do everything 'right'. Why? Because sometimes you're energised and inspired beyond that…

The only thing you have to know is that opening allows energy in, and closing blocks it out.

Fear or love, going with the flow or giving resistance. If you open up and allow everything to flow then you will receive that natural spiritual energy, but by closing down you shut it all out. You need to take the rough with the smooth but open up to all the experiences.

Source

The alternative is to enjoy life instead of clinging to it or pushing it away. If you can live like that, each moment will change you.

You're not holding onto it, or either clinging to things or avoiding them. More about staying in the moment and enjoying what is.

You don’t have to decide who’s right or wrong. You don’t have to worry about other people’s issues.

Perhaps there isn't a right or wrong per se, but how we view things. Maybe take a step back and just allow it all to be. And other people and their thoughts and actions have nothing to do with you.

The prerequisite to true freedom is to decide that you do not want to suffer anymore. You must decide that you want to enjoy your life and that there is no reason for stress, inner pain, or fear.

It's that bold and clear decision to just be that type of person despite all that may happen out there. You will be who you are regardless. Not being deluded or not facing circumstances, but embracing them and not being shaken from your true self.

Success means you never have to think about your psyche again.

A different view on 'success' – just not overthinking about thinking.

You can get out simply by letting everyday life take down the walls you hold around yourself. You simply don’t participate in supporting, maintaining, and defending your fortress.

This is about being open and not closing again. This is about escaping that self-imposed prison, a fortress you thought would keep the bad guys out but is keeping you in, as well as the good guys out.

there are two ways you can live: you can devote your life to staying in your comfort zone, or you can work on your freedom.

It's all very cozy in your comfort zone, but working on all that dwells outside is super important to transcending all the small stuff.

You must reach the point where your whole interest lies in the balance and not in any personal preference for how things should be.

You may well have personal preferences but we need to not be too caught up in them, and actually seek some sort of equilibrium for true peace.

Video review from Philosophize Now on YouTube

Thanks Michael! Anything Else?

A really interesting book, and I might go back for another look soon. We're given practical advice here on how to break free from the confines of the mind, live more fully in the present, and achieve a deeper sense of peace and freedom. A worthy ideal and pursuit!

Let's wrap up the key themes…

Self-Identity: The book challenges the traditional notions of self by distinguishing between the true self (the observer) and the ego (the thinker).
Letting Go: Letting go of attachments, fears, and past experiences is crucial for achieving inner peace and freedom.
Mindfulness: Living in the present moment and maintaining awareness of one's inner state are key practices for spiritual growth.
Surrender: Trusting the flow of life and surrendering to it without resistance is essential for transcending limitations.

As mentioned, check out Letting Go as well as The Daily Stoic which combined may help you towards where you're looking to go.

Have you read it, and what did you think?

First image my own, other images and video linked to source