Category: Self-Discovery

Posted on

Embarking on a Psychedelic Journey to Heal Trauma

Introduction: My Psychedelic Journey To Heal Trauma with Magic Mushrooms

Three months ago, I embarked on a psychedelic journey to heal trauma. It was the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life.

The journey healed me in many ways. I gained countless insights and released traumatic energy from my body.

Although numerous misconceptions exist about psychedelics, for many people they are remarkably healing when used appropriately.

But before I tell you more about my psychedelic journey to heal trauma, I want to be clear that my intention is not to promote the use of illegal substances.

Psychedelics aren’t suitable for everyone, especially those under the age of 25 or anyone with a history or direct relative with a history of psychosis. Plus, I’m not a medical expert.

I’m just someone with a history of trauma who went on a sacred journey with some magic mushrooms, sharing my experience with those who are interested.

Continue reading “Embarking on a Psychedelic Journey to Heal Trauma”
Posted on

Self-Realization and Freedom from Suffering

Introduction: Self-Realization and Advaita Vedānta

Just as raindrops fall into a stream, we flow into our sādhanā (spiritual practice) based on our unique temperaments. While our spiritual practice may change throughout our lives, these various streams lead to the same ocean of eternal freedom and self-realization.

At the heart of my sādhanā are the teachings of Advaita Vedānta and the practice of self-inquiry (ātma-vichār). The Indian sage, Sri Ramana Maharshi recommended self-inquiry for self-realization.

Over time, self-inquiry becomes less of a practice and more of your natural abode. When suffering arises, the inquiry occurs spontaneously, dissolving egoic patterns and revealing your inherent peace and timeless freedom.

Continue reading “Self-Realization and Freedom from Suffering”
Posted on

Choosing Peace in a World of Darkness

Introduction: Choosing Peace in a World of Darkness

When you look out into the world and see poverty, greed, hatred, and violence, you may feel a fire burning in you. Moreover, choosing peace may seem impossible.

On one hand, you may be ready to start a revolution and on the other hand, your sādhanā (spiritual practice) appears to oppose this force. Yet, the fire burning in you is a divine one.

So, don’t let hopelessness or anger take over. Use it, and let it drive you deep within so you can remove all the barriers in the way of your freedom.

Continue reading “Choosing Peace in a World of Darkness”
Posted on

Beyond the Questioner: Self-Inquiry and 3 Common Questions

Introduction

When you are on the path to self-discovery it is common for questions to arise in the mind. Nonetheless, the method of self-inquiry takes you beyond all questions and the questioner, to bring you into full recognition of your True Self.

For some, this can be very mentally draining, or even frustrating, because the questions compel your attention. So, moving beyond the questions can seem challenging and confusing.

Yet, whatever questions arise, they’re all washed away in the recognition of the Self.

For this reason, maintaining your sādhanā (spiritual practice) and remaining on the path to self-discovery, especially in times of doubt and uncertainty, is the remedy for stripping away the ego (false self).

For it is only in the realm of māyā (illusion) that these questions arise.

Continue reading “Beyond the Questioner: Self-Inquiry and 3 Common Questions”
Posted on

The Astonishing Beauty of Your Authentic Self

Introduction

When you don’t honor your authentic self, you suffer deeply both internally and externally. In fact, not knowing your True Self leads to self-doubt, insecurity, depression, anxiety, seeking approval, and needing validation.

Yet, when you know the beauty of who you really are, you move fearlessly through life with grace and quiet confidence.

Continue reading “The Astonishing Beauty of Your Authentic Self”
Posted on

Discover The Bliss Beyond Bliss

Introduction: How to Let Go and Stop Striving in Meditation

Whatever state you experience, good or bad, you move beyond it when you allow it to be. This is the bliss beyond bliss and it is available to each of us, in every moment. In fact, it does not require you to be in a particular state at all. Rather, it is content with all states.

To further explain, years ago, I experienced the most intense bliss during meditation which left an impression on me. I was completely absorbed in my heart, and it is difficult to describe in words. In fact, when it happened I wanted to hold onto the feeling, but after a couple of hours, it passed.

Continue reading “Discover The Bliss Beyond Bliss”
Posted on

Uncover the Hidden Mysteries of your Core Beliefs

What are Core Beliefs and How do They Affect You

Becoming conscious of your core beliefs is the first step towards radical change.

When people want to change, typically they work towards improving their behaviors and habits. On a more fundamental level, however, change can more effectively occur from a shift in our consciousness.

For instance, core beliefs are one’s central perceptions and assumptions about the world, other people, and one’s self. In other words, they are thoughts that we have identified with and view reality through.

As a result, they influence our behaviors, personalities, and emotional well-being, whether we are conscious of them or not.

Continue reading “Uncover the Hidden Mysteries of your Core Beliefs”
Posted on

The Dark Night of the Soul

What Is The Dark Night Of The Soul And How To Transition Through It

Throughout time, many ancient scriptures and sages have said that the secret of life is to: “die before you die,” for it is in death that we let go of everything.

Often we forget that every form is impermanent, yet, we cannot escape this reality. Deep wisdom can be found in this recognition. Everything in this life is temporary, and birth and death arise together. In truth, the dark night of the soul comes to wake us up to the light of our eternal being.

Continue reading “The Dark Night of the Soul”
Posted on

An Introduction to Self-Inquiry

An Introduction to Self-Inquiry: A Potent Method for Self-Realization

What is Self-Inquiry and How to Practice It

Who am I? (Nan Yar?)

PART ONE:

My Experience

Many people who have experienced “The Dark Night of the Soul” or have been meditating for a long time, are eventually drawn to self-inquiry. Often, questions like “who am I?” begin to arise.

I first stumbled upon self-inquiry (Atma Vichara) through a documentary about a sage from India, Sri Ramana Maharshi, who offered this practice to spiritual aspirants as a means for spiritual liberation. Self-inquiry removes the obstacles and illusions that stand in the way of self-realization.

In the beginning, I could not grasp the heart of this meditative practice but eventually returned to it. Now I understand that self-inquiry is one of the highest teachings for self-realization.

Knowing who you really are is freedom.

Continue reading “An Introduction to Self-Inquiry”