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Mar 16
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Yes you’re right, it is the essence of it. I didn’t know this book but you’re the second person to recommend it so I shall be seeking it out!

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“I still get upset, still compare and judge. But this all happens less frequently now and when it does, I’m able to manage it all more effectively and get over it faster. Progress!”

It sounds like you and I are on very similar paths, Amanda. I’m going to look for this film, thank you!

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I think we are, definitely, from reading your posts. It's a great film! I watched it on Gaia.

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I use my upsets as pointers to where I need to soften and open

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Yes they are a great sign of things we need to address in ourselves.

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I’ve always been in the sceptical camp regarding anything spiritual or religious but, in a world that seems to move forward as fast as it is, I think we’re forgetting what it is to be human. That’s my interpretation of spirituality - remembering who and what we are and propagating meaningful connections to people, places and things. I’m now becoming increasingly wary of scientific advancement and the rate at which these connections are being lost.

My most visual, tangible example is the way things are so heavily simplified. Phone boxes, trains, bollards, state-owned buildings, logos - used to be works of art and are now stripped of every aesthetic in favour of affordability and convenience. Even in this, I sense a rising spirituality, a craving for something deeper, something with a story to tell or an insight into an exceptional mind. A bit left-field I know but that’s my view on things.

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I believe we need both. Although a lot of mainstream science has become very rigid in its thinking, there are a lot of people on the fringes doing amazing work. I watched a really interesting documentary a while back that discussed how a lot of the issues we’re facing as a species are because our power structures are dominated by left brain thinking. There’s no room for mystery and wonder and awe on the left.

And, for me, spirituality has nothing at all to do with religion. It’s all about the things you said.

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I agree, we need a balancing act. And I think I’m listening too much to what I’m being told about scientific advancement and could go looking for more of what we don’t hear about.

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Yes, never listen to what the mainstream is telling you is my motto! I stopped years ago and life is much better for it. These guys are doing really interesting research into the heart. https://www.heartmath.org

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Oh wonderful suggestion, thank you. I’ll take a look!

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Good read. Thanks. I like how you introduced a film you liked and expounded on it. Sounds like we share a spiritual life.

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Thanks for reading and commenting, Catherine. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

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I like your mindful approach. I've been on such a journey for the last 55 years. Big on Beginner's Mind. This year I finally read The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer and found it quite helpful in some of the things I'm working on.. Bless you for jumping off the cliff, Amanda. You are doing a good thing.

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Thank you for reading and commenting, Marlene. It’s good to hear from someone who has been on the journey for much longer than me. It does feel like a good path I’ve taken. Thanks also for the book recommendation, I love the title and will check it out.

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I took Asian history and culture (so Taoism, etc) as a minor and was lucky that Alan Watts was around when I was at Berkeley in the late 60s. But I love the concept of mindful writing so in this area, you are forging a new path as far as I can tell. . I'd heard of Singer in the mid and late 70s but had never had the chance to read him. He comes from a Yoga tradition whereas I've studied martial arts and zen meditation a lot. Anyways, as far as I can see, you are on point and I wish you well.. I've never taken a writing class but I'm considered it. So keep doing what you are doing. You do it well. Cheers.

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Thank you, Marlene. I really appreciate your kind words. I’m biased as a I’m a real wordy person but, yes, do a writing class! 🙏💙

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It’s a great film. Their new series Divine Science is fascinating as well

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Ooh I’ve been meaning to watch that one.

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Love this, Amanda. It’s wild - all this. Just wild.

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It really is!

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I love this so so much! I apologize if you’ve already recommended these elsewhere as I’ve just found you. I love David Hawkins’ work — Power vs Force and Letting Go are both interesting. I finally read Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now which is of course a timeless classic :) Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss was one of the first books I read on my journey that felt like it transformed the way I thought, so also love that one. There are just so many great ones out there! 🥰

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Ah yes, Eckhart Tolle is great. Thanks for the other recommendations too - I’ve not heard of any of those.

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Thanks for this great film recommendation and for sharing this understanding. I am becoming more and more drawn towards these spiritual messages. Grateful for your insights.

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Thanks Stephanie. I'm glad it was helpful.

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Such a great discussion here Amanda with some wonderful recommendations. I feel like every comment I leave for you goes something like, “yes! my experience is so similar!” And that’s absolutely the truth here as well. I hadn’t heard of the movie and will look it up. So wonderful to have as a companion on this path (whatever it is and wherever we’re going😆😊).

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Ha I feel like that’s what I keep saying on your posts too! I’m glad to be travelling with you too - destination unknown! 💙

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Ha! Yes, I for one, need to keep hearing it over and over. It’s encouraging and a reminder that I am not alone. 🤗

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I love how more great teachers are saying evolution, growth or awakening is not a place we have to ‘get to.’ We’re already here… if only my Monkeys of Fear 🙊🙉🙈 would trust and remember that! My Heart and Soul know what’s up… 🙏🏽 Thanks for the recommendation

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Yep, them pesky monkeys! Do you know of @satyarobyn's work on here? She teaches us to befriend our monkeys and understand why they are saying and doing what they do. https://satyarobyn.substack.com

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Yes 🙌🏽 @Satya Robin and I are singing the same song. It’s a love song 🥰 about befriending our inner parts. (She’s a therapist/Buddhist and I’m a multipassionate artist who was raised by a therapist/minister and a Zen Buddhist 😂)

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