What is Ascension, Awakening and Enlightenment?

What is Ascension, Awakening and Enlightenment?

What is the difference between ascension, awakening, and enlightenment?  There definitely is some squishiness to many concepts in spirituality or new-age philosophy. By their very nature, we are trying to describe the ineffable. But I think appreciating their distinctive characteristics goes a long way in assisting us in knowing what tools, resources, and practices can deepen where we are in our spiritual journey.  As with all things that are explored across many disciplines and with different points of origin, interpretations vary. But here is a good guide to understanding these often misused terms.

What is Ascension?

Ascension refers to the process of transcending to a higher level of consciousness or existence. Ascension is both an individual and collective journey towards a higher state of being. And is thought of more as an energetic/spiritual process rather than a physical one. This shift is characterized by moving from a world based on ego identity, separation, and Us vs Them mentality to one of love, unity, and interconnection. From this higher state of being, we have heightened perception and greater intuitive capacities. Gaining access to spiritual gifts that were not previously available due to the density of the 3-D world.

What is Awakening?

Awakening can be thought of as what is happening as we move from the 3-D to 5-D world. If ascension is the larger process, awakening is the unfolding realization and recognition of the nature of reality that happens within that process. Bringing with it profound insights and shifts in perception, leading to increased mindfulness, spiritual growth, and a deeper connection to oneself and the world. These realizations can happen suddenly or over a long period of time with steep stages and plateaus. It can be triggered by unexplainable events, a life transition, or a peak experience, but it starts with a deeper appreciation that we are part of something bigger than just ourselves. 

New to Awakening: 3 Books Everyone Should Read

What is Enlightenment?

Enlightenment is often considered the ultimate result of awakening in spiritual traditions. It is an absolute state of being that once you have achieved it, there is no other way of being. The idea of what the ultimate result is can vary from tradition to tradition. For Buddhists and Hindus, it involves liberation from the cycle of rebirth. In Taoism, enlightenment is seen as a return to the inherent harmony of the Tao (the Way), the natural order of the universe. Some others believe that it is simply non-duality. It is safe to say that there have been very few enlightened people in humanity’s history. Because enlightenment transcends the limitations of ego and conditioned patterns of thinking and involves living with the knowing of our oneness (non-duality), it is not easy to achieve.

Practices and Rituals

Because these concepts are interrelated, all of these practices lend themselves to the awakening path.

Common Practices:

  • Meditation and journeys
  • Breathwork
  • Plant-based medicine
  • Honing intuitive skills
  • Practicing compassion
  • Fasting
  • Light body activations/meditations
  • Using frameworks/exercises that challenge biases/constructs
  • Drumming, shaking, dancing
  • Chanting, singing
  • Adornment
  • Journaling

In conclusion, ascension refers to a process, and awakening are the realizations one has during this process. Enlightenment is the ultimate result or state that can be achieved through this journey. While it is amazing to have personal breakthroughs and ‘AHa’ moments, these are truly important. We must also remember that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. And on some level – WE ARE ONE. Give thanks for all discoveries you have and know that as you awaken so does the cosmos. 

Where do you fit in? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 

 

To go deeper on this topic – Read Understanding Ascension, Awakening, and Enlightenment on Substack.

Moon Spirit: Working With Moon Energy

Moon Spirit: Working With Moon Energy

Working with moon energy can be a powerful tool to create change in our lives and deepen our relationship with the cosmos. As our closest celestial companion, the moon is not only responsible for the tides of the ocean, without which life would look very different. But also has an impact, although subtle, on human behavior. People across all continents, over many eras, have contemplated our relationship with this celestial consciousness.  Many spiritual practices acknowledge the moon as a powerful force capable of guiding individuals on their spiritual journey. So by honoring the moon and being in relationship with it we deepened our understanding of the interconnectedness of all things and activate one more piece of our true human potential.  The Moon & The Divine Feminine

Each culture has its own view and relationship with the moon. So what I present here is a blend of many perspectives. Use them as an example or guide, but don’t discount your intuitive power. Especially since the moon represents the mystery and divine feminine energy. Associated with goddesses such as Artemis, Luna, and Selene, the moon embodies qualities of nurturing, intuition, and healing. When people talk about going with the flow. There is no greater example of flowing within the cycles as the waxing and waning of the moon. This ebb and flow of life and the rise and fall of energy permeates our natural world. In order to move with the cycles, we first need to understand them. 

Moon Phases

Phases of the moonThe image above illustrates the phases of the moon. The lunar month lasts approximately 29.5 days.

Spiritual Significance of Moon Phases

Each phase of the moon has its own unique meaning, symbolic significance and energy that can be harnessed to create rituals and ceremonies. It is important to note that the specific interpretations of the moon phases may vary depending on cultural or individual beliefs. Not all practices need to start with the new moon, though there is a natural progression, especially if someone is looking to change or let go of something significant. Understanding the energy of each phase of the moon can assist us in understanding how we can utilize its power. 

Here are some common spiritual associations with each phase of the moon:

  • New Moon Energy: This phase is all about setting intentions and planting seeds. Is there something new you are looking to create or a habit to let go of? This is the moment. This phase is all about renewal, new beginnings, and potential energy. Make sure you express your intention in multiple ways. Write it down, say it out loud, and tell a friend. You can also place a totem or other representation of your intention on your altar.
  • Waxing Moon Energy – These phases are all about building energy and persevering. Take action on your goals and desires. It is a time of expansion, growth, and outward momentum. Stay focused and stick with your priorities. Do you need to make a course correction? Fine-tune your goals and actions as needed. 
  • Full Moon Energy: The full moon is a powerful symbol of completion and illumination. It is about celebration and gratitude. It is time to release anything that doesn’t serve you. The moon’s energy is most powerful at this time. So emotions, intuitions, and desires can be right on the surface.  Be mindful, sometimes things can get a little wonky during this time. 
  • Waning Energy – The waning moon is about release and forgiveness. Reflection and introspection are key during this time. Are you ready to let go of an old story? Do you have beliefs about yourself and the world that no longer serve? Time to let it go. Maybe it is time to retreat and recharge. Think about past experiences – what insights did you learn? What worked? What would you do differently? Refine your values and clarify your motivations based on your reflections.

Ways to Work With Moon Phases

Now that you understand the energy and symbolic representations. What are some ways that we can incorporate moon phases into your spiritual life:

  • Track the moon phases: Start by becoming mindful of what phase of the moon you are in. You can add this to your calendar as a reminder. Then be mindful of how you feel, how you sleep, and your energy shifts. Can any correlations be made? The moon’s energy may be subtle at first, but the more you tune in, the more heightened your perceptions become. 
  • Flowing With The Energy: For example, during the waning phase,  take more time for meditation and/or journal about where you are and if it feels aligned. Make the full moon celebratory and have friends over for dinner and dancing. 
  • Set intentions: If you are looking to make a big shift, prepare yourself to begin at the new moon phase. Do some prep work so you have a well-developed intention when the new moon begins. 
  • Create Sacred Space: Honor the moon on your altar or window sill. Use crystals, cards, or whatever symbolic representation that holds meaning for you.
  • Perform rituals: Following the descriptions above, create a ritual that utilizes the unique energy of each phase. For example, during a full moon, perform a fire ceremony. Write down everything you want to release and give it to the universe by throwing it in the fire.  Or maybe an offering ceremony that gives thanks for the many blessing you’ve received. Here is a great resource for creating moon rituals. 
  • Moon Gazing: Spend time in nature and gaze at the moon. The ancient technique of simply observing the moon allows its gentle glow to illuminate hidden truths and soothe the mind and soul.
  • Shadow Work: What is ready to be illuminated? Dive deep into the Divine Feminine and look at what is in your shadow. There are so many interesting frameworks and ways to work with the shadow. Here are a few to get you started.

Spirituality 101: What is Shadow Work or this Substack Post Diving Deep Into the Shadow.

The moon’s spiritual significance reaches far beyond its physical existence. From ancient rituals to modern practices, this celestial body has guided and inspired humanity for millennia. By following moon phases, you can deepen your spiritual journey, connect with the cycles of nature, and understand the connectedness of all of life. As we gaze upon its magical presence in the night sky, may we remember the profound wisdom and transformative energy the moon offers us all.

Spiritual Awakening: Exploring the Infinite Depths Within

Spiritual Awakening: Exploring the Infinite Depths Within

Amidst the chaos of the modern world, many individuals are seeking solace and a greater sense of meaning in life. Leading them to embark upon an awakening journey. Spiritual awakening is an enlightening process that transcends religious boundaries and explores the limitless depths of consciousness. But what does this really mean and what does an awakening journey look like in our day-to-day experience? This article intends to shed light on the essence and significance of spiritual awakening, guiding readers through its profound impacts, signs, and steps to navigate one’s awakening.

What is a Spiritual Awakening?

Spiritual awakening can be thought of as an awakening of consciousness, marked by a deep realization of our interconnectedness with all beings and the universe. It often occurs as a result of a profound shift in perspective usually brought on by a significant life transition (though not always). While the experience differs for each individual, there are common threads that many will experience as they engage with this continual process. It usually requires an abrupt or gradual shedding of beliefs, identity, and worldviews. Followed by a massive thirst for new knowledge and perspectives.

Signs of Spiritual Awakening

For some, this journey will unfold subtly, and for others, it will be abrupt and destructive. But there are distinct signs and experiences regardless of the onboarding speed. These signs may include a heightened sense of connection, increased perception, and sensitivity to the environment. A deeper sense of compassion and the ability and desire to see the world from another’s perspective. There is an increased awareness of one’s thoughts and emotions and a stronger desire for introspection. Other signs can manifest as synchronicities, unexplainable occurrences,  increased intuition, or wanting to consciously co-create one’s life. Additionally, individuals undergoing spiritual awakening may experience a profound shift in values and priorities, as they detach from ego-driven outcomes in pursuit of meaning, peace, and purpose.

Read The True Nature of Synchronicity

The Impact of Awakening

Because spiritual awakening invites us to dive into our inner world, we uncover layers of conditioning, destructive beliefs, and limiting perspectives that hold us back from living meaningful lives. This allows us to move through life with more compassion, forgiveness, and tolerance toward ourselves and others. Often fostering harmonious relationships and improved communication. As awareness expands we are capable of a greater appreciation for nature, the beauty of existence, and the impermanence of life. We also experience Oneness or the interconnectedness of all things more frequently and often see our life through this wider lens. These perspectives are necessary for a deeper level of purpose and meaning. 

Navigating the Spiritual Path

This path at times can be exciting, and awe-inspiring. But it can also be painful as old patterns, people and behaviors begin to fall out of our lives.  Cultivating mindfulness through practices such as meditation, yoga, or journaling helps create the necessary space for introspection and self-awareness. As well as helps to hone our concentrative abilities. Additionally, engaging with spiritual teachings, and books, or attending retreats can provide guidance and inspiration along the way. Finding a supportive community can help as sometimes this path can make you feel a little crazy and it is good to have the support of like-minded people who can keep you grounded. And help you process the life changes you will go through as part of this journey. Maintaining a mindset of curiosity, openness, and surrender is vital, as spiritual awakening often defies logic and requires embracing the unknown.

New to Awakening? Three Books Everyone Should Read

Spiritual awakening is an invitation to embark upon a profound and transformative journey, unlocking the infinite depths within us. By embracing this path, we connect with our true essence, discover the interconnectedness of all existence, and find solace and purpose in an ever-changing world. Through signs, experiences, and the profound impacts it brings, spiritual awakening provides an opportunity for deep healing, personal growth, and heightened consciousness. By embarking upon this journey with curiosity, openness, and mindfulness, we forge a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and the universe. Unveiling the boundless wonders that reside within.

What Style of Meditation is Right For You?

What Style of Meditation is Right For You?

Finding the right style of meditation for your needs is important. While meditation may be simple, the practice of meditation is difficult. This is mostly because in our phone-addicted and over-stimulating world, the act of concentration and/or quieting the mind is getting harder and harder to achieve. I’ve been a student of meditation for over 28 years and have been teaching meditation for about 15 years. So, to say that I am a huge fan would not be overstating it.  While there are many physical benefits of meditation, I think the most important outcomes come from the spiritual side of the practice. Finding the type of meditation that will achieve your desired outcomes will help you be consistent so you can reap the benefits of this life-changing practice. 

Styles of Meditation

Before we talk about the benefits, let’s talk about some of the different types or styles of meditation. Each technique and style has its unique focus and approach. Most styles fall into one of two categories. Either it is directive, meaning that you are focusing on a single point, idea or mantra, etc.. Or non-directive, meaning the individual opens up their awareness and just allows things to move in and out of their field of consciousness.  It is important to understand your goals, and what you hope to get out of your meditation practice so you can choose a style that meets your needs.  Try a few and find the one that most resonates with you.

Here are some of the different types of meditation:

  1. Mindfulness Meditation: This style involves paying non-judgmental attention to the present moment, and observing thoughts, sensations, and emotions without getting attached to them.
  2. Loving-Kindness Meditation: Also known as Metta meditation, it involves generating feelings of love, compassion, and goodwill towards oneself and others. It typically involves repeating positive affirmations or phrases.
  3. Transcendental Meditation (TM): This technique involves the use of a mantra, a word or sound repeated silently, to focus the mind and achieve a state of deep relaxation and awareness.
  4. Vipassana Meditation: Vipassana means “insight” or “clear-seeing.” It involves developing a deep awareness of the body, sensations, thoughts, and emotions. This technique aims to cultivate insight and wisdom.
  5. Zen Meditation: Zen, originating from Zen Buddhism, focuses on seated meditation (zazen) and emphasizes direct experience and self-discovery. It often involves observing the breath or engaging in contemplation.
  6. Guided Meditation: In this style, a meditation teacher or an audio recording guides the practitioner through a meditation session, providing instructions, visualizations, or prompts to enhance relaxation and focus.
  7. Kundalini Meditation: Kundalini is a form of yoga-based meditation that incorporates breathwork, chanting, repetitive movements, and visualization to awaken and channel the energy within the body.
  8. Walking Meditation: As the name suggests, this style involves meditating while walking. It emphasizes paying attention to the movement of the body, the sensations in the feet, and the surrounding environment.
  9. Body Scan Meditation: This technique involves systematically focusing attention on different parts of the body, usually starting from the toes and moving upward, to develop body awareness and release tension.

Check out this Loving Kindness Meditation

 

Spiritual Benefits of Meditation

There are so many mental and physical benefits to meditation like stress reduction, increased concentration, and decreased reactivity to situations. But for me, the spiritual benefits are why I have been a student for so long. Meditation is an integral part of my intuitive readings and has provided me with the level of concentration and awareness needed to glean insight into my energy work too.

While the specific experiences and benefits can vary from person to person, here are some of the more common spiritual benefits of meditation:

    • Enhanced self-awareness: Through regular meditation practice, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behavior. This self-awareness can lead to personal growth, self-discovery, and a greater sense of authenticity.

    • Inner peace and calm: Meditation cultivates a state of inner stillness and calmness, allowing individuals to experience a sense of peace and tranquility. It helps to quiet the mind, reduce mental chatter, and find a refuge from the stresses and demands of everyday life.

    • Connection with the present moment: Meditation encourages individuals to focus on the present moment, to fully experience and appreciate the here and now. This can lead to a deeper sense of presence, mindfulness, and an increased ability to fully engage in life’s experiences. It is in the present moment that insights and intuitions arise.

    • Spiritual growth and insight: Meditation can facilitate spiritual growth by providing a space for introspection, contemplation, and the exploration of deeper existential questions. It can lead to insights, intuitions, and realizations about the nature of reality, the self, and one’s place in the world.

    • Expanded consciousness: Through meditation, individuals may have transcendent or mystical experiences that expand their consciousness beyond ordinary perceptions. These experiences can provide a profound sense of interconnectedness, unity, and a glimpse into higher states of consciousness.

    • Cultivation of compassion and kindness: Many forms of meditation, such as loving-kindness meditation, focus on developing qualities of compassion, kindness, and empathy towards oneself and others. This can foster a deeper sense of connection with others and a more compassionate approach to life.

    • Spiritual discipline and discipline of the mind: Regular meditation practice requires discipline and commitment. It can help individuals develop a stronger sense of willpower, focus, and mental discipline, which can be applied not only in meditation but also in other aspects of life and spiritual practices.

So think about what you would like to achieve with your meditation practice. Then choose a style that is best suited to your needs. Then practice, practice, practice. Some days it will be easier than others, but with all of these benefits, it is a worthy pursuit that has the potential to bring deeper awareness and balance to all aspects of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies.

Check out my library of free guided meditations

Time as Space

Time as Space

Being idle can do crazy things to a person. I don’t think humans are meant to be inactive for too long. We have a certain level of potential energy that’s begging to be transformed. Being in Japan and not working, I was expecting to be alone when we took this gig, but what was unexpected was a deeper understanding of time and my relationship to it. Most days here, I can fill with anything or with nothing, but idleness has shown me it isn’t time that moves, or expands and contracts, it is us.

We talk about time as passing, flying, or being spent. Time can permit; it can be killed or saved or freed. We have many idioms that we use, but common in most, is that it moves or flows, and we are inevitably swept up in its movement. When we talk about having free time, we are really talking about moments that aren’t bound by our expectation or obligation. So, I’m starting to think of time more as a container or a womb of empty space that is waiting to be filled than something that passes.

Time that is unbound is a tricky thing. And more often than not, it is never really unbound. Even when we are idle, it is being burdened by expectation, broken thoughts, and emotions that we bind with our identity. We focus on future concerns or past indiscretions. We say yes to things when we want to say no. We spend our time doing the dishes when we really want to be playing with our kids. We make small things into big things and ignore the big things in pursuit of the mundane.

For me initially, there was a certain paralysis that set in with an ample amount of unbound time. The same way that you get the worst service in a restaurant on a slow day. There is a sort of inertia that needs overcoming as you wait in anticipation for something to start. After all, if time flows, something is bound to be swept up in its current and make its way to you. Once you are moving though, it is easy to keep moving, but if there is no external push, that inertia can be insurmountable. Especially if you are waiting for it to happen to you instead of you leaving your imprint on it.

“Life gives you plenty of time to do whatever you want to do if you stay in the present moment”.
~ Deepak Chopra

In my old understanding, there were days that I lived ‘better’ than others. I’ve run daily for weeks only to be followed by a day of day drinking and three days of watching Netflix. I’d spent hours in meditation, written a book I’ve yet to publish, started a screenplay, two blogs, and a fledgling podcast. Some of which I still work on, and some I quit as the novelty wore off. I’ve played guitar, made lotion, joined a book club, and dabbled in Japanese. And I’ve spent more time on Twitter than I care to admit. Some of these things made me feel productive while others made me feel guilty because there was nothing tangible to show for it. So I was left with the question – What makes a moment worth living?

I’ve done some interesting things, but I’ve also been envious when I look at some people around me who have accomplished careers and material success. I thought about how they decided to fill their containers.  They have been consistently (consciously or unconsciously) filling the space with the same things over and over without getting distracted or bored. Maybe they were both and decided to push through anyway, deciding to bind their time in specific ways to meet specific ends.

I started this blog a few weeks back, and at that moment, it was clear that discipline and consistency were precisely what I needed. I thought that commitment to consistency was the antithesis of grandeur and novelty. It was undoubtedly the way to keep any feelings of guilt at bay for not being productive. I needed a container for my chaos, and that container was intentionally bound time.

Then, after reading Civilized to Death by Christopher Ryan, who critiques and questions our outward drive for material things and success in the name of perpetual progress. Instead, contending that what really makes a life worth living is meaning and connection, I was reminded of my usual thinking. Historically, I’ve tended to apply a more Epicurean philosophy, “Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.” So with his reminder, my pendulum started to swing back the other way.

“Of all the means to ensure happiness throughout the whole life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friends.”
~ Epicurus

I’ve always struggled between a life of ticking all the expected boxes and a general fuck-itness of the status quo. Usually acknowledging that a both/and rather than an either/or approach to things is the most meaningful. So, I like conceptualizing time in this way because it reminds me that how I fill the space is a choice. We can get so caught up in the idea that time happens to us, that we forget it is ultimately the individual that fills the container. And even when we have external obligations, it is our framing that drives the nature of the experience.

So lately, I’ve become more mindful of the quality of content that I add to the container. As it is the quality that matters, not merely the outcome. Admittedly, quality is a subjective measure where I am the arbiter, not society. That is why all the great sages and spiritual teachers talk about being in the present. It’s an awareness of the space that is and the contents held within it. The Zen master, Shunryu Suzuki, says, “Time goes from present to past.” Meaning we can talk about doing something after dinner, but that moment only occurs when it’s occurring, and then it is past. There is no other. 

Maybe that is where the word fulfillment comes from. The idea that we fill our space with something meaningful or meaningless. And this can either add or detract from our sense of connection and purpose which is derived from both the experiential and the tangible. Leaving space for consistent, goal-oriented pursuits and the occasional day drinking with friends. For what matters is our presence and the quality of the expansion or contraction of self in the container of time.

(c) Can Stock Photo / Suljo

Freeing Our Personal Power

Freeing Our Personal Power

The path of the warrior is an approach to life that aims to maximize our potential and deepen our relationship with the Universe. Warriorship focuses on inner transformation and views the world through the lens of energy and power. A warrior is someone who seeks freedom through choice, takes radical responsibility for their actions, and is a master of their intent. There is much to be gained by walking this path and increasing and freeing our personal power, even for the most novice warrior. Understanding that the path is not a place you reach, but rather a process of continued self-mastery. As Robert Spencer describes it in The Craft of the Warrior, “….it provides a strategic blueprint for self-organization.”

What is a Warrior?

In her book, Warrior Goddess Training, HeatherAsh Amara explains warriors in this way, “Warrior energy is a combination of focus, dedication, purpose, and determination. Consciously bringing these things together gives us power.” This quest for power is really about our pursuit of growth and personal evolution. It is about wanting to dive deep into the mystery and magnificence of the Universe and living with the knowledge that we are part of that magnificence. A warrior is humbled by this truth and lives accordingly.

Awakening the Warrior Activation

What is Personal Power?

We are all born with a certain amount of personal power. Some describe it as a form of life force energy that allows for our existence. However, a warrior is interested in more than just existing. To do this, she must deepen her relationship with the Unknown. Our personal power expands as our knowledge of one’s self, and the Universe deepens. The more personal power we have, the more able we are to traverse the unknown realms. It is the fuel of the warrior, and through our awareness and heightened perception, we engage in an energetic relationship with everything around us. Personal power allows us to transcend, transmute and transform ourselves in powerful ways. 

Our use and acquisition of this power in efficient and effective ways is what the Toltecs call impeccability. As a spiritual guide, don Juan Matus said, “Impeccability is nothing else but the proper use of energy.” Some call this our ability to do or take action in the world in alignment with our intent. So, as we take conscious effort and use our energy efficiently and effectively, we build our personal power.

The Path With Heart

Carlos Castaneda writes, “It is the consistent choice of the path with heart which makes a warrior different from the average man.” The path with heart looks different for everyone, but it aligns with your essence, enjoyment, and development. It is a path that strengthens you, challenges you, and is chosen with purpose and meaning at its core. A warrior knows that death is their eternal companion, and no matter what path we choose, they all lead to the same place. Because the warrior faces the inevitability of death, they decide to live life in its fullest expression. If a path no longer fits or brings joy, the warrior is free to choose differently. 

Many of the choices a warrior makes along their path may go unnoticed by the uninitiated. But a warrior seeks the mystery and moves between the known and unknown worlds. As soon as certainty sets in, the warrior is no longer walking the path with heart. A warrior views the Universe as an unfathomable mystery that can never be known yet is always seeking to unravel her mysteries. This keeps a warrior flexible and engaged with life from a place of joy and curiosity rather than a rigid certainty. 

This does not mean the path is without struggle. Struggle is an inherent part of expansion and development. In Journey to Ixtlan, many things need to be overcome on a warrior’s path. don Juan Matus talks about erasing personal history, disrupting routines, losing self-importance, and dropping habits. All of these things bind our power and keep us within the confines of the ordinary world. 

Losing Personal Power

There are many ways in which we lose or bind our power. Habits are considered a power sink because they bind our power rather than drain it. In The Craft of the Warrior, Robert Spencer writes, “A power sink is much like a pond or a lake in the desert with no outlet to the sea. Power collects there, but being unable to flow, it just evaporates.” So, one of the best ways to free up personal power is to give something up. Habits are performed without conscious thought, so we might think that since they require little thought that they use little power. But, anyone who has released a habit knows how much energy is involved in supporting it. Remember that habits aren’t just actions; we can have emotional and mental habits as well. 

For example, pretend you are giving up your morning danish. You may have omitted the action of eating the danish, but you spent most of the day thinking about how much you missed it. Those repetitive thoughts are also habits. It is not just about giving something up but doing so with impeccability or employing the proper use of your energy. Spending a good portion of the day lamenting the danish is not an efficient use. 

Awakening the Warrior Activation

Power Leaks

Power leaks are another way to lose personal power. In the Warrior literature, one of the most significant ways we lose power is through identification. Or, to put it another way, the way we define ourselves by our roles, history, and various group identities is often defined by someone external to the self. Spencer writes, “First, identification produces a static quality in which permanence is both assumed and desired. Thus we can not adapt easily to the changing flux that life presents, and a great deal of power are used trying to minimize any changes that might threaten the stability of our identification or the way in which we define ourselves.”

Negative emotions are also described as a power leak. This doesn’t mean that she suppresses or represses healthy emotion, but a warrior would not act on it. In the literature, most authors view negative emotions stemming from over-identification and habitual patterns. Once someone can recognize the emotion without the mental overlay/construct, the emotion is just seen as energy moving through the body. Appropriate expressions of emotion, that is to say, emotions in proportion to the event, are using one’s energy impeccably. Dan Millman writes, “You don’t have to bring a thought or corresponding tension to life; you don’t have to dramatize it….as emotional obstructions are left undramatized, they’ll grow weaker until finally, they become obsolete.” 

Hunting Power

In addition to plugging leaks and unbinding power, there are things a warrior can do to acquire power. This power can be found in playing in the mystery and unknown realms. Engaging in activities that expand our relationship to the Universe. Crossing this threshold requires one to accept uncertainty and be able to sit with fear or confusion without trying to impose order. It also requires a heightened sense of perception that opens up to experiences rather than categorizing them. This means that a warrior leans more on their internal reference points than looking for external ones to explain their experience. 

It is not easy to put into words what it means to cross the threshold into the unknown. don Juan, called this non-ordinary reality the nagual. Or David Bohms’ description of the Implicate Order. A living awareness consisting of limitless potentialities, an unmanifest consciousness where all things are possible. For some, it is the use of rituals and techniques that alter states of consciousness. It could be engaging in active dreaming. Or it can be playing in the unknown even in the ordinary world by heightening our perceptions and awareness to notice the subtle shifts of energy, the negative space, or the webs of illusion that feed the consensus-based reality. 

These techniques that bring a warrior across the threshold into the unknown require being in the now moment. A warrior opens up to the world, listening with her inner ears and seeing with her inner sight. It is about feeling the world with your whole being and acting as both a receiver and transmitter of energy and power. 

Awakening the Warrior Activation

Freedom & Discipline

It might seem counterintuitive in a perspective that values fluidity that discipline would be so highly valued. But in Warriorship, freedom is a product of discipline. Spencer describes, “To take the path with heart, then we must find a way of loosening our bonds with what has limited us. In doing so, we challenge our self-concepts, refocus our awareness, cut tethers to our beliefs, rechannel our emotions, open our senses to new perceptions, and find new filters through which to process information.” None of this happens by chance. It requires a conscious, concerted effort to move through these self-limiting behaviors to reach a place of freedom. It is the perfect alignment of intention and action. 

But the warrior understands that discipline must be in harmony with our ability to let go. After the preparations are made, skills learned and mastered; the warrior must be prepared to take action with the full force of her being. A warrior has control until they don’t, and then we must be able to release with abandon and detach from the outcome. A warrior’s freedom is found in this delicate dance of discipline and release. 

Detachment

Remaining detached is another critical attribute of the warrior’s path and to maintaining personal power. A warrior does not look through the lens of success and failure. She makes choices from the perspective of impeccability and not outcome. The warrior’s fluid nature allows her to take quick action and drop something if it is no longer aligned with her intent. When a person is attached, it creates a web of energy, linking our thoughts and emotions through story. Therefore investing and binding our personal power, making it less available and fluid. It is the intent, discipline, and detachment that allows for fluidity.

A warrior’s path is not always easy. And it will not be perfect. But, by following this path, we can transcend ordinary human awareness into a place of unlimited perception. As more of the unknowns become known and we understand there are many separate realities, we can manifest our full potential. A warrior can take leaps without needing explanation and is okay living outside the boundaries of what is considered normal. The real question is, how alive do you want to be? As don Juan Matus said, “We choose to be warriors or to be ordinary men. A second choice does not exist.”