Larger groups of people than ever before are reaching higher awareness. As we become ever aware of our place in the world, so we become familiar with the vast array of techniques and methods that can help us live our lives in more effective ways. But which do you choose? Which parts of your existing life do you want to cut out to make room for a new way? How many practices have you put in to being? And how much guilt do you feel for the things you think you should be doing, but don’t?

For instance, I wonder how many people own books containing various practices and new ways of living that are either read or unread, whilst the information within is left unutilized. As a result, how many experts do we have that can ‘talk the talk’ but not yet ‘walk the walk’? Hands up, please…

I’ll start with mine. And I used to feel ashamed of that. I felt I had let myself down because I had amassed a reasonable amount of knowledge about several practices, but for one reason or the other, decided not to carry all of them through into reality. There are some who would consider that a shame. But I have learned to see things in a different way.

Perhaps you have heaps of books you have put in to practice. And if so, that’s great. It’s a real achievement. But, perhaps, like I, you have a collection of resources that you thought would help you, but you don’t presently resonate with. If it is the latter, then I heartily recommend you to take the pressure off! Right now, just take a moment to reach an understanding that it’s all ok. Take a minute. Take five. Whatever it takes, just give yourself the freedom to be in the moment and accept that everything is the way it should be, right now.

If you managed to do that right there, then you should congratulate yourself. And you can feel pleased that you move on now – aware that the pressure is gone. You see, there is quite often an unconscious guilt and impatience, associated with awakening in to a new consciousness or a new way of living, swiftly followed by an aching desire to change everything all at once; or to attain a certain level of awareness as quickly as you can imagine it! A little impatience is no bad thing, but forcing yourself up a hill and then beating yourself up when you’re part way there, can be counterproductive. Whilst I am grateful for experiencing what I considered to be an awakening when I was relatively young, I had already been conditioned to feel a sense of failure or guilt for not reaching the high standards that had been expected of me. That I expected of myself. I have found that this is a rather common trait with those who are awakening and it can therefore be worthwhile breaking with our conditioning.

The Value of Breaking Conditioning and Consumption Cycles

Breaking conditioning and past patterns can be a deep and solemn process, but it can also be a wonderfully self-empowering experience too. There are many ways that you can begin this process – you may even have some books on the subject – but I believe that the greatest remedy is first of all being true to yourself. But what does that really mean? There are many ways to look at this, but one simple way is to apply the following: If you are fully present in this moment in whatever you are doing and you feel a deep, uplifting sense of peace, then you are most likely, being true to yourself. It is as simple as that, no matter what you are doing. If you can start to apply that little test to every moment, then you can begin to break with your earlier conditioning.

Breaking our conditioning as consumers, the spiritual marketplace is filled with remedies, products, programmes, pamphlets and paraphernalia that are extremely helpful and useful, but that are at their most useful when they apply to us. They can however become fanciful collections for our egos. “That would really help me!” To become what? To do what? To experience what? It can be quite rewarding to challenge yourself about this. Why not try it the next time you think about getting something that you think will make you better, “Will this contribute to a greater experience of peace?”, or, “How will I benefit from this?” By challenging yourself in this way, you open up a window to a future free from unconscious impulses and an empowered ego.

But what if the conditioning applies to things you are giving up? As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, I was trained to practice self-hypnosis every day. It is a hugely rewarding experience that I loved, but after a time, I started practicing open-eyed hypnosis – just sitting peacefully in the moment and experiencing whatever I happened to experience. Later, I would evolve this and began composing music that helps evoke a concentrated consciousness, a greater awareness of the present moment. But rather than accept this, I began questioning things. I had begun to feel guilty that I had stopped practicing self-hypnosis! Was self-hypnosis not for me? Perhaps a different type of meditation would be better? So, I began buying books and watching movies about meditation – not necessarily because I had a soul-level calling to these things, but because I was motivated by the guilt that I wasn’t doing what I was ‘supposed’ to be doing. The guilt was also a fear that I had moved away from something good. Had I filled the void with something less good?

Through various conversations, I have been heartened to hear that all that analysis and ego-driven guilt, while consuming, is also commonplace. For a time, I was unaware that I was actually being shown another path that was bringing an even deeper state of peace! Since that time, I have shared the music I have channelled and composed, and it is used by meditation, Reiki and Yoga practitioners. Some, like I, just play it when they’re busy or when they want to centre themselves in the moment and recharge their energy.

Free Yourself By Harmonizing With Your Core Values

Back to the spiritual marketplace and there are experts, therapists and authors who are all sharing their work diligently. I find this hugely encouraging and see it as a sign that, we are all evolving as a global community. It is not a criticism as such, but I have often found that in their enthusiasm for the subject, that their message can often override or not even acknowledge a certain simple truth. That being that the practice works for them and many others, but will not work for everyone. Not everyone will resonate. Not everyone will benefit. Admirably, some acknowledge this right from the start. Yet in the effort to market products, in which many online marketers shamelessly attempt to exploit our unconscious ‘buying patterns’, the consumer is often faced with a message of, ‘This will work for everyone…and that means you too!”

We can only truly recommend what we have experience of, so I appreciate that people will be passionate about their areas of expertise. Let’s take meditation as an example. You don’t need to meditate! To those of us who are awakening or evolving, this is greatest advice I can give:

“If you don’t resonate with something, then don’t do it. If you don’t feel a calling to do it, then forget it. If it works better for you, listen to some uplifting music, ride your bike, walk, write, sing, whatever brings you peace.”

All we are doing here is acknowledging the simple truth that some people will resonate with it and others won’t. The ego may interfere for a time, sucked in by all the features and benefits and the ‘need’ which is sold, but in the end, anchoring to what brings you the deepest peace will allow you to truly harmonise with your core values. If anyone tells you that you HAVE to do something to evolve spiritually, then they are quite likely delivering a grand illusion!

I have used meditation as an example because it’s a biggie – lots of people use it successfully – and some go as far to say that you MUST do it, but it really could be anything that isn’t working for you. I have heard so many people say to themselves, “I really should meditate more!” “I really should read more!” “I really should get outside more!” Maybe I should. I have said those things too. I’ve been told it in books! But I would hazard more than just a guess, that I should stop getting beat up and instead find something that brings with it a greater experience of peace. If that is watching the television, or reading a newspaper – allow it! Don’t judge yourself that these are lowly, devolved, or non-spiritual practices. Just enjoy the moment and feel the peace it brings you! That is just as valid a moment as any ‘spiritual’ practice.

Many Paths Lead to Spiritual Expansion

So these days, I don’t practice self-hypnosis very often, nor do I meditate, although I enjoy both infrequently. Often, I tend to listen to high-energy music. I find it delivers that peace whilst taking away any stresses and worries. To stand on the soap-box for just a minute, music isn’t music as we have known it before. There are now a number of new-energy composers channelling music, which is firmly intended to awaken, speed up Earth Ascension, and re-energise each listener in the same way that other spiritual practices do. Admittedly it is more passive, but you can make it active too. For those of you who enjoy meditating whilst listening to music, when you are diaphragmatically breathing, by breathing deep in to your stomach, try breathing the music right in to your body. Its vibrations have the potential to cleanse, heal and lift your spirits. I believe that the music I channel and create is multidimensional. I believe it ‘speaks’ to our hearts, our minds and our interdimensional layer of ‘spiritual’ DNA, freeing us from past karma and energising us on our path to our highest potential, even when listened to when you’re doing other things. The intent you give each moment provides the magic, not necessarily what it is you’re doing. Surely, that will speak to some of you and if it doesn’t speak to you, then that is fine. It’s meant to be. The truth is, it is not meant for everyone, at least not all at the same time.

So if you have given yourself a hard time about not doing something you think you need to do, just deal with that guilt, if any, and forget that fear. If you can do it, literally, throw out or give away that stuff you know deep down you will never use! And in that simple act of self-kindness, it is likely that you will move towards a higher purpose more quickly than any book or program could ever provide. Do this and you will begin to naturally attract the tools and practices that most suit you. And you will, I am sure, experience a greater and longer-lasting sense of peace.

Incidentally, of all the books and CDs I had amassed that I did not resonate with, quickly found themselves in the hands of various friends who, when sharing their challenges, were drawn to a bookcase in the house where I live, and the rest is history. It would seem that even if you don’t have the courage to throw out the resources you have amassed ‘for a rainy day’, have faith – the Universe has a grand plan for them anyway!

About the Author

Sam Joseph is a composer who channels multi-dimensional energy in to uplifting and inspiring piano works, intended for those who choose to take a voyage of self-discovery or simply want to unwind. He believes this music encourages increased imagery perception and gives each listener the potential to experience an increased feeling of presence, whilst unconsciously cleansing their emotions. Consequently, he believes that this music can help reveal the sunnier sides of peoples’ personalities! In his spare time, Sam is prone to pottering, telling anecdotes and is an occasional Hypnotherapist. For more information visit: SamJoseph.com