Spiritual Archives

How to Become One With the Universe: 3 Steps to Cosmic Unity

Are you trapped by religious dogma? Do you think more in terms of “I” than “we”? How often do you do things just for fun? Philosopher Alan Watts argues that the ego illusion—the false sense of being an individual separate from everyone and everything else—causes destruction and hardship in Western society. He provides recommendations for how people can escape from the ego illusion and achieve cosmic unity. Continue reading to learn how to become one with the universe, according to Watts.

What Is Mindfulness? Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Solution to Stress

How to Visualize the Life You Want to Have in 3 Steps

What is mindfulness, according to Jon Kabat-Zinn? What does the practice of mindfulness require you to do? Mindfulness is the subject of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book Wherever You Go, There You Are. In the book, he claims that practicing mindfulness will improve your life and help you stay in the moment. Keep reading to learn more about why Jon Kabat-Zinn thinks mindfulness is important.

Alan Watts: The Ego Illusion Is Ingrained in Western Society

How does the language people use reflect and impact the way they see themselves? Is there an inherent flaw in Western science? According to Alan Watts, the ego is the culprit behind the ills of Western society. In The Book, he argues that Western society perpetuates “the ego illusion” through the language people use, the expectations they place on each other, and even the way they approach science. Continue reading to understand Watts’s argument regarding ego in the West.

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

Are we individual beings, or is that a false sense of identity? Is everything relative? What’s wrong with reductive science? Many Westerners internalize the idea that each of us is an individual—separate from others and our surroundings. However, in The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are, British philosopher Alan Watts argues that the concept of humans as separate beings is an illusion: the ego trick. Read more for an overview of this thought-provoking book.

The Top 3 Ways to Practice Mindfulness & Embrace Peace

What are some ways to practice mindfulness? Can anyone practice mindfulness? According to Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book Wherever You Go, There You Are, mindfulness is something anyone can do at any time. To make it easier for you, he highlights a few strategies that he believes will help you stay in the present every day. Let’s look at the few ways Kabat-Zinn suggests practicing mindfulness in your everyday life.

Does Western Science Create an Illusion?

What’s scientific reductionism? Does it mess with our true sense of self? Philosopher Alan Watts defines the ego illusion as the false sense of being an individual who exists as an entity separate from other people and the environment. He points the finger at Western science as one of the ways we perpetuate the ego illusion. Read more to learn the argument that Watts makes in The Book.

The 4 Mindfulness Values You Need to Practice Every Day

What are mindfulness values? How do patience and perseverance make mindfulness easier to practice? Returning to mindfulness every day can be challenging for some people, but there are values that can make the process simpler. The values outlined by Jon Kabat-Zinn in his book Wherever You Go, There You Are can be summarized as simplicity, patience, vulnerability, and perseverance. Keep reading to learn about the importance of these mindfulness values for your self-improvement journey.

Jon Kabat-Zinn: Mindfulness Meditation Tips & Tricks

What is Jon Kabat Zinn’s mindfulness meditation practice? What postures should you use to meditate properly? Formal meditation requires you to focus on your breathing, posture, and visualizations. If it sounds hard, don’t fret. Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn has plenty of advice for making your meditation smooth sailing. Continue reading to learn how to escape the world and focus on mindfulness meditation.

The 4 Parts of the Yogic Mind—Explained

What are the four parts of the mind in yoga philosophy? How does the human mind become imbalanced? In yogic philosophy, there are four aspects of the mind: intellect, memory, identity, and awareness. According to yogi Sadhguru, most problems humans experience are the result of a disbalance between these four aspects whereby memory, identity, and intellect override awareness. Keep reading to learn about the concept of the yogic mind, according to Sadhguru.

Everyday Mindfulness: How to Savor the Moment

What are the benefits of practicing everyday mindfulness? Why should you savor every tiny moment of your life? Life’s too short to not notice the small details. In Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn, everyday mindfulness will help you stay fully present without missing the best moments in life. Find out how you can practice everyday mindfulness to make the most out of life.