PDF Summary:Awake, by Angelo DiLullo

The central message of Awake by Angelo DiLullo is that spiritual awakening transforms our perception of reality. The initial experience offers a direct insight into a limitless existence that transcends thought. As this realization deepens, our sense of separation dissolves and we recognize our inherent oneness with all that exists.

DiLullo provides principles and practices to facilitate the awakening process, such as challenging limiting beliefs, developing concentration, and embracing emotions. He also addresses obstacles along the path, like ego defenses, and navigates the integration of awakening into everyday life.

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• Challenge your beliefs by engaging in a "Belief Audit" where you list out your core beliefs and ask yourself what evidence supports them, when you first adopted them, and what could potentially change your mind. This exercise encourages you to see your beliefs as hypotheses rather than unchangeable truths, making it easier to scrutinize and adjust them when presented with new information.

Cultivating the skill to concentrate and sustain awareness is firmly established in the immediacy of the now.

DiLullo dedicates an entire chapter to the subject of attention, stating that learning to modulate attention skillfully is our most powerful tool for transcending the thought-based self and experiencing our true nature.

Directing one's attention beyond the realm of thought and identity.

DiLullo describes attention as the inherent and continuous instrument at our disposal for liberating our self-perception from the confines of a thought-based identity. He underscores our often-neglected ability to steer and manage our focus. He guides us to direct our attention to a variety of sensory perceptions, including sights, sounds, tactile sensations, tastes, and smells, in addition to cognitive processes. He demonstrates that by actively shifting our attention away from the internal world of thoughts and concepts to the immediate sensory experience, we can begin to experience presence and reconnect with our true, undivided nature.

Practical Tips

• Create a "presence jar" where you write down moments when you felt particularly connected to your sensory experiences. Each time you notice a vivid sensation, like the warmth of sunlight on your skin or the taste of a fresh strawberry, jot it down and drop it in the jar. Review these slips weekly to remind yourself of the richness of direct sensory experiences.
• Use a sensory focus rotation when you need to concentrate on a task. Set a timer for every 10 minutes to shift your focus to a different sensory input. Start by focusing on what you see, then what you hear, and so on. This can help prevent mental fatigue and maintain high levels of attention by periodically refreshing your cognitive processes.

Engaging in a variety of introspective and self-analytical activities

DiLullo advocates experimenting with different introspective and meditative techniques to deepen our understanding of their intent and to ascertain which approaches yield the greatest personal benefit. He explains that while specific techniques are not essential for attaining awakening, establishing a regular practice can aid those who are still learning to effortlessly access a state of mindful awareness. He outlines a variety of meditative techniques, including the practice of natural meditation which emphasizes being present in the current moment without a particular goal, focusing on the rhythm of breathing in breath-based meditation, employing repetitive words or sounds in Mantra meditation to soothe the mind, surrendering oneself to a higher power in devotional meditation through prayer, and practicing a form of meditation that nurtures self-kindness and acknowledgment, thereby enhancing one's capacity for empathy.

Other Perspectives

• For those with limited time, trying to experiment with multiple techniques could be impractical, and it might be more beneficial to stick with one proven method that fits into their schedule and lifestyle.
• Some individuals may find that a structured practice feels too rigid or monotonous, potentially leading to a lack of engagement or even aversion to the practice.
• Some practitioners might find it challenging to engage in natural meditation if they are accustomed to more interactive or thought-based forms of mindfulness practices.
• This technique may not be suitable for people who are prone to overthinking or becoming fixated on the 'correct' way to breathe, potentially leading to increased stress rather than relaxation.
• Mantra meditation may not be effective for everyone, as individuals can have different responses to repetitive sounds or words.
• Devotional meditation through prayer can sometimes lead to passivity, where individuals might wait for divine intervention instead of taking proactive steps to address their problems.
• Some individuals may find that meditation does not significantly impact their level of empathy, possibly due to personal differences in how they process and respond to meditative practices.

Approaching the range of emotions with comprehension and empathy.

DiLullo emphasizes that emotion is an essential aspect of the human experience and must be addressed with acceptance and compassion if we want to heal and awaken fully.

Developing an understanding of the significance of emotions and mastering the hesitation to fully experience them.

The author suggests that the prevalent unease and doubt about emotions in contemporary culture is a major obstacle to achieving a higher level of awareness. He underscores that this fear often leads to the stifling of our emotional responses, which in turn forces us to evade or distort our genuine emotions. He challenges the notion that certain emotions are intrinsically negative, maintaining that each emotion, when experienced in its pure form, fulfills a meaningful role. The problem, he explains, is not the emotion per se, but rather our resistance to fully experiencing it. DiLullo offers guidance on embracing all of our emotions, including those that may be disconcerting, by recognizing their existence, watching them impartially, and permitting them to pass through us without obstruction.

Other Perspectives

• The level of awareness is not solely dependent on emotions; cognitive understanding and rational thought also play significant roles in achieving higher awareness.
• Fear can sometimes act as a protective mechanism, preventing individuals from engaging in emotionally harmful or dangerous situations.
• The idea that there are no negative emotions could be challenged by the concept of moral emotions. For example, shame can play a role in social behavior, but excessive shame can be debilitating and is often viewed negatively.
• The concept of fully experiencing emotions assumes that individuals have the same capacity for emotional awareness and regulation, which may not account for neurodiversity and different emotional processing among individuals.
• Some emotions, particularly those that are intense or persistent, may require intervention, such as counseling or therapy, rather than simply being observed and allowed to pass.

Incorporating and embracing every aspect of human life.

DiLullo encourages embracing all aspects of our emotional spectrum, even those parts frequently considered undesirable or neglected. He contends that resistance to any elements of our existence merely extends our discomfort and feeling of detachment. He introduces the concept of “shadow work” as the process of acknowledging, accepting, and integrating all parts of our experience, even those we have pushed away or tried to hide from. He underscores the importance of approaching our "broken" traits with compassion and warmth, rather than attempting to repair or eliminate them. Embracing this deep reality wholeheartedly, he contends, can greatly propel one's journey toward enlightenment.

Practical Tips

• Create an "Emotion Wheel" for your living space, with segments for different emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, and surprise. Whenever you feel a strong emotion, place a marker or a note in the corresponding segment. This visual representation can help you track your emotional diversity over time. You might notice that you frequently visit certain segments and rarely others, prompting you to explore why some emotions are less present.
• Create a 'Comfort Zone Challenge' where once a week, you intentionally do something that lies outside your usual routine or preferences. This could be as simple as trying a new food, taking a different route to work, or striking up a conversation with a stranger. The key is to observe your feelings of resistance and consciously let go of them, thereby expanding your comfort zone over time.
• Use art as a medium for shadow work by engaging in activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting to express the parts of yourself you usually keep in the dark. You don't need to be an artist; the goal is to let your subconscious speak. For instance, if you're struggling with anger, you might use red and black colors to represent this emotion on canvas, allowing you to process and integrate these feelings.
• Engage in role-reversal exercises with a friend where you discuss each other's self-perceived negative traits and offer compassionate feedback. This can help you practice giving and receiving warmth and understanding, which you can then apply to yourself. For instance, if your friend feels they're too sensitive, you might discuss the strengths of sensitivity and how it can be an asset, helping you both see 'broken' traits in a more positive light.

Overcoming the challenges and obstacles on the path to an enlightened spiritual state.

This section delves into the challenges one faces while actively seeking spiritual awakening. The author emphasizes that the main obstacle to recognizing and embracing our intrinsic nature is our fixation on mental processes and the subsequent ego-driven defense mechanisms.

Dealing with and lessening the ego's defensive tactics.

The passage explores the subtle and often overlooked strategies our minds use to maintain a personal perception of self and avoid the uncertainty and vulnerability associated with the path to enlightenment.

Our awareness frequently avoids confronting reality, engages in distractions, and is prone to self-deception.

DiLullo elucidates that the ego, which is not a physical entity, consists of complex cognitive frameworks and mechanisms functioning within our awareness to maintain an illusory sense of self. Our constant engagement in activity, driven by the mistaken belief about who we are, aims to protect us from discomfort and pain. Angelo DiLullo emphasizes the adeptness with which the ego employs first-person vernacular to persuade us into believing that its ideas and impulses are indeed originating from ourselves. He also reveals how our ego traps us by shifting our attention away from the current moment, enticing us with constructed narratives about what has been and what might occur. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and understanding the ego's cunning tactics as one seeks spiritual awakening.

Practical Tips

• Implement a "reality audit" at the end of each day where you reflect on three key decisions you made and examine the rationale behind them. Consider if you were fully acknowledging the reality of each situation or if you were influenced by biases or wishful thinking. This daily habit can sharpen your self-awareness and improve your decision-making process over time.
• Implement a 'distraction swap' technique where you replace a habitual distraction with a healthier alternative. If you habitually scroll through social media when feeling anxious, swap out that habit with a short meditation or a few minutes of deep breathing. This helps you face the discomfort directly rather than avoiding it, and over time, it can reduce the impulse to engage in the distracting behavior.
• Try practicing decision-making without personal attachment by flipping a coin for small, inconsequential choices. This exercise can help you understand the difference between choices made from ego and those made from practicality. If you're deciding what to eat for lunch and find yourself torn between a fancy meal to impress someone or a simple one, flip a coin and go with the outcome, observing how it feels to let go of the ego's influence.
• Try rephrasing your statements for a week by replacing self-centric language with more inclusive or objective language. Instead of saying "I want this project to succeed because I worked hard on it," try "This project's success will benefit the whole team." Monitor how this shift in language affects your interactions and the responses of others. You might find that conversations become less about defending personal positions and more about collaborative outcomes.
• Engage in a weekly "Ego Audit" by journaling about moments when you felt particularly disconnected from the present. Reflect on what triggered the disconnection and how it affected your mood or behavior. This isn't about judging yourself but rather noticing patterns and identifying opportunities to stay more present in the future. You might find that certain environments or interactions are more likely to pull you away from the moment, and you can then strategize ways to counteract this.
• Create an "Ego Interrupter" tool using a small object like a bracelet or a ring. Whenever you touch or see this object, use it as a cue to ask yourself if your current thoughts or actions are ego-driven. This tactile approach serves as a constant, gentle reminder to assess your motivations and align them with a more awakened perspective.

Cultivating the bravery to confront challenging emotions and convictions.

DiLullo underscores the necessity of fostering bravery and sincerity while delving into our most profound realities. He acknowledges that the path to enlightenment often involves facing difficult emotions and ideas that we have consistently avoided. The awareness of the true essence of being can especially unsettle, potentiate, or instill fear when it prompts our ego defenses to spring into action. He encourages a harmonious blend of self-kindness and relentless pursuit of insight, highlighting that as we accept our vulnerabilities and let go of our desire to dominate, wisdom and compassion will naturally emerge.

Practical Tips

• You can start a bravery journal where you document daily instances where you faced your fears or spoke your truth. This could be as simple as expressing a differing opinion during a meeting or choosing to watch a movie alone despite feeling self-conscious. The act of writing reinforces your actions and thoughts, making it easier to recognize patterns and progress in your bravery and sincerity.
• Develop a 'Mindfulness Alarm' system where you set random alarms throughout the day as a prompt to pause and check in with your current emotional state. Use these moments to acknowledge any difficult emotions you might be avoiding and consider their roots and implications in a non-judgmental way.
• Start a daily "fear-facing" journal where you write about one thing that scares you and then engage with it in a small way. For example, if you're afraid of public speaking, you might start by speaking up more in meetings or talking to strangers to build confidence.

Investigating the spectrum of consciousness that encompasses varying degrees of awareness, from heightened to diminished.

This section addresses the challenges of enhancing and solidifying the initial understanding of Awakening. DiLullo characterizes the path as a complex voyage with frequent shifts between wakeful clarity and intervals of unawareness.

Embarking on the process's uncertain path without developing an obsession over spiritual occurrences.

DiLullo emphasizes the importance of accepting the unforeseeable development of awakening. He cautions to remain steadfast and not to be disheartened or confused when one's experiences swing between sensations of oneness and lucid consciousness to those of detachment, doubt, and self-judgment. He underscores the significance of refraining from self-reproach when such natural fluctuations take place. He further cautions against attaching to specific spiritual experiences, such as bliss states or mystical visions, warning that seeking these experiences or using them as evidence of our spiritual progress can actually hinder genuine realization.

Practical Tips

• You can create a 'Surprise Journal' to document unexpected moments and your reactions to them. Start by carrying a small notebook or using a digital app to jot down any unforeseen events or thoughts that occur each day. Reflect on these entries weekly to observe patterns in how you respond to the unexpected and consider ways to embrace these moments more openly.
• Engage in community service or volunteer work to embody spiritual principles in practical ways. This approach takes the focus off personal spiritual experiences and puts it on selfless action, which can be a powerful indicator of spiritual maturity. Whether it's helping at a local food bank or teaching a skill you possess, the act of giving back can ground you in the reality of service, which is a cornerstone of many spiritual traditions.

Cultivating a balanced and compassionate view of oneself during times of uncertainty and distress.

DiLullo emphasizes the importance of maintaining a kind and even-tempered approach to oneself during the often unpredictable path that ensues after an enlightenment. He emphasizes that the natural emergence of doubt, frustration, and despair during this journey should not be seen as indicators of failure, but rather as chances for more profound reflection and assimilation. He encourages a compassionate and patient attitude as we embark on this transformative path, recognizing that awakening is an ongoing journey, not a destination to be reached.

Practical Tips

• Start a 'kindness to self' journaling routine where you dedicate a few minutes each day to write about what you did well, even on tough days. This practice helps reinforce a positive and forgiving mindset towards yourself. You might write about a small victory, like cooking a healthy meal or taking a short walk, acknowledging your efforts rather than focusing on what didn't go as planned.
• Volunteer for a role that inherently requires patience, such as mentoring a child, teaching someone a new skill, or caring for animals at a shelter. Engaging in activities that demand patience can help you develop it as a natural response over time.

Navigating life after experiencing enlightenment and integrating it into daily activities.

The section explores the challenges and opportunities associated with embodying and expressing our awakened state in everyday life.

Integrating the understanding of nonduality into everyday tasks.

DiLullo asserts that the fundamental nature of enlightenment suffuses a life marked by freedom, spontaneous behavior, and wonder, extending beyond moments of meditation or isolation to also enrich the mundane activities of our everyday lives.

Discovering the sacred in ordinary instances and allowing enlightened consciousness to permeate every facet of life.

DiLullo challenges the idea that enlightenment requires one to embrace a spiritual lifestyle or withdraw from active participation in society. He encourages the perception of the sacred in daily events and suggests that every aspect of our lives, from our work pursuits to our social interactions and daily activities, should be permeated with the calmness and clarity that comes from our state of enlightenment. He emphasizes the perpetual opportunity to experience the essence and magnificence of existence in its most unblemished state.

Practical Tips

• Create a 'gratitude jar' where you drop a note of something you're thankful for each day. This practice turns the abstract concept of gratitude into a tangible activity. As the jar fills up, you'll have a visual representation of the many sacred aspects of your life. On days when finding the sacred feels challenging, you can pull out a note to remind yourself of the beauty in the mundane.
• Implement a 'one-minute mindfulness' rule before responding to stressful situations. When faced with a challenging email, phone call, or conversation, pause for one full minute to breathe deeply and clear your mind before responding. This practice can help maintain a sense of calm and prevent reactive, stress-induced decisions.

Steering clear of the pitfall where one might create a spiritual-centered new identity or overlook true spiritual development.

DiLullo cautions against using spiritual concepts and practices to avoid engaging with life fully and honestly. He warns against employing spiritual practices as a means to avoid confronting challenging emotions, evade responsibility for one's actions, or maintain a false sense of superiority over others. He also cautions that clinging to any notion of self can limit our freedom and hinder the genuine realization of spiritual awakening. He emphasizes the significance of embracing all facets of our human life without criticism or clinging.

Practical Tips

• Develop a "Life Engagement" plan by setting specific, measurable goals that require active participation in various aspects of life, such as social interactions, career development, and personal hobbies. Review and adjust these goals monthly to ensure they encourage full and honest engagement with life's complexities.
• Start a "Balance Buddy" system with a friend where you hold each other accountable for integrating spiritual practices in a healthy way. Share your experiences and discuss moments when you might have used spirituality to avoid dealing with life's difficulties. This mutual check-in ensures that you support each other in using spirituality as a tool for growth, not avoidance.
• You can start a "no-labels" diary where you describe your daily experiences without attaching any personal identifiers to yourself. Write about your day as if you were an observer, avoiding terms like "I," "me," or "my." This exercise helps you practice seeing life without the lens of a fixed self, which can lead to a greater sense of freedom.
• Create a 'diversity day' once a month where you intentionally engage with a new culture, belief system, or lifestyle without critique. This could involve trying a new cuisine, attending a cultural festival, or reading literature from a different perspective. The goal is to experience the richness of human life and acknowledge the value in diversity without comparison or judgment.

Persistently delving deeper into the foundational experience of awakening.

The book emphasizes the concept that the journey of awakening is marked by continuous deepening and broadening. Embarking on the path to enlightenment signifies a profound change in an individual's existence, but DiLullo emphasizes that it is merely the beginning of a continuous voyage of exploration.

Exploring more deeply the nature of consciousness, being, and the underlying structure of the cosmos.

DiLullo encourages a relentless journey into the nature of self, consciousness, and being, one that continues even after the enlightenment event has occurred. He suggests that to fully actualize our capabilities, we should persistently investigate with modesty, ever prepared to reevaluate our most profound convictions. He advocates for persistently approaching life's enigmas with an attitude of inquisitiveness and receptiveness.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a new form of creative expression each month. Whether it's painting, writing poetry, playing an instrument, or dancing, trying out different creative activities can unlock new areas of self-awareness and help you explore various aspects of your consciousness. This approach keeps the exploration fresh and can lead to unexpected insights about your inner self.
• Start a "Curiosity Journal" to track questions and unknowns you encounter daily. By writing down things you don't understand or are curious about, you create a tangible record of where your knowledge can expand. For example, if you read an article about a scientific discovery that you don't fully grasp, jot down what confuses you and use it as a prompt for further research.
• Implement a 'No Immediate Judgment' rule during conversations for one week. Whenever someone presents an idea or opinion, resist the urge to evaluate it right away. Instead, ask two follow-up questions to explore their perspective more deeply. This will train you to be more open and receptive to new ideas, rather than dismissing them prematurely.