Chapter 1: Understanding Inner Disturbances

In a previous article, I expressed why Eckhart Tolle is my preferred spiritual figure, but I regard Mickey Singer as my top spiritual mentor. The essence of Mickey's teachings revolves around the importance of releasing the burdens we carry within ourselves. While meditating for countless hours can be beneficial, if we cling to our emotional baggage, it will linger and disrupt our lives. In short, letting go is crucial for attaining spiritual enlightenment.

I constantly seek powerful and articulate descriptions of the process of letting go, and one of my favorites comes from Mickey himself.

Section 1.1: The Metaphor of Ripples

Imagine sitting beside a serene pond, untouched and still. Now, picture tossing a stone into the water. This action creates ripples that disturb the calm surface.

So, what’s the most effective way to calm those ripples? Is it by jumping in to stop them or by tossing another stone? No, the best approach is to do nothing at all. Allow the ripples to run their course, and they will eventually fade away.

Subsection 1.1.1: Ripples in Our Inner World

The same principle applies to disturbances in our internal "pond." Instead of a stone creating the ripples, consider a snarky remark from your boss, or the sight of a magazine featuring Jennifer Aniston's perfect figure as you load a tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream onto the conveyor belt. Even minor annoyances, like waiting at red lights, contribute to these inner disturbances.

These ripples often stem from past experiences. For instance, the discomfort triggered by Jennifer Aniston's image may be rooted in an unkind comment from a schoolmate years ago.

Chapter 2: Learning to Let Go

The first video titled "Remove Your Inner Thorn" from the Oprah Winfrey Network explores how we can navigate our internal struggles. It emphasizes the importance of releasing negative emotions to find peace.

The second video, "Michael Singer - Inner Disturbance - Compensate for It or Fix It," delves deeper into how we can confront and resolve our inner turmoil effectively.

To successfully watch the ripples without becoming involved, we must be able to manage these disturbances. This requires spiritual strength and willpower.

If seeing Jennifer Aniston's flawless body while shopping is too much for you, it will be difficult to step back and observe the ripples. Instead, you might react defensively or become overwhelmed, which is akin to throwing more stones into the pond.

Watching the ripples can be challenging, especially if you've struggled with body image issues for years. However, it is possible. Cultivate the will to relax in the face of discomfort. Breathe through it. Resist the urge to throw stones in the pond, and allow the feelings to pass.

Ultimately, when we focus on observing the ripples rather than reacting, we allow these disturbances to dissipate, releasing trapped energy and promoting healing. The result? We begin to feel increasingly at ease.

The Takeaway

If the metaphor of the pond and ripples resonates with you, I encourage you to use it when faced with emotional triggers. Close your eyes, visualize yourself beside a pond, and watch the ripples expand and eventually fade. Breathe, relax, and let them go.

A heartfelt thank you to Mickey Singer for sharing such profound teachings that I am eager to spread. For those interested, you can try my simple, free meditation program at davidgerken.net.