Thank you.

If you’ve made it this far in the Spiritual Key’s series, I commend you.  You’ve been willing and let go in so many ways.  If there’s any one thing the planet is in perpetual demand of, well, that’d be vulnerability – our willingness to be seen.  Your contribution is noted.

Now, let’s put a ribbon on this Series, shall we?

As mentioned in the opening address, the Keys, though broad in a certain right, are personal pillars; an umbrella so to speak. Beneath that umbrella is you.  Your spark.  Your flame.  Your fire.  A fire that need not a match because you hold its Light.

The grand takeaway to the Series?

Spirit is not only free, it’s portable.

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If we limit when, where, to whom, or how our Insides soar, well, we have yet to, and won’t, experience the Infinite.  Our freedom lies in our expression. In our expression – our Spirit, that is – lies our freedom.

So what you’re saying is that “feeling good” doesn’t have a lid?

You got it!  But I must warn, since we’re human n’ all:  don’t take it too far.

What do you mean?

Stay disciplined.  I know, I know, rigid, right?  But, like the Keys, discipline is another layer for our foundation.  Spiritual energy is not loose energy.  Bonafide spirituality is grounded and reverent.  That word ‘discipline?’  All it means is being our own best ‘disciple.’  Cause we are.  Just think of it as your devotion in motion.  Simple enough.

As for the synopsis, let’s take it key by key…

Willingness.
Dare to consider information, people, ideas, and roads that don’t seem worth considering.

Presence.
Dare to deliver your Divinity, rain or shine.

Awareness
Dare to be the witness; the collector of clues.

Action.
Dare to intuitively operate NOW (and find that effin dog).

Detachment.
Dare to lay it down – your helmet, your toil, your fears.

With a helicopter view of it all, you can see how the Keys work together, right?  They are a team and a unit.  A potent one at that.

As I send this thing off, I’m flirting with some sort of curation and expansion of the Series as a whole.  An e-book?  A workbook?  I’m not quite sure yet.  All I know is there is plenty more to share.  More wisdom.  More stories.  More everything.

Thanks again for playing the game.

Godspeed,
hi

Loving suggestions for letting go:

1.  Cease to judge.

Judgment is the constant assessment of things as right or wrong, good or bad, left or right, up or down, this or that, etc, etc.  And for those on the Light Path, I highly advise against it.

When we judge or label or classify or categorize or evaluate, we separate, plain and simple.  And separation is the root of all discord on the planet.

Judgment also separates us from our internal world – our Source – and dams our flow.  As Radiohead sings:  “…it ripples our reflection.”  Sure, it may give us some temporary muscle, but that’s merely a facade.  Judgment is insecurity, and insecurity is fear.

Regarding detachment, nixing our need to judge can quiet the mind.  When the mind is quiet, it’s substantially easier to let go…

…of that long work day.
…of that crazy family thing.
…of that internet headline.
…of that past relationship.

Ceasing to judge relies on one thing and one thing only:  Presence – something we’ve already discussed.  Your discipline will be tested, but your conviction will grow.  The question begs:  can I simply observe life – its ebbs and its flows, its diversity and its divinity –  without some grand association to it? 

For many, this will be the hardest thing you ever do.  Suddenly, you’ll have blocks of time on your hands.  You’ll think:  Wow!  I was spending all that energy in separation?  Yes you were.  Judgment is ubiquitous and real.

Put your red marker away.

2.  Gratitude.

The warmth of a cup of coffee.  The smell of rain.  The texture of a crunchy sandwich.  The buzz of a nearby hummingbird.  Hot showers.  The safe drive to work.  The safe drive home.  The money you DO have.

Do you appreciate these things?  Or do you focus on the bigger, the better, the faster, and the “don’t haves?”

The first words I utter every single morning I wake up are “thank you.”  That’s it.  Just two words.  It’s my humble acknowledgment of how friggin’ stoked I am to be alive.  You mean to tell me that my body is rested, my heart kept thumping, my lungs swallowed and distributed air all night, and all I had to do was close my eyes?   Miracle, uh, I think so.

When we have genuine appreciation for what we have right this second, it alters our lens.  And really puts that Starbucks-ran-out-of-skim-milk-this-morning life crisis into perspective.  OMG, it was like such a tragedy!

I’ll always remember a quote we had on our fridge when I was a kid:

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”   – Meister Eckhart

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Want a sturdy spiritual practice, a minutiae release, and feel damn good all at the same time?

Take some Vitamin G.

3.  Go for a walk.

Since we’re letting go, here are your walking rules:

1. Electronics:  forbidden. This isn’t time to diversify your Instagram portfolio, okay?
2. Go at your own pace.  The slower the better.
3. Running and other forms of exercise:  forbidden.  This isn’t workout time.  It’s also not time to “count your steps.”  Criminy folks, just walk.
4. Must be outside.  Nature is medicine.  I know, it’s 49 degrees – talk about Arctic conditions…
5. Walk for at least 30 minutes.  If you’re entering with an overstimulated mind, and a lot of us are, trust me, it will take at least 30 minutes to clear the cobwebs.
6. Go by yourself (dogs are allowed).
7. Just BE.

Some of the world’s greatest thinkers went on daily walks.

Einstein took long walks around the Princeton campus as to “listen to what is going on inside my head.”  And Henry David Thoreau considered the day wasted if he didn’t take a 3-4 hour walk in nature.

No matter where you are, start there.  Put one step in front of the other and walk it out.

4.  Even more mindfulness.

Just when you thought I was done with all this mindfulness talk, right?

One of the leading themes in Buddhism is the idea that there are many things you can let go of that you’re certain you must control.  Money, health, relationships, etc.

We spend an incalculable amount of time and effort planning, thinking, pleasure-seeking, manipulating, searching, and “going,” when surrendering will take us exactly where we need to go.  The show-up must still happen, but wouldn’t it be nicer with a softer, harmonious, more detached mentality?

Mindfulness might be an abrupt idea to comprehend, but the more you practice it, the more you’ll experience its bliss.

5.  Be willing.  (See Spiritual Key #1)

6.  Get a massage.

My proposed health-care reform in one word.

Benefits:  slows us down, improves circulation, frees up energy, heightens awareness, deepens sleep, mitigates stress, boosts the immune system, enhances creativity… it feels good.

Touch is a cure-all, and a great assistant to letting go.  Cut yourself some slack, let your hair down, and step away from everything through the gift of a massage.  You won’t regret it.

Alternate option (not the same, but free of charge):  Take a bath.

7.  Befriend uncertainty.

The unknown is scary, yes.  But it’s a fun scary, no?  A land of freedom and opportunity, mystery and possibility.

When we refuse to let go and stick to the norm, the comfortable, the same-ole, the “right” thing (whatever the hell that is), all we do is become stiff, bitter, and stagnant.

It’s kind of like divorce, you know?

Half of marriages end in it, and there’s likely another half of that half that “tough it out.”  Cause it’s the “right” thing, the “brave” thing.  I mean, what would it look like?  (Umm, like a breakup with a different name).  Yeah, but what will people say?  (Umm, who gives a shit?).  I don’t know, maybe I should stop  watching The Crown.

Stale thoughts can be debilitating.
Feeling good requires a clean scope.
Some bridge-crossing.
And a whole lotta letting go.

What’s your bridge?

(Note:  I am not a marriage counselor, nor do I play one on the internet).

8.  Accept thy LIGHT fully.

Remember, we came from the stars.

That result you’re seeking?
Let it rest.
Your victory came at birth.

Assembly not required.
hi

Before introducing the final key, let’s take a direct flight to the white elephant in the room.

You mean “how can there possibly be a key post-action?”  That white elephant?!

My you are intuitive!  That, or a son-of-a-gun skeptic – (and those people aren’t fun) – either way, spot on indeed.

It’s true.  Detachment bookends the spiritual key shebang.  What willingness is to the starting block, detachment is to the finish line.  It is the nail in the spiritual key placard.

But why is detachment the last chapter?  That’s the big question.  And believe it or not, the answer is quite simple.

The action you take is only as good as the space you make.

You’re not gonna one-line your way out of this one buddy!!!  You just told us to take action!

Feistiness, I like that out of you.  I accept that as a zeal to learn.  And you are correct, I did advise you to show up in the world.  So, let’s nix the chitchat, and get down to business, shall we?

For the most part, humans know how to take action.  Despite our title of “beings,” we’re far better at the “doing” part.  Our engagement via outward activity is our imposition to production, purpose, and “fulfillment”:  to-do lists, jam-packed calendars, a little more here, try harder there, you know, the works.  And it is work.

Many a human participate in this race, this climb, this “go,” what have you:  sweat, blood, and tears included.  Sure, we all need some grit and grind at times, but remember, these are the Spiritual Keys.  I paint this picture as a reminder:  that our action remains guided, soul-based if you will.

As for our talking point today, the part we forget and often disregard, is the completion to not only action, but the Spiritual Keys series in its entirety:  letting go.

Detachment – the follow through, the Let Go and Let God (good) method, the Loose Grip theory, red wine o’clock.

Your naivety is very cute, Mr. K.LITE. 

Is that right?

I hate to break it to you, but the “real world” doesn’t run on Pollyanna. 

I know… it runs on Dunkin.’

Just kidding.  I’m quite aware of the deviance my words tend to be.  Society likes results, right?  Go-mode represents control (talk about a cute thought).  “Busy” gets beatified, worshipped even.  Like so…

(Jim runs into Debbie at the water cooler).  Hey Jim, how was your weekend?  Oh Debbie, I was soooooooo busy.  You have no idea!  (Jim is proud of this.  And Debbie does have an idea because Jim just told her).  Man oh man, me too Jim.  (Debbie, she’s twice as proud, because in her mind, she was twice as busy).  “Good” busy I hope Deb?  Don’t you know it Jim!  (Conversation ends.  Congressional Medals of Honor received).

Now, I will break things to you.

Enlightened Decree #29:  The “real world” lies Within.

Always has, always will.  So stay there!  Its acceptance, sooner hopefully than later, is pivotal to detachment.  Like a famed Barry Obama campaign speech, “Now is the time” to let go; to seal the deal with all the trust you can radiate.

So what you’re saying is for us to quit?

Wowza, that’s what you got out of that?  I really need to work on my delivery.  How about this?

Through willingness, you’ve flung doors open.
And presence, you’ve delivered the Keynote.
From awareness, you’ve pieced the puzzle.
And action, you’ve stood in the arena.
Now lay your helmet down.
Wholly.
And fully.

“Surrender is faith that the power of love can accomplish anything even when you cannot foresee the outcome.”  – Deepak Chopra

Thanks Dee.

You see, detachment is like the opening of a fine bottle of red wine.

I’m listening…

Before indulging in its riches, what is the last thing you do?

Eat a brick of cheese?

Close, but not quite.

Let it breathe?

Nailed it!  You may not be able to physically see the wine bettering, but that doesn’t mean the taste doesn’t improve.  Detachment works the same way.

Our sacred duty, well, it loves and needs breathing room.  When we cease the need to control the end result, victory is certain.  Because we feel good.  Why?  Because we’re free.

If Tom Brady didn’t let go of the football, it would end up at his feet.
If Adele held on to her Note, she’d sing at coffee shops, not stadiums.
If Benny ‘the Jet’ Rodriquez didn’t tell Scotty Smalls to let go of the baseball when teaching him to throw, we’d live in a world where Sandlot didn’t exist.  (And honestly, I’m just not willing to live in that world).

Remember when you were a kid, and riding bikes (not SnapChat) was considered cool (because it was)?  Well, if you wanted to ride hands-free like the other kids in the neighborhood, what must you learn to do?

Let go of the handlebars?

Bang!

Detachment is the icing on the cake.  Your hands are like your mind.  It can liberate you without a single movement.  Cause guess what?  Even though you’ve let go, it doesn’t mean you’ve stopped pedaling.  Sure you might scrape your elbow, but if you hold on forever, you voluntarily remove yourself from a whole lotta epic Life Magic.  Simple magic at that.  Trust me when I say that our intellect (and action alone) can NOT manufacture, calculate, control, manipulate, or comprehend the scope and magnitude of what’s possible for you or anyone on this planet.

When it’s time to act, it’s time to act.
When it’s time to let go, it’s time to let go.
Right now is for the latter.

Because the end-all isn’t a spiritual life.
It’s a free life.

Detach.

Now that deserves a medal.

Cheers,
hi

Quick pointers to stimulate instant action:

1.  Make a pact to act now.

Not tomorrow.  Not next Thursday.  Not such n’ such date because the weather will be better or the kids will be back in school or it just seems to be the “perfect” time.  I said now dammit!

How so?

Take the Youniversal instruction you’ve received and show up in the world with conviction and without hesitation.  (And yes, I need to practice this too).

Is there a Divine Timing to everything?  I think so.  But there’s no timing at all when you, like Billy says, “sit on the porch like a goon and wait.”  Proactivity is part of Divine Timing.

I find a simple way to develop this skill is through the “Why Not Now?” game.  It goes like this…

Being guided to buy and read that book?
Why not read it now?

Want to join a new gym or take that class?
Why not sign up now?

Dying to connect with an old friend?
Why not call them now?

Have a story eager to burst out of you?
Why not write it now?

Feel like seeing that movie?
Why not go now?

Want to learn Spanish?
Why not learn now?

This isn’t to say there won’t be times when you don’t have a legit reason for not following through.  Life does occasionally get in the way.

The purpose of the game, however, is to surface any and all excuses being made and ensuring they don’t outweigh the love, light, and original inspiration backing the activity.  If they do, it’s time to look in the mirror and reevaluate.

Remember, the future isn’t real.  The present moment is the only starting line.   And “Why Not Now?” is a great way to get the ball rolling.

2.  Stop thinking.

Our mind can be a great ally or our worst enemy.  And 99% of what goes through our head each day just doesn’t amount to a hill of beans.

On the flip side, the power and validity we give those thoughts can be the difference between liberation and paralysis, light and darkness, love and illusion.  (And trust me, there’s a whole lot of illusion floating around on this planet right now).

At some point in the next week, pay attention to your thoughts and subsequently jot down the ten most frequent beliefs about yourself (or life in general).  There’s typically a pattern.  What do they tell you?  Then, how can I redirect this thought?  And, how is it affecting my movement?

(Side note:  these exercises are futile without total self-accountability and willingness – our best friend.  Manipulating the game to keep believing what you’re already believing (you know who you are) because it’s the only way you think you’re going to be acknowledged and understood and feel “right,” like ever, well, you’ll need a third-party to shake you out of your shit.  Illusions are quite real and even more addicting.  And I’m not talking about magic.)

2B.  I’m talking about…

… that four-letter word that can stop a juggernaut in its tracks – FEAR.  You know, the gasoline that CNN runs on and human beings can’t help but binge-inhale, believe, and regurgitate.  I mean, if it’s on TV, right…?

FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real

This isn’t a manifesto on fearlessness.  I would never.  The fear I’m riffin’ on is self-induced.  I’m talking about the junk that flattens our tires and curtails the mission at hand – all of which is a by-product of getting stuck in our head.

Other hindrances?  Overpreparation, research (guilty!), and attachment to time.  Divine timing isn’t perfect timing, it’s purposeful timing, by the way.

In the words of the 90’s-pop band En Vogue, “Free yo mind, and the rest will follow.”

Hot damn that song’s fresh.

3.  Stay inspired, but don’t depend on it.

Just as our bodies need maintenance through rest, healthy eating habits, and exercise, so too do our spirits.  And in a bad-news-delivered-quick world, it’s easy to get distracted by the heaviness of society.

Now more than ever, we must make it a priority to nourish our Spark.  If you feel a lack of giddy or a decrease in Light, retaliate with some HEARTfelt activity to get you back in the groove (mine is a good travel magazine).

There’s a popular adage in writing circles: “Seat of the pants to seat of the chair.”  Translation?  Waiting for inspiration to strike is fool’s gold. The more you move, the more you open yourself up to that next Divine Idea.

If you do, your inspiration might just go from lightning strikes to a perpetual lightning storm.

“What saves a man is to take a step.  Then another step.”  –Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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4.  Glow, glow, glow.

How you show up to the job is up to you… PERIOD.

So, why not be enthusiastic about it?

To the ancient Greeks enthusiasm meant “the glow of the god within.”

I’ll drink to that.

5.  Support others with their vision.

And help my competitors?!?!

You betcha.  Competition is an outdated model.

You’re joking.

Sure not.

Today is an age of circuitous creation.  It operates on the “the more you give, the more you get” model.  Plus it feels good.  (The giving must be genuine though).

So what do I do?

Encourage, root on, and cheer for your neighbor’s welfare.  If the guy in front of you at the gas station is buying a lotto ticket, bless him in his Victory.  As much as you want it for yourself, do so for the world too.

I’m not sure I can do that.

You can, but are you willing?

In doing so, you’ll realize your neighbor’s success has no infringement upon yours.  Why?  Cause the planet is an oasis of riches.  That, and jealousy is terminal.  Not to mention plain ole ugly.

Bless the world and bless yourself.

6.  Continue the Pursuit.

Regarding ACTION, be the following…

Determined, persistent, ADAMANT, insistent, relentless, tenacious, STEADFAST, intentional, wholeHEARTED, undeflateable, impassioned, and unshakeably dogged on the quest to your Spirit in Action.

Why?

‘Tis the Art of Feeling Good.

(mic drop)

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