As a collective, historically speaking, we have come to an understanding from various treads in society that “no human is an island” and we are “trapped” in the gaze of others whose scrutiny defines us. From childhood we are told who we are and are given hoops to jump through to achieve the rewards and punishments given by others on our progress. We come to reflect and internalize the views and pathology of those around us.

It is clear we are defined by those whose company we keep. And if they deem it so, only then will we be happy. Yet some understand that our own personal happiness is only one part of a larger puzzle. What about all those who suffer? How can I personally be happy if those around me are not synchronized to this feeling? This leads many to retreat into what we call “the bubble” of their own creation. Reliance on the algorithm to curate our experiences online, and a more esoteric version to curate our IRL experiences, according to the laws of attraction.

But growth does not happen in safety zones. So our higher self must call into our field of awareness opportunities that will challenge our norms and common place understandings. How do we navigate this without encountering the natural resistances of the mind that doesn’t want to “eat my veggies” or do the pushups that are required to build endurance and strength? And yet we sit here wanting the results of years of effort without putting in that effort. The magic is it can happen in a snap. By aligning our personal ego and our higher self in one clear intention that follows from all our previous choices, we can commune with the Universe and see all outwards events that happen after this pivot point to be of the dreamlike nature of ultimate reality. Conventional understandings tell us hell is something “bad” and to “avoid” but nonjudgemental awareness informs us it is something to be moved through, a natural part of a larger process.

What do events mean outside of their natural flow and surroundings? Nothing. So if we change the flow all events will naturally line up with the current we exist in. Trust the current, trust the flow, trust the understanding, and submerge into your own sense of knowing. When we fall in love the sense of danger no longer exists. We are willing to do anything to seduce the beloved who can do anything and we will romanticize it as part of their lovely nature. Or at least, that’s the formula. Drawing from our libido to achieve lasting happiness and meaningful living is the key for human beings. Broadening our sense of connection to all living beings, is the ultimate imaginative challenge.

How do we navigate the gaze of others? We must invert the gaze and focus on how it reveals to us our own true nature and from this information point we can be empowered to forge true bonds that will take us to where we want to go. It may not be flattering to know our true nature, but that information is essential to building what we need to build. Keep neutral and impartial when receiving this information. The key to Hell is stagnation, not flow, and if we continue to move through these states of mind, I firmly can testify we will find ourselves on the path and engaged in the work we need to do. The experience of doing a push up might not be considered pleasant in certain views, and certain mindsets, but to the avid gym rat it is a pleasure to build the strength they covet.

We will then call into our life the support we need and the input we require to progress. Then the experiences we will have will serve us. If we think this is possible, if we believe it to be true, if we continue to hold this focus. It transforms into a game of keeping the bucket of water on top of our head without spilling a drop. That kind of focus, that level of determination is one that can be cultivated. There is no where that you are not. Wherever you go there you are. And so those you call into your life, those who offer you the feedback and orientation to your surroundings can only serve you. And you can offer to serve them. Do not go about trying to save others. View them as already saved. Then go about your business, with an open invitation to other fellow travelers and adventurers to join you on your mighty quest to gather the needed evidence and treasures that will support you on your journey through life. Godspeed fellow traveler! May your journey be the quick path and may you find yourself where you actually are today.