An overview of some of the philosophies that underpin various spiritual approaches. This show aired May 25, 2021.

What we think of as our own body is life being supported by other life, rather than something we "own". It's hard to separate our body out from all the other life supporting it. The concept of a separate "I" based on a separate body is false. Adding to the May 4, 2021 show. This show aired May 11, 2021.

This is a radical concept that can be hard to hear. It can also be very effective in helping to let go of the ego. What if it were true - that life is living us - meaning there isn't an ego, and there can't even be an individual I? This show aired May 4, 2021.

It's a difficult thing to do! Changing how we look at just one principle - that the physical world is strong than we are and controls us - makes a huge difference.

Looking again at the experiences we have and how they are more created by the mind than the body's senses - our mind tricks us into thinking our senses have told us about the world.

A continuing of a hopefully simple explanation of non duality (not-two). A key part of our seeing the world as duality (many things) lies in the use of the body as our boundary between ourselves (me) and the rest of the world (not me.) But is this a valid way to decide that there is a me, separate from all else?

Asked by a listener to provide an every day, "layman's" guide to understanding non-duality - a challenge! This is part 1, and it focuses almost entirely on understanding the role of awareness. Part 2 (planned for next week) will talk about the more abstract facets of non-duality, all of which come from the recognition of awareness. This is a non-scholarly attempt to explain non-duality from the inside out.

Even though the words, "Direct Path" imply there is ONE direct path to enlightenment, in reality there are many paths considered "Direct Path" with differing orders of magnitude of difficulty.   Defining a Direct Path is not necessarily exact. There are many definitions. A Direct path usually has no Holy Text (but there are exceptions to that) and no church, ashram or sangha to attend (again, with exceptions.) A Direct Path is supposed to lead you directly to enlightenment - a quick pathway, but perhaps a hard path to follow. Without the support of a church or community, the seeker is left to seek on his or her own. Of the variations of Direct Paths, some are considered to be progressive or intermediate. A progressive path works to improve the human psychological condition at the same time as working towards the realization of enlightenment. An intermediate path is one which has set out steps, or levels of achievement or knowledge. Another variable is the lack of definition of enlightenment or awakening. Without a clear end goal, choosing a path can be difficult. Different teachers offer different approaches, and in the end, no one path is better or worse than another.

We've learned (and chosen) to believe that we are limited, and these beliefs draw our attention away from our own awareness. In fact, without your awareness you would have no experience at all. The two are inextricably interlinked. Your awareness never changes, it never ages, it never grows tired. As such, it can be said to be eternal and changeless - attributes we also give to God. Your awareness is always there, ever-present - also like God. What happens when you become aware of your own awareness? By doing so, are you getting in touch with God?

The ego and the Absolute cannot be compared, as the Absolute is not definable. It is ironic that we spend so much time studying or training to come enlightened, when the Absolute is always there, and always has been.

If the concept of past/ future is integral and needed for the ego to exist, so too is the concept of comparison. Choiceless awareness is the alternative. Podcast only version that does not appear on 92.5 the X.

Ever wondered what it would mean to be devoted to your God, or to your spirituality? What it would mean to be dedicated to God? This is a podcast-only version, as CFBX radio, where the show normally airs, is on hiatus over the Christmas season.

Another look at time and the ego - a slightly different look at the same principle.   Aired Dec. 17 2020 as a follow up to the Dec. 10, 2020 show

By dividing time into past, present and future, we move out of the present moment. Our brains then decide that if we existed in the past, and we exist in the present moment, there must be an "I" that will exist, into the future - and the ego is born.

A loving society would be one that is built with love for others as the criterion in every matter. Can we build this? What would it take? To start with, your personal commitment to love for all.

Are you finding it hard to be loving in a negative world? Is it hard to be positive when you see natural disasters, crime, plague and other terrible issues affecting the world? The climate crisis, climate change deniers, political polarization, and more... how does one stay positive and loving with all that going on? Some suggestions in this show.

What if the major similarity between the world's major religions, was at the core, nothing but love?

The ego is addicted to itself, the ego. Is it possible to use a 12 step process with the addiction to the ego, just as we use a 12 step process for many other addictions?

Surrendering the ego is never easy. "Letting go" may be a short cut to surrender. Both "letting go" and surrender achieve the same end goal - the lessening of the ego and greater happiness in life.

Considering compassion can help us become more compassionate. This show suggests three different, but interlinked ways to consider and increase your compassion. All decrease the ego. Special emphasis on information from the book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, by Karen Armstrong.