Awareness is the greatest human gift of all. Awareness affords each of us the ability to assess what is going on in our lives. Awareness brings into view the sensory experience of life. Awareness gives us the ability to judge our circumstances allowing us to chart a course in life. However, awareness is different at different times in life. For example, when your ego experiences a sense of threat your awareness shifts to a more guarded place funneling actionable choices. It’s a paradox. In the most extreme cases, the greater the stress, the less mental choices available. Hence the limiting options to fight, flight, freeze or fawn.

As we develop our personality, we begin to condition our nervous system to those around us. If stress is a prominent feature then your ability to identify stress is amplified. Hence, you can become ‘jumpy’ or ‘on edge’ around certain people. Conversely, when you are in an environment where peace, love, kindness and community are the precedent there is an acclimation of the nervous system to a differing attunement. Easy going or relaxed bringing peace to the body allowing for an environment of recovery from the agitation. This is why it is so important to understand how much your environment dictates your behavior. 

Utilizing awareness then becomes a superpower that can help you diagnose your body’s needs. However, given the fact that humans are so adaptive, one can begin to feel the trigger for agitation is different for different people based on their respective environment. If arguments are constant, especially the I am kidding playful (not really kidding) kind, one can acclimate to this by way of neuroplasticity. The initial sting of exposure of argumentative behavior lessens over time giving rise to a normalcy, or equilibration, experienced in the relationship. There is a great benefit to this feature of the nervous system outwardly. Will power increases significantly to argumentative behavior reducing the triggering effect on the nervous system. 

The brain is always looking to create efficiencies within the nervous system to reduce energy consumption. The means of imperceptible acclimation is a cardinal feature of the adaptation process. The body’s response to bring balance between the inner and outer worlds. Again the same holds true when the environment is peaceful. There is an acclimation of vibratory sense that breeds recovery within. Awareness becomes a powerful ally to the nervous system in this setting. Releasing the agitation of one environment into the community of peace allows the dissolution of the threat sensed by the ego, even when imperceptible. However, when within perception the release can be profound. 

In those moments of ego release, I have come to understand the patterns of my life. The yin and yang as described in yogic philosophy. My need for achievement coming from a place of need for outward recognition and external validation. The lack of sensed love at some point in my youth propelling me in the direction of pursuit. The benefit was the development of an extreme discipline and future thinking primed for goal achievement. The downside, an accompanying anxiety imperceptible to me, yet palpable to many around me. Consistently experiencing a need to pursue something new to feel a sense of satisfaction in life. Coincidently, a dopamine rich existence.

In March of 2022, this way of being came to a crashing halt. I began to realize these patterns of behavior through enhanced awareness challenging me to my core. The serpent that lie dormant in me, coming to life, bringing forth wrath onto my existence. The double edged sword of achievement striking with its penetrating fangs. The sting of the poisonous choices to ease the anxiety of wanting more become painfully apparent. The ability to slow down long enough to assess this major blind spot I couldn’t see. Awareness was the magnifying glass I needed to start a new path towards self-acceptance, understanding and love.

There’s nothing wrong with a life of pursuit. As a matter of fact, it is why we seek purpose and meaning in life. It is why we were given dopamine and the receptors it binds to. To seek that which we most want with our hearts. Paradoxically, there is a radical peace found in pursuit of excellence. Yet, the cognitive bias of overgeneralization prevents us from viewing this causing many of us to swing like a pendulum away from this absolute truth. It is this concept that I have chosen to explore profoundly for the remainder of my life. It is the elusive flow experience. 

Having now charted my course towards flow, I am invigorated by my environment. I am happier than ever with a sense of internal peace never encountered. This is a brand new sea for me. Serene and peaceful despite any attempts of inclement weather in my periphery. My environment has become my greatest teacher with pain as the greatest lesson. Through pain and anguish a new image is forming. Like metal forging in the fire beaten into shape I am rising anew. Awareness has become my shield with peace, understanding and acceptance as my sword. 

Awareness is the key to freedom. The answers to your life’s deepest questions lie within your ability to understand yourself on this level of consciousness. This level of awareness. Otherwise, you are simply ‘acting out’ old patterns of behaviors which were handed to you by your environment. The deepest ingrained behaviors by those you were most intimate with in early life when neuroplasticity flourishes. Ever say I will never be like my parents? Well, this is why it is an unavoidable fact for many of us. Awakening to the fact that we are each a series of ‘programmed’ behaviors dictated by our environment is the foundation for my work with clients. 

Unhinging them from this way of being frees valuable resources to pursue purpose when acclimation to purpose has occurred and ultimate achievement met. It is in the moments of extreme personal achievement that one can approximate the sense of distress associated with the paradox of achievement. Just ask many of the Olympic gold medal winners of the past. Three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White has described feeling a dramatic emptiness after every Olympics, win or lose, and experiencing feelings of isolation and aimlessness. Even Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has spoken about experiencing severe post-Olympic depression. 

The silver lining in this story lies within each of us. Pursuit and achievement are undoubtedly a fuel for life. Learning to moderate the dopamine rush with recovery strategies can lessen the blow felt post achievement. However, even more important is the understanding that achievement is a choice and a gift we are all granted to pursue. It is not a requirement to quench a need to change what is already whole and complete. Any championship coach or athlete, especially at the highest levels, can attest that the journey is truly much more valuable than the destination. The ephemeral nature of achievement is simply a consequence of the minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day choices we each make on the way to becoming our best possible version. 

Can you remember the last time you used your imagination? What an amazing gift to be able to utilize as a vehicle for change. Of course, when we hear the word change, we are prompted to think of something outside of us. Yet, true measurable change can be an internal experience which can change the shape of your own world. Through imagination any individual can unite with the divine spark within.

What do I mean by this? Simple holistic approaches to self-care are all about nurturing the body, mind and spirit. Finding balance between this holy trilogy is our right yet many of us remain grounded in the body unable to take flight as the spirit. It is through imagination that we can each become spiritual. The gift and curse can be used to influence the trajectory of our lives. That is, of course, if you are willing to challenge the path of least resistance. 

Universally, we are all governed by laws. I don’t mean the laws made by man. I mean the laws made by the Universe. Humans are hardwired to take the path of least resistance, which is a cognitive shortcut that helps the brain conserve energy and make decisions quickly. Yet, we are equipped with the ability to challenge this law. This comes with an energetic cost which is subject to internal revolt when called upon. 

The internal revolt comes in the form of contrarian thoughts evoking feelings that for most of us signal the end of the imagined path. For the few that choose the narrow, steep climb to the mountaintop lies a prize of freedom felt by only those who have learned to rest at ease at the top. Living on a mountaintop must be incredibly challenging wouldn’t you agree? Subject to the storms of life without protection yet free to view the expansive world with heaven-like regard.

One must consider what it must be like to look at the mountain from its base. How could I possibly climb this? Fear grips now thinking of what lies ahead. Wait, is it fear or excitement? Nevermind its excitement. You see, these days the challenge excites me. It used to create fear. Wait, was it ever fear or simply my nervous system adjusting blood flow in preparation for the climb ahead shunting blood to my muscles, kidneys, heart and brain away from my gut leaving behind a sensation often described as butterflies? I imagine it's the latter.

Comfort has become the standard in modern times. Although we have built this world with all of its conveniences with the purpose of providing safety through innovation we have sacrificed much needed challenges along the way. Our hunter/gatherer ancestors would marvel at what we have accomplished yet I am certain they would chuckle at what we believe to be necessary in our lives. Yet, it was through their imagination and effort that we arrived at this moment in time. 

Collaboration has always been our way of achieving great acts in life. Collectively, we imagined what was possible and made it so. Now I call upon each of you to imagine a world of healthy individuals. I am not referring to health as we have come to know it with ripped abs and large muscles. I write of a health that permeates our entire existence. Health of all dimensions of our beingness. 

I continually imagine my climb to health. A journey not a destination. An understanding or balance within projected outwardly for all to see. A light shining so brightly as to collapse all darkness. A selfless love for all of humanity in this collective existence. A light so attractive as to seduce even the most addicted material seeker among us. I imagine this light growing within me each day. Through my daily practices growing larger. 

I am not alone. There are those that walk with me that also have a light growing within. I imagine there are many of us out there amidst the 7.5 billion humans existing on planet Earth. I imagine that as we find one another we will each experience even greater internal harmony. An energetic frequency felt not seen in the space between the root and crown. A heart space of love and light so powerful it can move mountains or even make pyramids. 

Now this is just my imagination I am writing about. What about yours? What does your mind imagine? The possibilities are endless. Dream your greatest dream. Challenge the path of least resistance. Climb to the mountaintop. Live in harmony with light while traversing the darkness of the soul’s night. Freedom lies on the other side of self-love.  

What and who do you believe in? Faith is defined as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith happens to be a prerequisite for living in flow with the events of life. Simply stated, it is easier to be faithful when life is going as desired. Yet, faith is often traded for fear in times of challenge. As I see it, faith is believing in something greater than the Self while fear is experienced by the ego. The ego being a character created by the mind in order to increase survival in the early environment we are exposed to. In order to make sense of this I tune into ancient wisdom when considering this subtle difference in perceptual sense. 

The chakra system is a collection of energy centers in the body that are linked to specific organs and nerve bundles. The seven main chakras run from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Starting from the bottom with the root chakra ascending in order to the sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye and the crown. It is said that when the chakra system is harmonized the energy within the body is allowed to flow towards the crown. Coming from western medical sciences this concept was quite difficult to entertain. Energy? How can one conceptualize it? Simply stated it cannot be conceptualized. It can only be felt. 

Often regarded as part of the mystical sciences, intrigue brought me to a much more concrete understanding. In western medicine, we are taught about the sympathetic trunk. The sympathetic trunk, also known as the sympathetic chain or gangliated cord, is a pair of nerve fiber chains that run from the base of the spine to the skull, along each side of the vertebral column. Western medicine is limited in its use of this system. However through holistic methods, such as breath work, one can gain access to this system. 

Interestingly, within the sympathetic trunk there are nerve bundles located in similar locations as the proposed mystical yogic energy centers. These bundles are known as the sympathetic ganglia. These bundles receive and deliver messages to and from the brain and organs they are connected to. These bundles are part of an information highway called the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which controls involuntary actions in muscles, glands, and internal organs, including the body's "fight-or-flight" response. It is through the influence of this system that much of our behavior is determined. 

When one is in a relaxed state, the energy flows freely through the system communicating to the brain that everything is safe in the environment. This freedom of flow and safety translates to shifts in resource allocation in the brain opening up channels of collaboration, creativity and enhanced learning among other favorable characteristics. Yet, when one is experiencing life perceived as stress this flow of energy is blocked in the lower chakra centers manifesting in the corresponding organs. For instance, stress can produce gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach aches, diarrhea, constipation, nausea as noted with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. 

Now the sympathetic nervous system is part of a larger system known as the autonomic nervous system. Its partner is known as the parasympathetic nervous system. Consider the sympathetic side as the accelerator driving energy into the areas of communication while the parasympathetic system is the brakes slowing the energy to the same regions. There is a balance that can be struck in order to achieve the aforementioned free flow of energy. One of the most powerful ways to achieve balance is to develop a strong sense of self-belief. How can one accomplish this efficiently? Well, hire us and we will show you or you can take on the challenge of creating a roadmap to your best version of Self. 

How does this work? Self-belief is defined as a person’s belief in their ability to complete tasks and achieve their goals. By creating a roadmap to one’s best version, one can list milestones on the journey to achievement. By achieving each milestone one builds self-trust or self-belief. Additionally, the benefit of the release of dopamine in the pursuit of these long term goals supports you as the fuel for the journey. As one continues building self-trust, the emergence of the ascending version develops an ability to recognize others on a similar quest. 

Self-belief becomes the gateway to a higher dimension of existence. In yogic philosophy it is said that the root chakra deals with survival needs with fear as its currency. The sacral chakra with intimacy, sexuality, sensuality, and reproduction with its currency being desire. The solar plexus chakra governs confidence, control, inner strength, and vitality with its currency being identity, ego and most importantly self-belief. Here’s where the rubber meets the road.

Once those three chakras are balanced we are free to understand the depth and richness of self-love as the energies are allowed to rise to the heart chakra. The answer lies in identifying a purpose worthy enough to commit to the journey. What better purpose could exist than the pursuit of health. The ultimate wealth. By learning to be safe within our bodies we can bring balance to the root chakra setting in motion a dormant energy at the base of the spine. By accepting desire as a natural part of life, yet not succumbing to its gravity the energy continues ascending until it reaches the solar plexus. 

My life experience says this is the most difficult part of the journey. You see the ego resides here. Here lies the old set of rules and behavioral patterns bestowed upon us by a past no longer present. Here is where many stall or give up. Here is where motivation suffers. Here is where thoughts can be generated from to pull us off course. You see identity or ego change stirs the lower centers. Bringing alive desires to quit and at times depending on the grip even survival can come into question. Paradoxically, it is the death of the old rules and behavioral patterns that gives birth to authenticity and truth. It is through the process of building self-belief that we can crown ourselves kings and queens of our own destiny. No longer prisoners of a past long gone. 

The answer to the mystery of holistic health lies in the balance of the autonomic nervous system. Through moderation one can approach healthier living by setting out on this journey. Building self-trust while recognizing others on their path to holistic health. Building networks of trusting teams with one aim in mind. To help heal the world of chronic disease. Elevating consciousness to the heart and beyond. Join us on this mission that will bring about true change within you creating a ripple effect felt round the world. 

Is it not so? The grace of life comes to us all, and for me, it has come in the past two years. Much of my life was about being the best at what I did. No matter the task, I applied 110% effort. The old adage “go big or go home” comes to mind. There is such beauty in effort. However, at times, I was a car lost in external validation without any brakes. My value was placed in my effort with the ignorant expectation of being pleased when others noticed.

Now, don’t misunderstand my words to mean that effort has no place in life. I am sharing something quite different. Effort is our gift for the place that we occupy on this Earth. Yet, the effort I speak of does not require the notice of another. You see, what I have come to understand is that the only person to impress is me these days. Selfish as it might sound, I promise to bring clarity to the comment.

When we look at the essence of being alive, it is about experiencing the present moment fully. Alan Watts encapsulates this beautifully by highlighting how simple it is to be alive, yet we often complicate it with our constant striving for more. This striving, though sometimes necessary for progress, often blinds us to the joy and fulfillment that comes from simply being.

In my pursuit of excellence, I was driven by the need to achieve and to be recognized for those achievements. It was a relentless pursuit that left little room for genuine self-reflection and inner peace. I was always on the move, always chasing the next goal, the next accolade, the next piece of validation from the external world. It was exhausting and ultimately unfulfilling.

The turning point came when I realized that my true worth was not dependent on external validation. It was a profound shift in perspective that changed my approach to life. I began to see effort not as a means to an end but as an end in itself. The joy of putting in my best effort, regardless of the outcome or recognition, became a source of deep personal satisfaction.

Effort, when viewed through this lens, becomes a form of self-expression and self-love. It is about giving your best because you value yourself and your place in the world. It is about honoring the gift of life by fully engaging in whatever you do, not for the applause or the accolades, but for the pure joy of being alive and active.

This realization has brought a sense of peace and fulfillment that I had never known before. I no longer measure my success by the standards of others. Instead, I focus on my own growth and development, on becoming the best version of myself. This does not mean that I do not strive for excellence or set high standards. On the contrary, I continue to push myself to be better, but the motivation now comes from within, not from the need to impress others.

In embracing this mindset, I have found a deeper connection to the present moment. I am more aware of the beauty around me, more attuned to my inner self, and more appreciative of the simple joys of life. This has made me more compassionate, more patient, and more grateful for each day.

Effort is indeed a gift, but it is one that we give to ourselves. It is a way of honoring our existence and making the most of our time on Earth. When we shift our focus from external validation to internal fulfillment, we unlock the real secret of life: to be completely engaged with what we are doing in the here and now.

So, if you find yourself constantly chasing after something beyond yourself, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself what truly matters. Is it the accolades and the recognition, or is it the joy of simply being alive and fully present in each moment? The answer, I believe, lies in the latter.

Embrace the grace of life that comes with being present. Let go of the need for external validation and find fulfillment in the effort itself. When you do, you will discover a profound sense of peace and joy that no external achievement can ever provide. 

The flow of life can present itself in so many ways. One moment you are suffering through a challenging time, the next you are experiencing a love too great to contain. Emotions allow us to experience life with greater depth, however emotions can also be overwhelming at times steering us away from our intended path. As my memory serves me, two years ago I was suffering through the darkest depression I had ever experienced, yet now I am riding the clouds of bliss most days. 

How can this be? Almost as if life was a sine wave. Which brings me to the topic of energy. Energy is everything and everything is energy. The physical world is governed by the laws of physics. Einstein said, “Energy can not be created nor destroyed, it can only transfer from one form to another.” From the dawn of time a collaborative exchange of energy has existed among the stars. Moving from the non visual spectrum into material existence and back again.

The basic elements that make up the Earth and all of its inhabitants, including us humans, all came from the bursting of stars. Spun into existence, we all share in the matter of energy. Gravity being the centrifuge of life spinning us into material form. All that we see around us is a product of this phenomenon. What amazing order amidst chaos. Energy in motion spinning everything to life. How exactly does this relate to emotions?

Emotions serve as a vehicle to transfer energy. Energy in motion. Through the richness of experience, we come to understand the impressive use of this internal system of expression. Emotions can be used in a variety of ways. From pushing people away to bringing them closer together, emotions have served such a great purpose throughout creation. A bridge between two people can be built solely on emotions. Yet, emotions can also isolate us away from one another like magnetic poles. Truly the double edge of a sword we all possess.

Two years ago today, I sat on my back porch watching the winds move the leaves in my backyard contemplating what remained of me. Depression is not just a state of being but a verb. Depressing is the act of suffering from the prolonged action of being sad. Burnout had led me to this point as I tried to do too much in too many directions with an environment not conducive to my health. Although blame was a popular thought at the time, I realized it would not help me to move away from this desolate place. You see my internal energy system was the lowest it had ever been. I simply was unable to push the motivation button. 

A few years before that moment, I had read about a study on mice regarding motivation. Two groups were placed in two different enclosures. One group had an inactivation of tyrosine hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for converting the amino acid tyrosine to dopamine, while the other group had normal functioning. Turns out that without dopamine the mice did not have the motivation to consume food or water. The basic survival needs are not met as a result of the absence of a molecule. Amazingly, these mice would simply just lie around. Even when they were moved right next to the food and water sources, these mice did not consume. 

Before reading this study, I thought the survival instinct was the strongest human instinct. As it turns out, anyone who has suffered from depression can explain this phenomenon. There is simply no desire to move at times. Now here’s where I learned depressing can be a verb and not simply a state of mind. Recovering would be the opposite verb. As I sat contemplating my energy, I realized I needed to change the habits that had gotten me to this point. An identity shift in its purest form.

I began to examine my habits. A scorecard determined the effectiveness of the habits that I had been performing to that moment. With great ease I could drift off into ruminant thought about all the negative events that had led me to this lonely place, yet deep within I knew the futility of this exercise. Rather than focus on blaming those around me, I looked within. What had I chosen to accept into my life? How had I contributed to these circumstances that led me to this place in time?

The peace and quiet of my back porch helped me in this process. Away from distractions I could focus on designing the roadmap that would take me away from this place. Next, it was time for action. Effective habits towards a new found purpose of finding health again took hold. At the time all I wanted was health. I reconciled the work that I had to do by reminding myself of the feeling I would possess once I had arrived at my desired destination. A transformation was taking place. Loneliness gave way to solitude as I began to enjoy my time alone. 

Setting aside any forms of immediate gratification, one step led to the next. Before long, my wounds were healed and it was time to start the physical reconditioning process. As I reflect back now, I realize love was at the center of it all. I joined a local yoga studio and immersed myself. Learning to love myself through it all taught me the intrinsic value of the greatest love of all; self-love. A faith-filled love for the being I would become. 

Days turned to months as my practice strengthened. Strength and flexibility allowed me to learn to move my body in ways I hadn’t before. There was a mystical feeling that accompanied the progression of my practice. What once was a series of course movements began to evolve into a finer dance with the air surrounding me. I began to love movement like never before. At the center of it all was the breath. Allowing it to flow like water through my body it nourished me to my core moving me into the current state of stability through steadiness and ease. 

Health is all about balance. It’s about balancing all of the compartments of our identity and the many roles we each play in life. It is about balancing our inner and outer worlds. It is about finding balance in our thoughts, emotions and feelings. It is about understanding that challenges will present themselves yet if self love exists then growth is the only actionable option. Hence, the greatest energetic return on investment is to love oneself wholly. Accepting the flow of life without resistance learning to dance with joy and gratitude. Loving every aspect of your being.

Each piece of you represents an experience that can serve as a learning tool for you and others. It is in this energy transfer that I focus on now most. Being in service to others has allowed me to learn and grow in exponential ways sharing the knowledge and experience I have acquired over the past 50 years. Depressing to recovering to striving to thriving, who knows where this road will take me next. What I do know is that the flow of life happens and my sole responsibility is to respond by being the best possible version of me. What does energy exchange look like in your life? Are you collaborating with others in healthy ways? Do you need help navigating through challenges? I am here if you need me. You are never alone.

Witnessing judgment in action is a powerful practice. Often, we find ourselves tempted to "eat the forbidden fruit," labeling experiences and emotions as good or evil. Yet, this dichotomy is merely a construct of the mind. Some of the worst events turn out to be a blessing while some the best events bring us to ruin. Reality, in its purest form, simply is. It exists beyond the confines of past and future, residing eternally in the present. By learning to sit with ourselves and observe without judgment, we discover the perfection inherent in each moment.

This journey of observation reveals the true nature of being. We begin to see ourselves not as the sum of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations but as the witness to these experiences. This shift in perspective seems simple, yet it is life-altering. Stillness truly is the key to unlock the kingdom within. After all, we are human beings, not human doings. Our essence is found in our ability to simply be, to exist in the fullness of the present moment without needing to do anything.

As we delve deeper into this practice, a part of us begins to transcend the mundane aspects of the world. A larger part of our consciousness starts to ascend beautifully towards the heart, and from there, as Buzz Lightyear would say, "to infinity and beyond." This ascent is a journey towards our highest self, a self that exists beyond the desires and distractions of the material world. Attention is the new currency driving economies. Learning to cultivate attention ability is a superpower. Mindfulness practices provide the vehicle for the journey within. 

Our best self lies above all desires, which often reside in the sacral region of our bodies, according to yogic philosophy. To lift ourselves above these desires, practices such as Kapalabhati breathing, also known as Skull Shining Breath, can be incredibly effective. This practice helps to awaken the Kundalini energy within us. According to ancient texts this energy remains dormant within us all waiting to awaken. Patiently, this energy waits at the base of the spine at the root of our existence. It is said that we must feel safe and secure in order to gain access to this subtle energy. 

It is essential to understand that this journey requires patience. Mastering the art of stillness takes time, and we must be willing to navigate the traffic of our minds. Here is where desire comes into view. Many of us have attachments and desires that prevent this energy from rising. We cannot begin the countdown to launch until stillness and acceptance of the moment is felt. Settled in our identity, stillness takes care of the rest. Grace becomes the vehicle that drives us towards our launch pad, while peace lines the streets, cheering us on. With great resolve and understanding, consistency plays an academy award winning supporting role. This journey is not just for our benefit but for the generations that will follow, paying tribute to our courage and commitment.

To truly ascend, we must let go of any remnants of the poisonous past. Holding onto past hurts and traumas will only weigh us down, preventing us from lifting off. Instead, we must embrace patience as our fuel. It is through consistent practice and steady commitment to our inner work that we can transform our lives. The path to our highest self is paved with grace and love. It is a path that requires us to rise above earthly needs and desires, to honor the temple that is our body with the greatest love of all – the love we have for ourselves.

In this sacred practice, we learn to cultivate breath management, optimize our sleep, nourish our bodies with whole foods, stay hydrated, and engage in mindfulness. We master our mindset, develop our character, and nurture our overall well-being. Each small, consistent step brings us closer to our highest potential, demonstrating the power of the aggregation of marginal gains. It is the approach of small gains in multiple domains that ascension is achieved. 

By integrating these lifestyle changes, we can counter the negative effects of stress and inflammation, both in our bodies and in the broader economy of humanity. Just as chronic stress erodes our health, so too does societal inflammation, eroding our collaborative stability. By cultivating inner peace and resilience, we can navigate these challenges with greater ease and clarity. Through health, the ultimate wealth, we can begin building the bridges necessary to commute over troubled waters. 

Ultimately, the journey towards our highest self is a journey of self-love and self-acceptance. It is about embracing the present moment, witnessing our thoughts and emotions without judgment, and nurturing our bodies and minds with care and compassion. It is about rising above our desires and honoring the divine within us. Each of us has a divine spark that can be merged through heart-centered connections and trusting networks. Yet, as Michael Jackson’s song lyrics state, it starts with the man in the mirror. 

As we continue on this path, let us remember that we are not alone. Love and grace are with us every step of the way, guiding and supporting us. And as we ascend, we do so not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of all humanity. Our courage and commitment will inspire future generations, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

So, let us embark on this journey with open hearts and minds, embracing the present moment and all it has to offer. Let us honor our bodies as temples and nurture our minds with love and compassion. And let us rise above our earthly desires, ascending beautifully towards our highest potential, to infinity and beyond.

Matthew Walker

What exactly goes on when we shut our eyes each night? All humans experience life in their own personal way. Perception is different for each one of us creating the beautifully, vivid color of life as we know it. Consciousness is the entry point for perception. Without consciousness there would be no perception through our physical senses. Safe to say that while we are awake our minds are busy analyzing the world around us. For now, we will call waking consciousness, the perceptual field for the analytical mind.

With that said, humans are equipped with filters within perception that allow sensory experiences relating to how we each see the world. We are incapable of noticing everything that goes on around us. Too much to capture for analysis, hence our brains do a wonderful job of filtering out matters that do not seem to be important to the way we each view the world. For example, a positive minded individual is much more likely to see the silver lining in any challenge versus the pessimist who struggles to see anything but hardship. All of this occurs as part of the perceptual lenses we each develop through the process of living. But what happens to perception when we sleep?  

Waking consciousness fades as we fall into slumber. Perhaps, a form of daily death from conscious interaction giving rise to unconscious mental movement charged with cleaning up the day's events. Let's start by understanding the two main phases of sleep NREM and REM sleep. NREM occurs mainly during the first half of the night's unconscious sleep while the majority of REM occurs in the second half of sleep. NREM carries the responsibility of pruning away non useful connections in the brain while REM sleep strengthens connections. Memories are carried from the hippocampus, short term memory center, to long term storage.

Then there's the glymphatic system which is considered by experts to be the waste disposal system of the brain. All of this occurs in parallel with repair and rejuvenation of the physical body. Sleep, what a dynamic event! We are all made up of about 33-37 trillion cells operating without the need of perception. It is during sleep that these cells receive the support they need to prepare for the following day's events. 

If the cells of your body do not have ample time to recover they fail to operate at their optimal potential which means so do you, the perception that goes offline during sleep. You see what I did there? It is crucial to begin laying the groundwork for what you truly are. The human body is arguably the most intricately designed organism on the planet. A collection of cells that develop following gestation from to two cells somehow multiplying day after day into the life that emerges 10 months later.

Perception is quite different then. Curiosity and wonder fill the space of perception. Novelty exists in everything seen, smelled, touched, tasted, heard and felt. As the years add up, experience begins to mold together behaviors, beliefs, experiences into the shape known as the ego identity, aka perceptual lenses. These lenses change quite a bit through life with some humans accepting and embracing change while others gripping on to whatever certainty may exist despite the potential harm of stagnation.

Ego identity becomes the subject of the rest of this document. You see it is this ego that we identify with that we believe houses who we are. Yet, it only represents the small portion of the mind known as the analytical mind. It leaves behind the subconscious mind. As the ego identity drifts off into sleep, the subconscious mind takes over in the process of directing which connections in the brain to organize, prune or strengthen.

One could go so far as to call the subconscious mind, the Father mind. It is from this Father mind that the ego identity is born shaped mainly by its environment. Perhaps, we could entertain the analytical mind as the son of the Father. While the son sleeps the Father is busy looking over him to ensure that he meets the next day reborn following the necessary 7-9 hours of sleep. In a future document, I will further this concept by adding the concept of the ego function. For now, gather the importance of sleep from a biological standpoint as you, the perceptual lens, supports the 37 trillion cells that allow you the gift of life.