If you like my writing, feel free to click the ❤️ or 🔄 button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack 🙏
It’s been a minute since I’ve written here outside of posts about new podcasts.
I enjoy highlighting the wisdom from new guests, but it also feels much less personal and intimate relative to when I was writing essays regularly.
I wanted to share some more personal updates on what’s been going on with me.
Book
In December 2022, what was supposed to be a casual catch up lunch with a friend turned into a deeply vulnerable and healing conversation. We “went there” on many of the parts of our lives that usually go undiscussed. At the end of our lunch he told me it was one of the more meaningful conversations he could remember.
Later that day, I was in the shower and started to receive very clear downloads that I needed to write a book. I liked writing, but never seriously considered a book. I guess I didn’t know what I’d write about.
The downloads came through as a very loud and direct voice in my awareness. Part of the role of the book was to give others permission to share and express more of themselves. The other part was intended to highlight a more integrated approach to consciousness evolution which just happened to be my own story.
I started writing the next day and have been working on it since with varying intensity. The book has evolved quite a bit over time, but the thrust of it is how you can bring your desire to grow spiritually and live a materially fulfilling life together, so that they work synergistically.
This dual pursuit was very confusing for me at various points in my journey. It kind of feels like I’ve been writing the book I wish I had 4-5 years ago. I guess that’s how these things work.
In February 2023, I started working with an editor and I just finished my 4th revision last weekend. The process has been a beast. It’s why I haven’t been writing here as much because most of that energy has been channeled to creating something that I hope will stand the test of time.
It’s been a ton of work, but I’m really thrilled how it’s shaping up. In my last round of beta reading one reader told me it was one of the most helpful books they’ve ever read. Another told me their mind chatter has rapidly diminished since applying the information. Someone else created a screensaver for themselves depicting quotes and concepts related to trust. Given the effort that's gone into it, it’s really exciting to get this type of feedback. It feels good to have some confidence that what I’m creating will help others.
I’ve learned a lot about writing a book and will definitely write more about this someday. The main piece of advice I have is that you probably shouldn’t write a book, unless you can’t not write it. That’s how mine felt. It just needed to come out of me. This natural force is what keeps you going on the many days you’re staring at a blank page or the massive wall of text you need to revise.
Continuing Studies
Over the past year, I’ve invested in much more training. This feels like a natural development for me. It’s been nearly 6 years of pretty intense, continuous inner work that is now being channeled in a way that can more directly help others.
I’m about to complete my level 1 RenXue teacher training. The training covers an immense amount of ground in the realm of consciousness, Qigong, and transformation. On a practical level, it’s intended to help you teach Qigong and facilitate Qi healing.
One thing that has become clear to me is that learning about metaphysical concepts and practically applying them are two very different things. Knowing everything is composed of energy (Qi) is cool, but doesn’t really do much to change your life. You need to take the steps to learn the underlying mechanics of how Qi works and its relationship to your consciousness’s unrealized capacities to really begin applying it. Overall this training has been phenomenal.