The Untethered Soul: A Transformative Journey of Self-Discovery
Written on
Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter
Recently, while working at the natural health store, a customer shared that she had just visited my favorite bookstore. Curious, I asked, "What did you find?" Her face lit up as she excused herself to retrieve something from her car. Moments later, she returned with a copy of Michael Singer's The Untethered Soul.
"You have to read this book. Take it, and promise you'll return it," she insisted. I've lent and borrowed countless books over the years, knowing all too well the cycle of good intentions that often leads to forgotten returns. Grateful for the recommendation, I said I would buy my own copy, but she insisted I take hers. Despite my reservations, I accepted.
It took me a year to finally read it. It wasn't until a regular customer—someone with whom I often engaged in deep conversations about spirituality—urged me, not just once but twice, to listen to Michael Singer's podcast that I delved into the book, finishing it in a single weekend. Ironically, I have yet to see the generous soul who lent me the book, which now fills me with embarrassment. Yet, this very embarrassment offers me a chance to practice Michael’s advice to "relax and release."
The Inner Voice
Michael begins by discussing the incessant voice in our minds—the thinking self. While we are all aware of this voice, we often fail to recognize it. He prompts readers to engage with it: “Say ‘hello’ right now. Repeat it a few times.” You might have just done that. The key takeaway is that you are not merely the voice in your head; you are the observer of it. “There’s a voice speaking, and there’s you who notices that voice.”
He emphasizes that this inner dialogue never ceases. It critiques, labels, and argues with itself, trying to make sense of likes and dislikes while clinging to what feels good. Michael states, “You’ll realize that this narration is an attempt to provide comfort as you navigate the world. It’s akin to backseat driving, giving you a false sense of control.”
He asserts that we assigned the mind the task of making us feel secure as life unfolds, a daunting challenge that often leads to internal unrest. “True personal growth involves transcending that part of you that feels insecure and requires protection. This is achieved by continually reminding yourself that you are the observer of the voice. That is the path to liberation.”
Understanding Fear
“Many people fail to recognize fear as just another object in the universe that we can experience. You have two choices: acknowledge it and release it or conceal it and let it fester.” Michael advises that when something disturbs you, instead of allowing the voice to spiral into a frenzy of solutions, simply relax and let it go. It’s that straightforward—relax and release.
This approach sounds simple, yet it reveals the extensive baggage we carry. Every past experience, like seeing a car that triggers memories of an old flame who once hurt us, can reignite the voice for an endless internal debate about what should have been said. The realization hits hard: we have much to release.
Michael recommends starting with “the low-hanging fruit.” Picture yourself driving to work, and the vehicle ahead is moving five miles under the speed limit. The urge to react with anger or frustration can be strong, but if you notice your feelings, you can choose to relax, ease your body, and let it go. Why arrive at work burdened by irritation when you can choose to release it?
When we become aware of our inner dialogue, every moment transforms into a spiritual practice. In each instance, we decide whether to follow the voice or to relax and release.
This was a profound revelation from Michael’s teachings. You don’t need to renounce everyday life to truly know yourself or achieve self-realization. Instead, you can practice mindfulness in daily situations until you gradually notice that what once triggered you no longer holds power over you. This is true freedom.
Letting Go
“Let go now or fall.” The message is clear: do not fall—release. Regardless of what it is, let it go. The larger the burden, the greater the reward for letting go. It’s a binary choice: you either release or you do not. Let your obstacles transform into fuel for your journey. What holds you down can elevate you. You just need the courage to rise.
These powerful insights present a straightforward method for living joyfully, appreciating each moment as it unfolds without judgment or attachment. Of course, this transformation won’t happen overnight; it requires practice and a willingness to abandon our conditioned reactions.
There is an abundance of wisdom in the book—far too much to cover here. If you seek to know your true self, the one who observes the voice, and if you desire genuine happiness beyond the fleeting joy that stems from external circumstances, I encourage you to read this book.
May we all find freedom.
Don’t miss a thing—subscribe to receive my stories as soon as they’re published.
Chapter 2: Insights from Michael Singer
In this summary of The Untethered Soul, discover how Michael Singer’s teachings can reshape your understanding of self-awareness and personal growth.
Chapter 3: The Universe and Our Energy
Explore Michael Singer’s perspective on energy and how fighting against life can drain you. Learn to align with the universe instead.