Retain Awareness
Soul Food
"The wise man is one who knows what he does not know." — Lao Tzu
As spring and fall transition into summer and winter, our inner waters and fire take center stage, balancing action and repose to harmonize with the force of all creation. Your awareness will be a faithful guide, leading you through these seasons and into this new lunar cycle. Simplify. Listen. Rest in the Void.
Lao Tzu emphasizes that true wisdom lies in recognizing one’s ignorance, avoiding the arrogance of assumed knowledge. A a core principle of Taoist philosophy: humility in recognizing the limits of one’s knowledge.
Questions:
Where do you retain awareness without effort?
Where does awareness give way?
Weekly talks are offered to support you in deepening your spiritual practice, exploring your inner landscape, and cultivating inner peace.
Time Stamps: Dharma 0:00 | Meditation 21:30 | Sound 47:00 | Outro 1:26:00
Heart + Mind Food
Deepening Contemplation: Awareness
This spring has been a season of profound transitions for me, marked by the passing of loved ones that reverberate through our family’s ancestral pathways. These moments illuminate the sacred bridge between death and birth—a gateway of clearing, liberation, and transformation. Each time I navigate this threshold, whether for myself, family, friends, or clients, I am deeply moved by the soul’s journey beyond the physical. I am gently reminded of the vital role awareness plays in supporting those touched by these unexpected moments. This awareness, coupled with the wakefulness retained by the soul as it returns to the void and beyond, offers a profound opportunity to serve one another in ways we may not fully comprehend.
As we straddle the emotions of grief (fall) and anger (spring), we encounter cycles deeply tied to processing and grounding the perception of loss. The ability to trace the pathways from one existence to the next reveals the intricate connections that weave our collective contribution to the tapestry of life. Some of you may hold a vision of what lies beyond—rooted in faith, scientific understanding, or an acceptance of the unknown. These are all valid pathways for exploring the eternal journey we share. There is no need to cling to another’s understanding of this passage, for our patient existence allows us to continually refine our awareness and learn why and how it matters.
Why does awareness matter in all cycles of life, including the in-between?
Awareness anchors you in the remembrance of your eternal being. It keeps you connected to the possibilities of the present moment, granting you the freedom to retain your sovereignty and refine your unique gifts. These gifts serve your well-being and the well-being of others. As I process my own layers of grief and seek peace, I see how awareness can permeate every facet of our lives, often hindered by our resistance to fully embrace responsibility for our impact on one another. During the death-birth transition, unspoken transmissions occur—some rooted in love, others in the suffering still held. Both are dualistic, yet until we move beyond this cycle, it continues to affect not only the departing soul but also those who remain. This is where grief and anger naturally arise as emotional remedies for the charged energies stored in the body. When we meet these emotions with awareness, we can liberate them over space, finding the upward energy to clear our mind and heart. This upward energy ultimately lifts the burden from our eternal being and supports all our relations as they carry on. Mind you, this is easier written than done—it is a practice.
If you feel inspired to cultivate awareness during these sacred moments, two practices can support you and others at the death-birth gateway:
Meditate Daily: Sit in silence without props. Practice dropping into the void within that silence, letting go of the outer world and even thoughts of what a loved one may be experiencing or what you might face. Focus on being awake and aware in the nothingness. If your mind or heart grasps for phenomena, gently refocus on the void. Grasping, in any form, will eventually lead to suffering.
Giving Love: For those you miss, wish to reconcile with, or feel overwhelmed by in grief, practice sending them love. Champion them, knowing that wherever they are, your love will reach them. From your heart to theirs, send unconditional love. While grief is natural, lifting them—and yourself—through love is more beneficial than holding them in sorrow. In Buddhist traditions, intricate practices support souls in the in-between, where grief is heaviest and the soul needs the most support. By staying in a state of love, happiness flows between you and all your relations, lifting everyone to higher states of being.
As inspired, begin with one or both practices. They will strengthen your awareness across all states of being. Let divine love lead the way.
Mind’s Eye Food
Remembering: A Sacred Gateway to Clear Vision
Retaining the awareness to see from your eternal being is your sovereign right for all of infinity. Within our physical body, the pineal gland serves as a sacred bridge to our endocrine system and electromagnetic biofield. This intersection, not fully understood by modern society, is a precious gift woven into our human experience. Despite attempts to profit, manipulate, or control this interface, the pineal gland remains a sacred gateway, working alongside other energy centers like the heart to express the dynamic, swirling essence of your soul. From death until the moment we re-enter a mother’s womb, we have the opportunity to harness our vision. If destined to move beyond, we continue to awaken the vision seen through our mind’s eye, balancing the divine energy that flows through all things.
We often complicate consciousness with word salad, bypassing the metaphysical discipline required to see with clarity. Practicing this vision demands efficacy, humility, and love. Learning to see, listen, and act on what is revealed makes our journey—here and beyond—more effortless. Hindrances arise when we grasp for answers or seek to affirm what we want to be true. By resting in neutrality, we gain clearer vision. Patience and awareness allow us to discern when a vision is meant to manifest and how we can act on it responsibly. Clear vision carries consequences; using it in the highest and best way is a practice, and lessons will shape our growth. We are called to hold a calm presence without emotional involvement and/or judgment. This clear, sacred vision is accessible to all, and we can practice using our mind’s eye daily, in all states of being.
To avoid intruding into another’s biofield—akin to entering someone’s home without permission—follow two key principles. First, only visions received in a neutral state or explicitly given to you are yours to hold. As my elders taught, taking what isn’t yours is theft. Second, observe what is shown without getting involved. This mindful approach is a good starting point: stay aware and mind your own business.
Nature-Based Practices to Nourish Your Vision
Sunlight Exposure: Natural sunlight regulates circadian rhythms, supporting melatonin production by the pineal gland. Spend 10–20 minutes daily in morning sunlight (without sunglasses) to stimulate this sacred gland.
Earthing (Grounding): Direct contact with the earth reduces inflammation and balances your electromagnetic field. Walk barefoot on grass, sand, or soil for 15–30 minutes daily.
Clean Water: Pure water supports detoxification and may prevent fluoride buildup. Use filtered or spring water for drinking and cooking.
Nature Immersion: Time in natural environments reduces stress and enhances mental clarity, supporting pineal gland function. Engage in forest bathing, hiking, or sitting by water sources (like the ocean, which is deeply supportive) daily.
Practices to Nourish the Pineal Gland
Meditation: Meditation fosters mental clarity, reduces stress, and activates the pineal gland in spiritual traditions. Practice 10–20 minutes daily, focusing on your breath and dropping into the void of silence. (no props)
Breathwork (Pranayama): Breathwork increases oxygen flow to the brain and balances the nervous system. Try alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) for 5–10 minutes daily to promote calm and focus.
Asana (Yoga): Poses that increase blood flow to the head support pineal gland health. Incorporate Child’s Pose, Downward Dog, or Headstand (with guidance) 2–3 times per week.
Sleep Well: The pineal gland produces melatonin during darkness, regulating sleep. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, avoid blue light exposure (e.g., screens) 1–2 hours before bed, and sleep in a dark room.
Sound Therapy: Certain frequencies stimulate the pineal gland and promote relaxation. Attend a sound therapy session (or class) with me or spend time in nature, listening to its natural rhythms.
By practicing these nature-based and mindful disciplines, you can nourish your pineal gland and awaken the clear vision of your eternal being. Let humility, love, and neutrality guide your journey.
Mind You + Food
Nourishing Simplicity in Transitional Seasons
During the transitional spring and fall seasons, as well as pivotal moments in life, it’s best to keep things simple. Often, you might forget to create space to nourish yourself. This weekend, I visited several public spaces and noticed a high percentage of our fellow brothers and sisters who appeared, based on their constitution, to be depleted of nutrient-rich nourishment. Many believe it takes a lot of time to prepare a simple meal filled with whole food ingredients to replenish all aspects of your being. If inspired, start introducing fresh, clean veggies and fruits during the spring-to-summer transition. For those in the fall-to-winter shift, taper raw foods while keeping greens and living nutrients as a side or add-on to cooked dishes. In spring and fall, aim for a balance of raw and/or fermented vegetables and fruits with your meals. Cooked foods will help keep your body warm and remove dampness, supporting your overall well-being.
Consider a vibrant chopped salad as a perfect example of this balance, featuring carrots, sweet peas, cabbage, pistachios, cilantro, tomatoes, and kale, dressed with balsamic vinegar, lemon, pepper, and Himalayan salt. This nutrient-rich dish supports the pineal gland—your sacred gateway to clear vision—by providing antioxidants, magnesium, and detoxifying elements that enhance melatonin production and protect against oxidative stress. Pair this meal with a cup of blue lotus tea* (1 tsp steeped in 250 mL hot water for 10–15 minutes) to deepen relaxation and mental clarity. The calming effects of blue lotus complement the pineal gland’s role in regulating circadian rhythms, fostering the awareness and sovereignty you carry through all seasons of life.
At-a-Glance Nutritional Benefits for Pineal Gland:
Carrots and tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants (beta-carotene, lycopene), protecting the pineal gland from oxidative stress.
Kale and pistachios: High in magnesium, supporting melatonin production.
Cilantro and lemon: Support detoxification (heavy metals, chemicals, +radiation), potentially reducing pineal gland calcification risks.
Sweet peas and cabbage: Provide fiber and vitamins, supporting overall endocrine health.
Balsamic vinegar, lemon, pepper, salt: Add flavor while lemon aids detoxification.
* Before incorporating blue lotus tea, please check with me or another herbalist to ensure it’s suitable for your current state of being, considering any nutrients, supplements, herbs, medications, or conditions you are balancing. Simply send me an email or message to discuss your needs and ensure this addition supports your holistic well-being. If you want a custom blended dreaming tea, I am happy to make this for you.
May each moment be filled with Blissful JOY, Peace and a lot of LAUGHTER. .sT