In this episode, I’ve come to conclusion that the content of chapters 12, 13, and 14 have been full of metaphors and messages on the same concept: expectations have got a huge role to play in the limitations of our potential, the limitation of our mindset and vision, and the limitation of our success. With all things considered in each chapter, I’ve come down to a number of takeaways: eliminate expectations, figure out why you do what you do by not doing it and thus, learn more about yourself, don’t feel the need to be responsible for others who don’t want to rise to the challenge/“stoop” to your level, and, most of all, know that life is short, so why be stuck in the past or the future? Just be here. We should be looking forward to a new book VERY soon. Follow my Instagram (@Ephrain_) to see what’s coming up! Exciting stuff coming soon that will really enhance our establishment of the Lifism Project. Stay tuned!

In this very brief episode we recognize that one of the chapters in “The Untethered Soul” gives a very overt takeaway: All Emotions Are Temporary. And because of that, this episode was watered down to a very familiar quote for memory’s sake: “This too shall pass.” Once we recognize all of our emotions, be it happiness or anger, are temporary, we can see a different necessity in approaching our emotional experiences. That is, enjoy the good parts, and let go of the bad parts.

In this episode we talk about how having a constant array of expectations is an indicator of living a life full of fear. We also touch upon how change is a constant and perpetual entity existing in all things, and how we ought to be more welcoming of it rather than trying our hardest to avoid it. There’s also talk about “messing around” with disturbances. That is, allowing ourselves to be ‘just a little angry’, ‘justified,’ or ‘getting a small taste’ when it comes to getting involved with thoughts, emotions, or experiences that pull us away from self-awareness. There is no such thing; you are either getting caught up, or you’re not. There is no “half-immersion”, there is no “I can get angry later”—you are either self-aware in that moment, or you’re not. And so, we recognize how often we can be pulled out of self-awareness, and how important it is to recognize when we’re being pulled out.

First of all, we catch up a little bit with what I’ve been up to. Then, in this episode, we talk briefly about how our society has transitioned from a physically sensitive to a psychologically sensitive society. From there, we go into great detail about how distractions from experiences, emotions, and thoughts come with untapped, disturbing energy that can lead us to be less self-aware. From there, we ascertain how to not be caught up in needless distraction, not be caught up in pointless necessities for protection, and how to recognize that there is gratefulness to be had all the distractions that surround us. Without them, we wouldn’t know what it means to be free.

In this episode we talk about the concept of the little moments in time that make us: think of the past, bring about positive or negative emotions, and bring good or bad thoughts. These moments that set off a pattern of emotions, thoughts, and experiences are known as Samskaras. While Samskaras can be negative (being triggered by something that reminds you of a bad time) or positive (deliberately thinking back to when times were good rather than being in the present), Samskaras keep us from feeling the genuine nature of simply feeling well. In this episode we’ll also lightly fringe on the idea of “letting things pass you by”—this is a concept where we must notice the duality of choice. There is a time to care, and there is a time to just let things pass by. While we do not go in depth on making clarifications of when to care and when not to, it is important to note that there will be times where you should care, and other times where you should just acknowledge thin

In this episode, we talk about how there is a way to have that energy and enthusiasm that seems elusive to us (i.e. motivation). Here, we also talk about an essential hallmark of the Lifism Project that will set itself apart from other ideas.

In this episode we touch upon the first part of Michael A. Singer’s “The Untethered Soul” and how this relates to the fragments that make up what the Lifism Project is all about. This episode explores a handful of quotes of what has been read thus far, touching upon the duality of the self with awareness, and the self made from learned experiences. We will also acknowledge how thought, emotion, and senses are colored by preconceived notions of good and bad which may stem from religion or mere morality and upbringing, and acknowledging that some things simply just happen to us. Feel free to share your thoughts, give pointers, and show support. Be sure to follow Kirk on Instagram @Ephrain_ for things related to poetry and more ideas found in the captions!

[“Pilot,” Ep. 1] I sound like a dating profile. Here’s to the first of many!