UndoTheEgo's podcast: Recent Episodes
Cara Beckett
Discussing all matters relating to serious spiritual growth! Suitable for students of Dr. David R. Hawkins, A Course In Miracles, Eckhart Tolle or any serious spiritual seeker who understands or who wants to understand the workings of the ego and consciousness. Also included are shows on different aspects of consciousness, reviews of spiritual books, and coverage of spiritual concepts with occasional interviews. This is a replay of the show 'Consciousness, Ego Enlightenment!' carried by CFBX radio 92.5 FM the X, in Kamloops, BC Canada. Hosted by Cara Beckett.
An overview of some of the philosophies that underpin various spiritual approaches.
This show aired May 25, 2021.
What we think of as our own body is life being supported by other life, rather than something we "own". It's hard to separate our body out from all the other life supporting it. The concept of a separate "I" based on a separate body is false.
Adding to the May 4, 2021 show. This show aired May 11, 2021.
This is a radical concept that can be hard to hear. It can also be very effective in helping to let go of the ego. What if it were true - that life is living us - meaning there isn't an ego, and there can't even be an individual I?
This show aired May 4, 2021.
It's a difficult thing to do! Changing how we look at just one principle - that the physical world is strong than we are and controls us - makes a huge difference.
Looking again at the experiences we have and how they are more created by the mind than the body's senses - our mind tricks us into thinking our senses have told us about the world.
One of the mysteries of life is the question: what is the body for? We have numerous uses for the body, but spiritually speaking, what is the purpose of the body? Do any of the commonly offered explanations ring true?
A continuing of a hopefully simple explanation of non duality (not-two). A key part of our seeing the world as duality (many things) lies in the use of the body as our boundary between ourselves (me) and the rest of the world (not me.) But is this a valid way to decide that there is a me, separate from all else?
Asked by a listener to provide an every day, "layman's" guide to understanding non-duality - a challenge! This is part 1, and it focuses almost entirely on understanding the role of awareness. Part 2 (planned for next week) will talk about the more abstract facets of non-duality, all of which come from the recognition of awareness. This is a non-scholarly attempt to explain non-duality from the inside out.
Even though the words, "Direct Path" imply there is ONE direct path to enlightenment, in reality there are many paths considered "Direct Path" with differing orders of magnitude of difficulty.
Defining a Direct Path is not necessarily exact. There are many definitions. A Direct path usually has no Holy Text (but there are exceptions to that) and no church, ashram or sangha to attend (again, with exceptions.)
A Direct Path is supposed to lead you directly to enlightenment - a quick pathway, but perhaps a hard path to follow. Without the support of a church or community, the seeker is left to seek on his or her own.
Of the variations of Direct Paths, some are considered to be progressive or intermediate. A progressive path works to improve the human psychological condition at the same time as working towards the realization of enlightenment. An intermediate path is one which has set out steps, or levels of achievement or knowledge.
Another variable is the lack of definition of enlightenment or awakening. Without a clear end goal, choosing a path can be difficult. Different teachers offer different approaches, and in the end, no one path is better or worse than another.
We've learned (and chosen) to believe that we are limited, and these beliefs draw our attention away from our own awareness. In fact, without your awareness you would have no experience at all. The two are inextricably interlinked. Your awareness never changes, it never ages, it never grows tired. As such, it can be said to be eternal and changeless - attributes we also give to God. Your awareness is always there, ever-present - also like God. What happens when you become aware of your own awareness? By doing so, are you getting in touch with God?
The ego and the Absolute cannot be compared, as the Absolute is not definable. It is ironic that we spend so much time studying or training to come enlightened, when the Absolute is always there, and always has been.
If the concept of past/ future is integral and needed for the ego to exist, so too is the concept of comparison. Choiceless awareness is the alternative.
Podcast only version that does not appear on 92.5 the X.
Ever wondered what it would mean to be devoted to your God, or to your spirituality? What it would mean to be dedicated to God?
This is a podcast-only version, as CFBX radio, where the show normally airs, is on hiatus over the Christmas season.
Another look at time and the ego - a slightly different look at the same principle.
Aired Dec. 17 2020 as a follow up to the Dec. 10, 2020 show
By dividing time into past, present and future, we move out of the present moment. Our brains then decide that if we existed in the past, and we exist in the present moment, there must be an "I" that will exist, into the future - and the ego is born.
A loving society would be one that is built with love for others as the criterion in every matter. Can we build this? What would it take? To start with, your personal commitment to love for all.
Are you finding it hard to be loving in a negative world? Is it hard to be positive when you see natural disasters, crime, plague and other terrible issues affecting the world? The climate crisis, climate change deniers, political polarization, and more... how does one stay positive and loving with all that going on? Some suggestions in this show.
What if the major similarity between the world's major religions, was at the core, nothing but love?
The ego is addicted to itself, the ego. Is it possible to use a 12 step process with the addiction to the ego, just as we use a 12 step process for many other addictions?
Surrendering the ego is never easy. "Letting go" may be a short cut to surrender. Both "letting go" and surrender achieve the same end goal - the lessening of the ego and greater happiness in life.
Considering compassion can help us become more compassionate. This show suggests three different, but interlinked ways to consider and increase your compassion. All decrease the ego. Special emphasis on information from the book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, by Karen Armstrong.
Questioning the spiritual concept that "we don't need to change the world" is confusing to many people. What? We shouldn't help the homeless or help out in a natural disaster? These people are working off karma and we should just let them work it off?
The answers may be just as confusing, as they appear to be both complex and applying differently at differing levels of spiritual consciousness. To someone at a very high level of consciousness, who fully understands that we are spirit, not bodies, other people are also spirits, not bodies and do not need help.
Yet the idea that pulling together in a natural disaster joins us as one in a common goal is both spiritually compelling and compassionate. It seems cruel to simply walk away and ignore the great need.
Closer to home, you may be confronted with a homeless person, a drunk or an addict, all crying out for help. Does ignoring them (aka leaving them to their karma) feel compassionate? Does it add negative karma to you if you walk away from someone needing help?
These confusing questions don't seem to have easy answers. Is this the pathway through the confusion? Kindness, discernment, and surrender.
A follow up show to the August 27th show on the ego being brain function. It's useful to understand how the ego got started, the value of lessening it, how the ego resists spirituality and some simple tips on lessening the ego.
Written by Gerald Jampolosky, MD, the book is an engagingly simple set of 18 steps called 'Shortcuts to God". Despite the use of the term 'shortcuts' none of these steps are simple to implement although the description of what is needed is valuable.
For example, forgiveness (the first shortcut) is a crucial way to God, but the book does not suggest a means to forgive, just that we should forgive. The benefit is in the consideration of forgiveness as a way to God, and the reader being inspired to forgive.
How does one move closer to God, if you don't know what God is? A discussion of what God could mean, and how one could express the dedication of moving closer to God. Perhaps the question, How do I move closer to God, should really be, How do I uncover that which is already within me?
We've considered the ego as a built up sense of self; in effect a psychological self and an illusion. Take this a step further. The ego is nothing more than brain activity. Basically, the ego is the mind thinking about itself and setting up what the minds thinks of as a person.
There is an inverse relationship between trust and judgment. The more you trust God; the less you judge. The more you judge, the less faith you have in the world and God.
When you judge, you are trusting the ego.
Judgment is often, well, judged as bad in spiritual circles. The reality is that we all have to make choices. We can make them with discernment or with judgment.
What is trust? How do we trust? Trust is a social construct, of an image that we believe in. This includes our spirituality. We trust our concept of the spiritual.
It's not always easy to just watch your mind (being mindful), especially when you are just learning to be mindful. Rather than pure vipassana (insight clarity) meditation, you can go through your day, watching the mind, by throwing your ego a bone.
We throw a dog a bone to keep it busy. You can do this with your ego, by suggesting that there are specific things going on in your ego that can be watched for. This show discusses a few 'bones' to offer your ego, to keep it busy and stop it from pulling you back and away from mindfulness.
Due to covid 19 restrictions, all shows are now pre-recorded and air on Thursdays at 10AM.
The Untethered Soul, by Michael A. Singer is well worth this second look. The first look at the book, recorded some time ago, offered more of a chapter by chapter viewpoint. This episode tries for more of an overview approach.
1st in a series on those who appear to be enlightened but are either not well known or who appear to go on with life of spirituality. The Peace Pilgrim lived a quiet life of service, walking the country to spread awareness of peace.
The Course In Miracles supplement, the Song of Prayer, turns our ideas of prayer, forgiveness and healing upside down.
A brief look at some of the principle tenets of Advaita: duality, division, conflict as a result of division, the ego, that which was never split does not have to re-join itself, and the Absolute.
The show aired June 18, 2020
Nothing lasts forever. Everything has a beginning and an end : until you look at the Absolute and see clearly that there is that, which all things arise from and subside into.
Show aired June 11 2020
Inter-relatedness, aka inter-dependency, is an essential spiritual viewpoint. All things are temporary and depend on conditions to arise and fall away, including ourselves. Any sense of separation is just a mind set.
What do you see as the basic underpinnings of your spiritual beliefs? Understanding this will help you remain true to your spirituality.
Faith is having complete trust or confidence in someone or something. It's both an operative belief and a limitation. It's a habit and a force to be reckoned with/ What do you have faith in?
An ego that has been quarantined may not be a pretty thing. But are egos ever pretty? Some thoughts on being quarantined with your ego.
A brief look at Chapter 30 of A Course In Miracles - you are not your body but unlimited, everlasting spirit.
Taking a closer. more specific look at fear in the time of Covid-19. Show aired April 16 2020
Fears seems to be the biggest response to Covid-19. It's a great test of your spirituality. It's prime time for fear, as though our society has been carrying a lot of fear that is now being expressed as a group. The first of three planned shows on cover-19 and spirit, this show is general in nature.
Taking a quick look at the work of Fred Davis, and then the questions: should you pay to be enlightened, can someone enlighten you, and if so, what is a reasonable rate? This has to be a personal decision; my "opinion" does not matter.
Some time ago, Thomas Wakechild (www.ACourseInMiraclesForDummies.com) published a toolkit for creating change in your life. Dealing with your responses to life, it promises to end fear and improve your relationships.
We're taking a look at the book, Secular Meditation.Focusing primarily on the first section on Loving-Kindness, and then on another meditation: Yes! We Have No Bananas. While not truly a meditation in the sense of sitting for 30 minutes, Yes! We Have No Bananas is a tool that you can use throughout your day to change your viewpoint from stress to acceptance.
Does the saying, 'The spirit lives on after death' seem to be a bit too general for you? What happens to your thinking if you replace the word 'spirit' with 'awareness'? The show is based on Rupert Spira's use of the words 'awareness' and 'consciousness' as the recognition of the part of you that lives forever (the real you) or the big S Self as Ramana Maharshi used to say. This show builds on concepts introduced and discussed over the last year.
Are consciousness and awareness the same thing? Is consciousness a focusing of awareness? Is it awareness that underlies everything?
A list, from Dr. David R. Hawkins, of 18 positionalities that most of us hold, and how these hidden beliefs hold us back, spiritually speaking.
A quick look at only the first few monographs in Robert Wolfe's book, Awakening To Infinite Presence: The Clarity Of Self Realization, and some clarifying questions he raises. As enlightenment is always here, are you ready for it?
In his 2003 book, I: Reality and Subjectivity, Dr. David R. Hawkins published list of the most valuable qualities of a spiritual seeker (pages 172-174). This episode discusses that list.
In the book, I: Reality and Subjectivity, pages 172-174, Dr. David R. Hawkins listed 12 concepts that when believed, provide great spiritual advancement.
Humbleness and humility can be hard concepts for the ego. Nonetheless, the concepts are valid and useful.
A short summary of Chapter 27 of A Course In Miracles. This chapter may be particularly useful for those experiencing illness.
Show aired Dec. 17 2019
Having pre-set ideas in your head about how life works can be directly oppositional to your spiritual goals. Dr. David R. Hawkins listed off a series of positionalities - what has been referred to as presuppositions - that prevent you from moving forward, spirituality speaking.
Show from Dec 10 2019, 92.5 the X CFBX radio
Students bring forth common spiritual concerns; some of these are discussed in this show.
We all have unconscious beliefs that stand in the way of our spirituality. To be open to the truth, we have to uncover these beliefs. "Presupposition" is the term for beliefs that are hidden in our use of language, and we seldom question presuppositions until they are brought to our attention. Some presuppositions that many spiritual seekers use are discussed in this show.
Dr. David R. Hawkins offered his thoughts on how to tell if you are seriously committed to your spiritual work. This show considers his viewpoint and my own thoughts on it. How committed are you to your own spiritual growth?
Written by Steve Taylor, The Leap offers his thoughts on bridging the gap between enlightened and unenlightened.
Letting Go, one of many books written by Dr. David R. Hawkins, offers Dr. Hawkins' thoughts on how to let go of the various issues which affect us all. Referencing his first book, Power vs. Force, Hawkins uses his Map of Consciousness to address how to let go from the various levels of conscious.
A short series of letters, referencing, or written by, a monk from the 1600's - Brother Lawrence - with his method of being continually in touch with God. This is freely available on the web as an e-book, such as this one: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/13871
If there isn't a personal self, how can there be a personal will? What is a personal will, is it an egoic will? What about a spiritual will or Divine Will?
Is there a personal self? Most of us think that there obviously is, and why wouldn't there be a personal self? This discussion of a personal self is about there not actually being any personal self whatsoever, beyond the ego's imagination.
Is the world just consciousness dreaming?
In taking another look at the Absolute, and brief looks at various forms of spirituality, the question has to be asked.
Using the Thomas Wakechild edition of A Course in Miracles, Chapter 21points out that we are responsible for what we see.
If you see horror and hate, that is what you choose to project outwards, which then becomes what you see in the world which we have made.
We have many built-in blocks to enlightenment. With most of these, we can't even recognize them as blocks because they are so deeply engrained into our usual lives. Three are focused on in this show: our language that assumes separation; fear/self-protection; and time/the future.
The Absolute - Infinite - God - all names for the same thing? Until we understand what the Absolute is, it can be hard to change our thinking from our conditioned, ego-driven relative-style thinking into thinking from the viewpoint that is enlightenment.
Rupert Spira published a small book, Being Aware of Being Aware, that forms much of the basis of today's show.
An overview, with comments, on A Course In Miracles, Chapter 19; primarily taken from the version by Elizabeth Cronkhite and the Foundation of Inner Peace edition.
A comparison of the different terms of spiritual guides, mentors, directors and companions; why you may want to have s spiritual mentor or companion and a bit about what to expect.
A short summary of Chapter 18 of A Course In Miracles, quoting from the Thomas Wakechild version of the Foundation of Inner Peace edition.
This is the chapter that contains one of the most beautiful pieces of the Course; the Section The Little Gardenm and the sections that lead into it are almost as beautiful.
Dr. David R. Hawkins, suggests in his book,Healing and Recovery, that the body is only experienced in mind, mind is only experienced in consciousness, and consciousness is only experienced in awareness. His thoughts lead you upwards into an experience of awareness itself - who (what) you really are.
Adyashanti recently published a short talk titled Always and Already. It also talks about awareness as being the final result of self-inquiry. Who am I, or what am I, are the two basic questions of self-inquiry.
Both come together to show you that what you truly are is Awareness itself: not your body, not your mind, not even your consciousness.
Part book review, and part commentary, of An End to Upside Down Thinking: Dispelling the Myth That the Brain Produces Consciousness, and the Implications for Everyday Life, by Mark Gober.
The show brings out three ideas:
- Consciousness underlies and creates matter, rather than matter (the brain) producing consciousness
- The brain acts as a filter to narrow the awareness of full consciousness
- Reduced brain functioning can increase access to full consciousness
Part book review, and part commentary, of An End to Upside Down Thinking: Dispelling the Myth That the Brain Produces Consciousness, and the Implications for Everyday Life, by Mark Gober.
The show brings out three ideas:
- Consciousness underlies and creates matter, rather than matter (the brain) producing consciousness
- The brain acts as a filter to narrow the awareness of full consciousness
- Reduced brain functioning can increase access to full consciousness
An overview of the book, the Master Game, by Dr. Robert S. de Ropp. The Master Game is the game of awakening. A somewhat cynical book, but worth the read. Take note of the 6 different types of Master Game playing that do not end in awakening.
A discussion of first, spiritual leaders who tell us not to believe our thoughts; second, why our thoughts can never be completely accurate; and third, a few, very disabling (spiritually speaking) thoughts that we should not believe.
David Hawkins often talked about letting go of emotions and the ego, but many people have difficulty making it happen. This shows offers a way to do this using 'raw consciousness', which is a more focused way of letting go than the more general way Hawkins discussed, while still using the same general method.
While unable to offer a sample over the radio, please contact Cara if you would like either an audio or a discussion of how to let go using the 'raw consciousness' method of letting go. Contact info is at the end of the show.
Chapter 15 introduces the concept of the Holy Instant - that moment in time where judgment is suspended, and the Holy Spirit teaches you the thought system of Christ.
What is an 'open ego'? The concept of an open ego is of an ego that is open to losing itself; open to spirituality. Egos are not generally very open towards being anything but themselves, but with emotional maturity an ego opens and loosens. This brings a happier life (without the ego insisting on taking positions) and may well be a step forward towards enlightenment.
A review of Suzanne Segal's book, Collision with the Infinite, which is her own account of what she first thought of as a psychological disorder but later came to realize was enlightenment. It appears that Suzanne, for about 12 years, experienced 'no-self' before transitioning into 'all-self.'
The book is an interesting account of what it is like to be 'no-self' instead of the ego-self we all normally experience.
A review, with comments, of Chapter 13 of A Course In Miracles, Circle of Atonement edition. This audio is shorter than usual, as an interview for a local festival was removed from the audio.
What does it mean to be "in the present moment"? How do you manage to do that and still function in life?
What is the self? We hear people talk about finding their true self, but when you start looking for your 'self', you realize either that you can't find anything at all, or that what you think of as yourself changes as fast as the various roles you play. Is your 'self' only your ego? Is there a 'self' at all?
This show is the first in a series of summaries of the teachings of Dr. David R. Hawkins.
Taking responsibility for our thoughts and our egos is central to Hawkins' teachings. The show starts with a truly appropriate Alan Watts quote (with plenty of Hawkins' quotes throughout the show.)
"Ultimately, happiness comes down to choosing between the discomfort of becoming aware of your mental afflictions or the discomfort of being ruled by them."
This is your choice: to take responsibility for your thoughts and your ego and to release them in the process, or to be ruled by your thoughts and ego.
A quick overview of Chapter 12, in the Circle of Atonement edition of A Course In Miracles.
It's easy to misunderstand today's modern-age spirituality if you don't have some of the background needed to make it work in your own live. This show is an attempt to explain some the unspoken, often mis-understood background behind some common modern-age spiritual principles.
A presentation on Chapter 10, of the Circle of Atonement edition of A Course In Miracles. This is not so much a summary, as has been posted in previous ACIM shows, but more of a discussion of what the overall meaning of the chapter is - not to put the body or physical presence/this world as an idol in front of God.
In one of the rare shows where we take a look at religions, this show focuses on Jehovah’s Witnesses. Join us with David Charbonneau, as he talks about how he left the Jehovah’s Witness church as a young man.
An interview with Barb Hembling, who has led many study groups in A Course of Miracles.
A summary of Chapter 9, of the Circle of Atonement edition of A Course In Miracles - The Plan of Forgiveness.
An initial look at Dr. David R. Hawkins Levels of Consciousness, from 20 into 400. This is Part 1 of a multipart show.
Adyashanti has published three videos summarizing his teachings, available on youtube. This show covers these three videos. This link leads to all three videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhdFmgb5xYg
An overview of the book, The Inside Out Revolution. The book may have been intended as more of a motivational/self-help book but is also useful from a spiritual perspective.
A partial look into the book by Judith Campbell, I Brake for Butterflies. Focusing mostly on her version of the stages of spirituality.
Wow - chapter 6 - it's all coming together. Listen in on this summary of the Circle of Atonement edition of Chapter 6, A Course In Miracles.
A recap of the first sections of the book, Rude Awakening, by P. T. Mistlberger - a highly recommended read.
Comparing your ego to a video or online computer brain can help you understand your ego!
A very quick review of World Religions, which is a topic far too big to cover in any one show.
What really supports you in this life? What is the most basic underlying energy that keeps you operational in this life? That life force within you! You didn't make it. You personally, at least consciously, don't have the intelligence to keep your cells turning over and your organs doing what they do. Is it all your unconscious brain that runs all that? Or it is Source?
Your mind is just a storyteller, making up stories all day long, and repeating them over and over again.
What is Kundalini, the serpent? A general discussion of Kundalini as the energy that first supports your life, and then, with your spiritual development, supports you in becoming One with God.
Even something as simple as your morning coffee from your favourite coffee shop shows you how the entire world is actually supporting you in a way that you may not have realized. When you get annoyed or angry at the world or at some perceived slight and gratitude is hard to feel, there is a way.
A generalized look at the fifty miracle principles articulated in Chapter One of A Course In Miracles.
An overview of the book by Dr. Kenneh Ring, "Heading Towards Omega" and his conclusion that Near Death Experiences are an evolutionary way of heading the human race in a new direction: humans with expanded consciousness.
How what we see outside ourselves (res externa) we think about and interpret (res cogna) and that interpretation becomes our reality (res interna).
This is the start of a deep spiritual understanding, that nothing causes anything. All is so completely inter-related that nothing can happen on its own.
Introduction to gratitude with Naikan, a Japanese psychology practice that helps you to see life in a whole new way.
Part 3 of a discussion on free will; featuring an interview with Dylan Olson who has had to make choices many of us never face.
Part 2 of a series on free will - could free will be a continuum, rather than we have it or we don't? Could it b that parts of ourselves have it and other parts do not? Or that we have free will in some circumstances but not others?
Part 1 of a series on free will - do we have it? The first few seconds were cut off by the radio logger.
Thoughts of a neuroscientist, philosopher, yogi, animal bahavourist, and mathematician on consciousness
Is negative thinking a choice? Do your thoughts control you? Your thoughts depend on your choice of a mindset. Your ego loves negativity and will thrive on it. Negative thinking occurs on a continuum between anger and joy, and is built from negative emotional energy. Your thoughts will betray your real level of energy, often surfacing in layers of energy.
Anger is a very egoic emotion that will keep you trapped in your ego, if you let it. The ego prefers that you see things as being separate from you and as something to be judged and found wanting. Anger is the resulting emotion.
Th storyline that you are using to run your life is a lynchpin of your ego. If you have a storyline about how rotten your life is, that holds the ego in place quite well - the ego feeds off negativity. It can be helpful in loosening up the ego to reinterpret that storyline into something more supportive. You get to choose how you interpret the facts of your life.
The show opens with a few quotes from dr. David R. Hawkins, first about anger, then about the process of spiritual development. The show then looks at the concept of the spiritual ego from several viewpoints, before segueing into a discussion of the difference between using spirituality to make 'me' feel better or using spirituality to reduce 'me'. The use of the word 'spiritual ' is defined in several ways and the concept of watching the ego discussed.
Consciousness Ego an Enlightenment live on 92.5 the X CFBX radio. What is your inner energy and how it relates to your ego
Consciousness Ego and Enlightenment live on CFBX radio 92.5 FM; Ego is supported by distorted thinking
First of two parts on storylines and how they affect your life and form a strong part of your ego
Recorded live at CFBX radio talk show Consciousness Ego Enlightenment - CEE Root Cause of Suffering Nov 22 2016
Recorded live at CFBX talk show Consciousness Ego Enlightenment - CEE Emotional Suffering Nov 29 2016.mp3
Recorded live at CFBX talk show Consciousness Ego Enlightenment - CEE Compassion Part 2 Nov 15 2016
Recorded live at CFBX radio talk show Consciousness Ego Enlightenment - part 1 of a two part talk show compassion
Recorded live at the CFBX radio talk show Consciousness Ego and Enlightenment - discussion on consciousness - what it is, how it works.