A book to return to
The Untethered Soul
The main takeaway
A thought can be noticed, examined and allowed to pass before you decide how to respond.
The short summary
Published in 2007, this guide to spiritual reflection begins with the continuing commentary of the inner voice. Singer distinguishes that changing commentary from the awareness that notices it. He then explores attachment, emotional reactions and letting go, presenting ordinary experiences as opportunities to practise openness and inner freedom.
One idea at a time
Key takeaways.
Idea 1
Notice the inner commentary
Observe the mind’s predictions and judgements as they arise. Singer uses this practice to question habitual identification with thought.
Idea 2
Allow feelings room to move
His practice of letting go includes relaxing around a difficult feeling and observing it without continually adding to its story.
Idea 3
Examine conditions for happiness
Singer asks readers to consider the demands they place on circumstances before allowing themselves to feel content.
An everyday example
Waiting for a reply
After sending a message, Sam imagines several reasons for the silence. He notices the changing stories, relaxes his shoulders and returns to the task already in front of him.
Sources and credits
Ideas credited to Michael A. Singer. This page uses original wording and an original everyday example.
Singer’s account of awareness and inner energy belongs to spiritual teaching. Readers can explore its reflective exercises while keeping its metaphysical claims open to examination.
Michael A. Singer: The Untethered Soul New Harbinger: The Untethered Soul New Harbinger: The Untethered Soul reading group guide Michael A. Singer: The Untethered Soul, chapter 15 excerpt