In personal development literature, Michael A. Singer's "The Surrender Experiment" is a beacon of unconventional wisdom and spiritual exploration.
Published in 2015, this captivating book takes readers on a transformative journey, challenging conventional notions of control and encouraging a surrender to life's natural flow.
I've owned this book for several years, and this year, I purchased it as a Christmas gift for two people.
What drew me to this book was my reading of his original New York Times best-seller, "The Untethered Soul." I highly recommend The Untethered Soul as well!
Synopsis of The Surrender Experiment
At its core, "The Surrender Experiment" is a memoir that chronicles Mr. Singer's remarkable life story, marked by a profound experiment in letting go of control and embracing the unexpected. The narrative unfolds with vivid details, recounting Mr. Singer's experiences as he navigates unpredictable currents, relinquishing the need to dictate outcomes.
Mr. Singer's experiment in surrendering begins in the 1970s when, as a young man, he retreats to the woods of Florida, living a simple and contemplative life. Instead of planning every step, Mr. Singer chooses to say "yes" to every opportunity that comes his way. This leads him to unexpected encounters, ventures, and challenges, ultimately shaping his life in ways he could never have anticipated.
The Power of Letting Go:
Mr. Singer's profound realization, central to the book, is that surrendering to life's unfolding events brings a more profound sense of peace and fulfillment. He advocates for the practice of letting go of rigid expectations and attachments, emphasizing that true freedom lies in embracing the present moment without resistance.
Overcoming Obstacles:
Throughout the narrative, Mr. Singer shares the obstacles he faced and the lessons he learned. From managing a successful business to dealing with personal relationships and societal expectations, the author provides insights into how surrendering to the ebb and flow of life allowed him to overcome challenges and find a sense of harmony.
Spiritual Insights:
"The Surrender Experiment" delves into spiritual principles, drawing inspiration from various traditions. Mr. Singer explores the idea of inner surrender, encouraging readers to release the grip of the ego and connect with a higher consciousness. The book serves as a guide for those seeking a more meaningful and spiritually aligned existence.
Michael Singer on Video - An Interview by Mayim Bialik (You Know Her As Sheldon's Girlfriend "Amy" from The Big Bang Theory)
I truly enjoyed this down-to-earth, real interview. The authenticity drew me in - real questions, real problems, laughs, and tears. If you enjoy listening to unscripted interviews, you'll enjoy this casual connection.
I enjoyed how Mr. Singer conversed with Ms. Bialik. It was both entertaining and profound.
Embrace the Unpredictable: The book challenges the notion that we must meticulously plan every aspect of our lives, advocating for openness to the unknown.
Freedom in Surrender: Mr. Singer illustrates how surrendering to life's events brings a profound sense of freedom and inner peace.
Spiritual Awakening: Readers gain insights into the transformative power of surrender on a spiritual level.
Michael A. Singer's "The Surrender Experiment" is a roadmap for those seeking authenticity, freedom, and spiritual growth.
Through Mr. Singer's captivating storytelling and profound insights, readers are invited to consider the transformative potential of surrender and embrace the beautiful chaos of life.
This book is a beacon for anyone ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and open themselves to the limitless possibilities that unfold when we surrender to the natural flow of existence.
His work is moving, profound, and life-changing.
What has stayed with me since I read The Untethered Soul (his first book), and I use every day, is this thought when I have a problem or a worry:
"Can you notice that you're noticing - Witness Consciousness" - The Untethered Soul goes deeply into this concept. It's one approach that has changed my life.
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How to Get Through All of It - A Personal Diary Entry Review
Living over six decades, I've gathered some of the tools needed to overcome life's constant challenges. I thought I'd share a few tidbits for those seeking coping mechanisms.
The Most Important Thing I've Learned in This Life So Far
I can definitively say, the most valuable lesson I've learned is that the peace we seek is entirely inside of us, at our core. It doesn't come from anything or any person.
When the storm swirls around me, I hold onto that which is entirely mine, my soul.
Our soul is the one thing that is truly ours. Unseen and always ready to be nurtured, it's not the possession of anyone except ourselves and the higher power we believe in.
Five Techniques to Help You Get Through It All
1. Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be an overused, confusing term.
For me, it's when I choose to practice being wholly present in a moment. When being 'present' doesn't come naturally, I use a repetitive mantra or a prayer to bring my mind into the now and away from that rabbit-thinking-hole that leads nowhere.
It takes practice to perfect, but like any exercise, it becomes easier each time.
2. Prayer
Prayer isn't just for the religiously committed.
You can create your own prayer to the universe or the higher power that means something to you. For me, it's usually Psalm 23 on repeat in my mind. The beautiful thing about prayer is that you can do it anywhere, anytime.
As soon as you feel yourself getting upset or thinking thoughts that lead you to a dark place, STOP and begin repeating that prayer or inspirational phrase you decided upon. Repeat it over and over until you bring yourself back to a healthy center. If it takes all day, so what! Repeat it all day, and don't let anything else in.
When I spend time praying for other people, one by one, with specifics for each of them, I feel so much better. Try it; when you're feeling at the end of your rope, start praying for all your loved ones.
I go on prayer bike rides; I get to exercise physically and spiritually. I spend the entire bike ride praying for my friends, family, country, planet, and the universe. The prayers are unique and specific to each of them.
3. Music
For me, I sing. Put your headphones on and listen or sing your guts out. My family is used to me singing full tilt. I'm grateful for that. Depending on the lyrics and message I need, I choose the song for the moment. One of my favorite spiritual groups is Mercy Me. While typing, I'm listening to their song "Say I Won't" (Live from the 2021 K-Love Fan Awards).
4. Realize You Can't Change People
This is a tough lesson to learn. If you're one of the lucky ones, you'll discover it quickly in your early years. If you understand this as early as your 20s, you might just have the world by the tail!
What does it mean to understand that you can't change a person?
It means that they have to walk their walk; you can't do it for them. That goes for spouses, siblings, friends, and children. We can teach with our words, but most importantly with our actions, and be there for them; we can't do it for them. I learned this first hand, it was brutal, but we got through it.
When there's a situation that hurts, that I have no power over (and the older I get, the more there are), I pray over and over. Some days I spend most of the day mentally praying.
5. Let It Go
Holy crap, that's overly simplified, isn't it?
When I was younger, I used to get upset with people who told me to 'just let it go!' What in the world does that mean! That's how I used to feel.
What it DOESN'T mean is to not have empathy, compassion, and a good heart. Letting go isn't about not caring.
Today, at this stage of life, I completely understand what it means to let it go; it means,
practice mindfulness when you're consumed with an issue
pray when you're consumed with an issue
exercise when you're consumed with an issue
listen to music when you're consumed with an issue
and finally, only take action to tackle a problem when it's warranted that you do so
HAVE FAITH.Believe in the greater good, and higher solutions, and believe in your prayers.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Is this really the secret to happiness? A Happiness Review
This quote from the Netflix movie "Full Count" has been on my mind since viewing it five days ago:
"The secret to happiness is to be content, no matter your situation"
The Movie, Full Count, Caught Me Off Guard
The Netflix description, and preview, seemed to indicate that Full Count is your typical baseball hard life story. However, I was shocked by the direction the film takes.
The movie takes a spiritual turn.
If you like films where it seems a happy ending is impossible, but with divine intervention, there it is, you'll enjoy this movie.
Could the Above Quote About the Secret to Happiness be Offensive to Some People?
After hearing the above quote narrated in the movie, my first thought was about those who rarely feel happy through no fault of their own or for medical reasons.
Don't get me wrong; the quote personally fits the core of my beliefs; however, my happy state of mind has been tested this past year.
Medical issues aside, I feel happiness will always be a personal choice. No matter the circumstances in this crazy life, I maintain that much-needed center and inner calm. I treat mental and spiritual training as a daily exercise with practice, practice, practice.
Some days are a success at maintaining calm, and others not-so-much ... I just keep plugging away. I won't go through the laundry list of things recently faced, as I'm sure you've had your own life issues to conquer.
Do You Personally Agree With the Above Quote?
Can you relate to this quote? Have you been able to be the captain of your life's ship?
For me, yes, after a great deal of thought, I do agree with the above quote.
During the pits of hell, I've been able to keep a hold of the light, sometimes barely. It's never easy. Here's an example of a personal nightmare I faced over a decade ago. I wouldn't wish this on anyone!
Even through this less-than-perfect life, I've been able to maintain inner calm and thus some happiness.
"Sometimes God calms the storm, and other times God calms the child who is in the storm"
I live by that quote about the storm.
Here's another quote from the movie Full Count. What do you think about it?
"Life isn't going to make you happy, but happiness is going to make your life"
Yes, I believe.
After multiple decades, the biggest life lesson I've so far learned is that our inner self, our soul, cannot be owned by anyone. It's the one thing that is truly ours.
No matter what happens in this physical existence, in the end, our thoughts are something we can work to control; and for those who believe, guided by a higher power. For me, Free Will means protecting my soul, so I do.
Here's a video about love and light that I created one afternoon while visiting my amazing mother. She passed away three months ago. Knowing she was in her chair while I wrote this brings me unexpected added peace. I hope you enjoy viewing it, as much as I enjoyed writing it.
If you need a little more inspiration, I've authored a personal book of poetry based on fifty years of life experiences. You can find the book "We Will Have Morning Smiles" on Amazon.
May you know happiness, in some form, daily. Blessings.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Let's start with why I was looking for some headband speakers. I have been on a bit of a health journey since the beginning of 2018. This journey first focused on my nutrition (learn more here), then on the exercise component of good health as well as personal development.
I had always thought that personal development was a great idea for some people, but I didn't need it! I really believe that some of the personal development practices I used helped keep me on track with my journey while enriching my life in so many ways. If you're thinking about starting a personal development journey yourself I recommend working through The Magic by Rhonda Byrne.
As life got in the way I started spending less time on my personal development, my morning journaling, affirmations, reading dwindled from 30 mins to 20 to 10 until I stopped doing any work at all. Initially, I didn't really notice it, but gradually changes took place and I found myself in a really negative headspace.
I was talking to my daughter about things and somehow the conversation shifted to sleeping and she told me she listens to affirmations and meditations as she's going to sleep. The idea intrigued me as I thought that would be great, except I didn't think my husband would be impressed if he had to listen to them!
Not long after our conversation, my husband had to go away for work for a week so I decided to see if I could sleep listening to some of the offerings on YouTube. Now a couple had voices that really annoyed my so it may take you a while to find the perfect fit for you, but I did find a channel that I liked. I listened as I was going to sleep and after a couple of days, I was convinced that I needed to find a way to keep this practice up.
My daughter recommended I look for some headband speakers so I turned to Amazon. I searched for headband speakers and then I saw that some mentioned side sleepers so I narrowed my search to these. I ended up buying the Musicozy Wireless Sports Headwear (the official title on the box), they were actually listed on Amazon as Musicozy Sleep Headphones Headband.
Musicozy Wireless Sports Headwear - The Review
There were lots of headband speakers to choose from and I wish I could say that I did a lot of research to narrow down my choice but I basically looked for ones that said they were suitable for side sleepers, that connected to Bluetooth and weren't too expensive. The reason I didn't want to spend too much is that I really wasn't sure I'd be able to sleep with them.
I had narrowed it down to two different ones and was trying to decide if I wanted black or the grey marl when I saw that Musicozy had an animal print design - decision made!
So the company says (in italics):
Wireless headphones with excellent sound quality- the sound quality really is good, but they do say on Amazon that they are noise-canceling which they are not. For my purposes, that's fine as I want to hear if there are any noises at night, but if you're looking at using them at the gym they may not be for you.
Built-in microphone, hands free talking- I haven't used the microphone as I have only used them for listening while I sleep and I can't see any reviewers talking about this feature
Effective wireless range up to 10 meters/33 feet - personally I have my phone on my bedside table so I haven't tested the range, but I have read a few reviewers who find they can walk around their house and remain connected.
Three buttons control all music/call functions - I love that there are only three buttons (I only use the middle one) as I will often wake up in the early hours and want to take it off so I can just press the middle button, without the need of my glasses or the light, to turn it off and put it on the side before going back to sleep.
Built-in rechargeable li-polymer battery - on Amazon it says that the charging takes 1-2 hours and it will hold the charge for 10 hours. I am sure mine holds the charge longer than 10 hours. The first time I charged it I did find it a little fiddly to do, but not sure if that was just me! It's very easy and I usually put it on charge in the morning as I'm doing things so I don't know how long it actually takes.
Note for side sleepers
I sleep on my side and although the speakers are thin I will admit that I still wasn't convinced that I should lie on my side so the first night I slept on my back which resulted in snoring which resulted in a grumpy husband and sore throat!
The next couple of nights I actually slept on my side but I rested my head on my arm so that I wasn't pressing down on the speakers. This was quite comfortable, but I woke up during the night and took the headband off. Finally, on the fourth or fifth night, I just rested my head on the pillow as usual and it was really good. I did find that I could turn the volume down slightly when I wasn't on my back or rested on my arm so that was good.
I definitely found that I could sleep on my side with these speakers and recommend them to any fellow side sleepers out there.
Note for people sharing a bed
The big test for these speakers was whether or not they disturbed my husband's sleep. Some nights he can be a light sleeper and when something wakes him up it will take him a long time to go back to sleep. His response to my sleep headphones - "I couldn't hear a thing".
In summary, I am really happy with my purchase and hope that my review has helped anyone who would like to listen to meditations, affirmations or music while drifting off to sleep.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Over the last couple of years I have found myself reading more and more personal development books and one that I read earlier this year is Lucky Bitch: A Guide for Exceptional Women to Create Outrageous Success by Denise Duffield-Thomas.
I had never heard of this book until it literally fell off the library shelf in front of me! I took that to be a sign from the universe that this was the book I needed to read even though the author, Denise Duffield-Thomas made the title such a mouthful. I'll just refer to Lucky Bitch: A Guide for Exceptional Women to Create Outrageous Success to Lucky Bitch for the rest of this review.
I loved this book, the author believes in the law of attraction and it is basically this that she talks about, she does so as though she were sitting down with a coffee (or cocktail) and talking to you as a friend. I have found a number of law of attraction style books hard to read, but this one was so easy to read I finished it a lot quicker than I normally do.
I also have a copy of this book in my shopping cart ready to purchase when I do my next book order.
So, why do I like it and what makes it different to the hundreds of other law of attraction style of personal development books?
It's very easy to read, more of a chatty form of book than a stuffy one.
It has very actionable steps for you to take with lots of examples.
Denise and her husband actually won a competition to become honeymoon testers travelling the world for six months which is where the 'Lucky Bitch' comes from. She shares the techniques she used to ensure that it wasn't luck as in chance that led them to winning, but the law of attraction. She left nothing to chance and worked hard.
I loved the fact that she didn't make it seem woo-woo and that all you had to do was say your gratitudes every morning and daydream about what you want in your life. Let's face it I know that's not actually what some books say, but it's the impression that you can be left with.
Denise breaks it all down in Lucky Bitch so that you know if you really want something then harnessing the law of attraction can be done by anyone, but it does entail working and believing it's possible.
I love utilizing my local library to get books to read, but when I discover one that I can easily devour and learn things from I go ahead and buy my own version and that is what I will be doing with this one.
The only thing I was worried about was as I was reading and not wanting to put it up I thought I really should be taking down notes. I then decided that no, I would enjoy reading the book through and then I could re-read it with a notebook. I made a wonderful discovery at the end of the book -
A great find at the back of the book!
It's almost like she anticipated people devouring the books without taking notes and has a synopsis of tasks for you to do at the back, broken down by chapter.
Do You Enjoy Reading Personal Development Books?
Not everyone enjoys reading personal development books and I have to say that a few years ago the idea that they would be a regular part of my life is something I wouldn't have believed. I used to think that they were good for some people, but not me LOL!
I actually read at least 10 pages a day out of a personal development book every morning now (this one I also read in the evening - the first time I had done that) and I have found them to be really good for my mental well being.
I am very intrigued to know how many readers also enjoy reading this style of books, I'm thinking there's quite a few considering how big the personal development section in the bookstore is.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
If you had told me a few years ago that I would be reviewing personal development books I would have thought you were nuts. In my mind personal development books were great for some people, but I didn't need them - I'm sure a few of you can relate to this!
It was really during 2018 that I started reading these books and mainly because they were being recommended to me by a very positive and supportive network of friends that I had. I have struggled with a few of them and loved others. If you're new to the world of personal development reading I think you will love this book.
The first personal development book that I found the most beneficial was The Magic by Rhonda Byrne, this was mainly because you read a chapter a day and there were tasks to do each day. This is a great introduction to personal development.
I have found quite a few great books to read, but I had missed The Slight Edge for some reason (even though it had been recommended to be several times) so when I saw it on the end display at my local library I snapped it up.
The way Jeff Olson writes makes this book very easy to read and the slight edge he talks about is so, so simple to apply. As he explains how little steps every day works you realize just how simple (note I said simple not easy) having success at whatever you want is.
I realized that there have been many times in my life where I have applied the slight edge and it has worked, but I also realized how many times I have done the opposite.
As I said at the beginning of this review I really think the slight edge is the same application as compound interest except it's about your life not money. Jeff talks about a couple of fables in the beginning and one of them I have seen repeated online in different forums as a great example of compound interest. In fact I used the story to explain to my daughter about the importance of saving money from her pay every week (I started my own super fund when I was 19). It's a story about an old man and his two sons, let me know if you've heard it (or a variation of it) before.
An old man called his two sons in to see him and gave them both a choice they could choose$1 million which he would give them in 31 days or they could choose 1 penny which would double each day and at the end of the 31 days he would give them that amount.
One son took the million dollars, but the other chose the penny. At the end of the first week the penny had turned into 64 pennies, but by day 31 (and the power of compound interest) the penny had exceeded $10 million.
I really recommend The Slight Edge as it really does just make total sense and really makes you think about the actions you take every day which turn into habits. I will add that I have added The Slight Edge to my shopping cart for the next time I place a book order something I never do when I have already read a book through my library.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Did you know that 80% of New Year's Resolutions fail within the first 6 weeks of the year? Knowing this why is it that so many of us continue to make resolutions each year? I think it's because we live in hope that we can become healthier, become better off and either of these will make us happy.
Why do New Year's Resolutions Fail?
This is a question that talk shows ask psychologists every year and basically it's because people make these lofty resolutions without making realistic plans for achieving them.
Last year I made a resolution and actually kept it - that's because of two things - I broke down the goals and I also did personal development.
I decided I wanted to lose weight, feel better, get fitter and feel stronger - basically I wanted to be a healthier me.
Step one was taking Arbonne's 30 days to healthy living and beyond starting on January 1st. I wasn't sure how I would feel on it, but I knew I had to start with something and it was only for 30 days! It was amazing so I took a week off at the beginning of February to celebrate my 5th wedding anniversary and then undertook another 30 days to healthy living plan.
All told I did the plan 5 times and in between I took an 80/20 approach which is what is recommended. So I basically went by the principles of the plan during the week and ate what I wanted on the weekend.
I had decided that I wanted to lose half my goal weight by my birthday - which I did before working on building my strength during the second half of the year. Off to the gym I started going and I even had fun participating in Steptember with my workmates.
I haven't actually met my goal weight, but I feel fantastic, I am stronger, healthier and fitter so in my mind my resolution was successful.
A big part of doing this was setting little goals along the way and doing personal development.
Personal development can mean something different to everyone and it's all about finding what works for you. I read some personal development books(including The Magic which again breaks down things to daily 'tasks'), listened to some Soundcloud broadcasts (usually while on the treadmill) and every day I told myself that I was strong, healthy and fit.
Affirmations were something that I had never given much credence before, but they are a great way to start the day and my first affirmation of the day everyday is "I am strong, healthy and fit". I don't know why saying that keeps me on track, but it does because to be honest I have days when I don't feel like going to the gym for my session, but I just repeat "I am strong, healthy and fit" and I do it anyway.
What are the Most Popular New Year's Resolutions?
Health related resolutions are apparently most popular from losing weight, getting fit or giving up bad habits.
Next people seem to want to work on their finances - getting out of debt is a big one. Again this one is best done by setting yourself baby steps and this way you'll find it much easier to stick to. One of my favorite books to help if you're trying to get financial control of your life is the Barefoot Investor.
Finally the third thing people seem to want to work on is themselves with a lot of people wanting to undertake some form of personal development which as I've mentioned is often key to success with other resolutions too.
Will You Be Making a New Year's Resolution This Year?
I'd love to know if you're making resolutions this year and if you want to share them that would be great. Sometimes making a resolution public also helps to keep you accountable so either post here or get yourself an accountability partner!
I will be continuing on with my bid to be healthier when I hit 50 (May 2019, where has the time gone?) than I was when I was 40! I am also setting myself the goal to double my income this year by building on my network marketing business and my affiliate marketing income. I will let you know how I do, but now over to you ...
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”