Naming the Ineffable
We believe the key to living a truly abundant and meaningful life is to reclaim a fully functioning, engaged, and loving True Self—one that exists in intimate relationship with a Higher Power of our own understanding. Whatever name resonates with you—Great Spirit, God, or simply The Force—all are valid. God is the most commonly used name, embodying infinite power, presence, and wisdom. Yet, for some, it carries deep-seated baggage. One excellent alternative is The Infinite, a term that acknowledges diversity while affirming our shared connection to a singular, boundless source.
Ralph Waldo Emerson spoke of Universal Being, Over-Soul, and The Eternal ONE to describe his vision of the Infinite. Each name offers insight into how we are part of—and deeply connected with—this great force that transcends time, space, life, and consciousness. At Cowboy Dharma, we embrace many of these names, primarily God or Higher Power. However, our choices are not meant to impose a singular vision—we recognize that every person must find the name that speaks to them. With at least seventy-two variations listed on Wikipedia, the possibilities are vast. The key is to find the one that feels right for you.
Microcosms of Infinite Intelligence
The alternative to an intelligent force in the universe is a big, random, meaningless cosmos—but creation is far too complex, diverse, and intelligent for that to be true. There appears to be a divine force behind the magnificent drama of existence, one that has guided life’s emergence, expansion, and thriving throughout the ages. It is essential to recognize that you, everyone, and everything are microcosms of that grand macrocosm. The same life, power, presence, and wisdom that sustain the universe exist within us. Moreover, this presence may have evolved alongside creation itself, growing into the vast intelligence we witness all around us today.
We Are the Children
As children of God, we are also heirs to divine power, presence, and wisdom—this is our birthright. Each of us holds the ability to create or destroy, in small ways day by day, yet profoundly over a lifetime. Consider civilization itself: the homes, schools, libraries, churches, businesses, streets, and all they contain—every structure and idea began as a spark in someone's mind before coming to fruition. The question before us now is: What will we create next? Let us strive to build an abundant, beautiful, and flourishing world rather than the barren wasteland we sometimes seem to be hurtling toward. We have every reason for hope, as we have witnessed countless individuals uncover the magic and miracles needed to transform their lives—and, in doing so, reshape the world.
Higher Parent
Children naturally project their experiences of their parents onto their perception of a Higher Power. This makes sense—our parents were, in many ways, a "higher power" in our early lives, exerting control over our world. Unfortunately, those who grew up with unloving, abusive, or neglectful parents often internalize an image of God that mirrors this dysfunction. It’s no surprise, then, that many people feel little desire for spiritual connection or a relationship with a Higher Power. Yet, despite these challenges, there are profound reasons to seek and embrace an intimate relationship with a Higher Power—one that is kind, caring, and loving. A Higher Power of our own understanding can offer healing, guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose.
What Has Guided Us?
History is marked by conquest, subjugation, imperialism, and consumerism—forces that have caused deep harm. Where, then, is salvation? It lies in the pursuit of the greater good, the higher law, the higher purpose, and the higher truth found through connection with a Higher Power. This is why cultivating a meaningful relationship with our Higher Power is so vital. It strengthens our resolve to act not only for ourselves but for all people and all life. We must ask ourselves: What serves the greatest good? What path leads to healing and wholeness for everyone?
An Authority Problem
Setting aside our own wishes and desires, even temporarily, allows us to listen to the Noble Heart and Higher Law. Too often, we struggle with an authority problem, believing ourselves to be the sole authors of our lives—writing the story from beginning to end. But in truth, God is the author, director, and producer. It is God’s stage, and God sets the scene. This is where the little me sneaks in—the small, fearful self that is cunning and baffling, always looking for a way to take over and run the show. This is why making the shift to our Higher and True Self through a connection with a Higher Power is so essential.
Little “ME”
The roots of this problem likely trace back to early childhood—perhaps around age two—when we first grasped the concepts of ME and NO!. This stage was necessary for developing a separate identity, distinct from our mother or primary caregivers. Before that, we existed in a we—fully immersed in our caregivers’ world. American culture and society have amplified this issue by promoting the pursuit of riches, fame, and individual success, whereas many other cultures emphasize community and service. This shift turned our (American) world upside down—just as WE, flipped upside down, becomes ME. By recognizing this imbalance, we can work toward restoring our perspective and direction, returning from ME to WE. In doing so, we find ways to serve—not just ourselves, but our families, friends, communities, country, and the world.
Habitually Confused
Whenever we rely on self-power and self-will, we risk falling into danger—yet we do this unconsciously and habitually. This is why choosing a Higher Power must be a deliberate and consistent act. Often, it is only when we hit rock bottom or suffer tragedies that bring us to our knees that we recognize the need for change. And paradoxically, on our knees is often the best place to be. In that moment of humility, we may finally find the courage to make a real commitment—to transform our lives and follow God's will. No amount of self-improvement, practice, recovery, therapy, or hard work can earn grace. However, they can help us recognize that we are already blessed and worthy—if we can tune in and accept the gift that has always been ours.
Mental Mistakes
Unconscious and habitual biases frequently lead us toward distorted thinking. A quick search for Cognitive Biases reveals dozens of ingrained tendencies we rarely notice—such as self-serving bias, groupthink, the halo effect, stereotyping, and authority bias. There is even a widely shared chart of fifty common cognitive biases—a true eye-opener—that serves as a valuable reference. These biases shape perception, distort judgment, and foster illogical interpretations, leading to irrational decision-making. No wonder we run into so many problems! As always, awareness is the key. Once we recognize these mental pitfalls, we can begin the work of minimizing dysfunctional thinking and reclaiming clarity.
In God We Trust
Extreme honesty is essential for true transformation and spiritual liberation. It is a difficult truth—but one that can set us free. Many may find this realization unsettling, yet it is necessary if we are to move beyond our deeply ingrained impulses for personal gain and self-preservation. By confronting our fragile, flawed, and compulsively self-absorbed nature, we cultivate the empathy and understanding needed to release our striving and struggles. As we yield to a Higher Power’s vast intelligence and care, we discover that we can never fully trust ourselves—but we can trust in God. We can have faith that a benevolent, compassionate, and supremely intelligent force is always at work—in our lives, throughout creation, and across all time and space.
The False Self Blocks God
Our ego—the false self—stands in the way of an intimate and loving relationship with both our Higher Power and our True Self. Eckhart Tolle expresses this insight powerfully in Practicing the Power of Now: "Our innermost invisible and indestructible essence—our true nature—is being. The inability to feel this gives rise to illusions of separation. Fear arises, and conflict becomes the norm. The greatest obstacle to the reality of your connectedness is identification with mind and compulsive thinking. It creates a false, mind-made self that casts a shadow of fear and suffering—an opaque screen of concepts, labels, words, judgments, and definitions that block all true relationships between you and yourself, your fellow man, nature, and God." By recognizing this barrier, we take the first step toward dissolving it—toward reconnecting with our True Self and embracing the divine presence that has always been with us.
Hitting Bottom
Sometimes, hitting a wall and being brought to our knees is the very thing that breaks the death grip of ego—the false self. Abraham Lincoln captured this sentiment perfectly: "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day." We must learn to choose a Higher Power consciously and consistently. When we confront our fragile, flawed, and compulsively self-absorbed nature, we cultivate the empathy and understanding needed to release our struggles. In that surrender, we find grace—the ability to let go and let God, to give it to God, and to give up to Higher Power, truth, goodness, and divine law.
Higher Powered
On our own, we are powerless. But through Higher Power, we gain access to the infinite forces of the universe—love, peace, joy, beauty, intelligence, wisdom, and more. These Super Powers fuel our Higher & Super Powered vehicles: our work, relationships, meetings, communities, retreats, and acts of service—all beautifully intertwined. Higher Power operates like a grand broadcast station, transmitting the audio and visual signal of divine strength, passion, and purpose. But we are merely the receivers—we must tune in, turn on, and do the work to access the signal. Whatever that work looks like for each of us, it is the key to transformation.
Love or Fear
A Course in Miracles (ACIM) reduces everything to two fundamental forces: love or fear. While this is a broad generalization, it serves as a useful lens for assessing our moment-to-moment state. This framework helps us recognize who—or what—seems to be running the show. This idea aligns with David Winnicott’s concept of the True Self and False Self. The True Self is guided by love, while the False Self is ruled by fear. A couple of insightful acronyms capture this dynamic well: False Evidence Appearing Real and—more playfully—Forget (or Fuck) Everything and Run!
The Dark Side
ACIM asserts that fear is an illusion, meaning only love is truly real. For a time, I embraced this perspective, silently chanting love, peace, joy, beauty to myself. But Eastern philosophy taught me another undeniable truth: suffering is real—it is deeply felt and shapes our lived experience. Consider placing your hand on a hot stove. Though the pain is merely electrical signals interpreted by the brain, it is undeniably real in that moment. This realization led me to acknowledge both love and fear as valid, each serving a meaningful purpose. Thus, I now recognize fear (or hate), chaos, sorrow, and ugliness as genuine counterpoints to love, peace, joy, and beauty—each offering lessons and balance within the human experience.
Embracing the Shadow
We must recognize that our shadow—the darker, more dysfunctional aspects of ourselves—is not something to be feared or rejected but an integral part of who we are. Even the critical inner parent, wounded inner child, or angry inner teen hold valuable insights. The more we welcome and embrace these aspects, the more they can guide us toward healing and growth. It is tempting to view our painful or destructive tendencies as obstacles to overcome, dismissing them as too overwhelming to serve any real purpose. Yet, these parts of us may hold lessons we could not learn any other way.
Darker Powers
Our lower, darker emotions—jealousy, anger, resentment—are often viewed as negative forces to avoid, but each carries a deeper lesson if we take the time to look beyond our instinctive aversion. What are these emotions trying to tell us? Anger and resentment alert us to injustice. Jealousy reveals unmet desires. Fear warns us of danger—whether real or perceived. Sometimes, these emotions serve as necessary catalysts, urging us to confront challenges and transform situations that demand action. When we acknowledge, explore, and integrate these energies rather than suppressing them, they become allies rather than adversaries, guiding us toward greater self-awareness and empowerment.
Carl Gustav Jung
"Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and happiness would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. There is no coming to consciousness without pain. One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light but by making the darkness conscious. A man who has not passed through the inferno of his passions has never overcome them. Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darkness of other people. People will do anything, no matter how absurd, in order to avoid facing their own soul."
The Good (GREAT) News
The internal fight, stress, and struggle are over! We don’t need to "fix" our shortcomings—the ego, or false self—because it wouldn't work anyway. As Einstein wisely said, “You can’t fix something on the level it was created,” and this is certainly true of the false (small-s) self. What we can and should do is work to understand, accept, and embrace the troubled parts of ourselves. Through understanding, we gain wisdom, and through wisdom, we transform. As for our True (Big-S) Self—it is already perfect, loving, and intelligent. It always was. It always will be.
Facing Our Demons
It may seem that we harbor devils and demons within us, and many would argue that we do. But perhaps these labels are like the word sin, which originally came from archery and simply meant to miss the mark. Rather than seeing ourselves as inherently flawed, we might embrace the classical Eastern philosophy of basic goodness—the fundamental light within us all, no matter how dark or demonic we may sometimes appear. After all, as Chögyam Trungpa wisely noted, "Everybody has love inside them, even if it is just for tortillas."
God's Will for Us
Modern society often exalts the individual as the pinnacle of creation. In some ways, this holds true—we possess unparalleled knowledge and wield immense power through technology. But ultimately, all of it flows from Higher Power, manifesting through our thoughts, words, hands, and hearts. This understanding offers a path to forgiveness—not only for ourselves but for others who attempt to shape God's will to fit personal desires. It is not a failing but a folly, and wisdom lies in recognizing this mental misstep so that we may rise above it.
A Life of Service
Cowboy Dharma’s founding father often shares a story about reaching a breaking point in life—so frustrated that he cried out to the heavens, "Just take my life!" Instantly, as if his Higher Power responded, he heard: "Okay, here’s what we will do with it!" This surprising reply revealed the deeper truth behind his frustration—he had lost his foundation, his faith in the infinite power, presence, and wisdom residing both within himself and throughout the world. The solution wasn’t to give up but to return to Team Higher Power—to keep showing up, doing his part, and embracing his role as a worthy team player.
Freedom Power
Too often, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. But just as journaling allows us to release our worries, fears, and struggles onto the page, we can also surrender our troubles to our Higher Power. This Higher Power—our true parent, our true home—offers a place of rest, a refuge from endless striving and concern. This is where true freedom is found—the kind that breaks the chains that bind us and helps us weather life’s storms from a place of peace, wisdom, and strength.
The Spectrum
Much like the image of an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other, our mental landscape exists on a spectrum—with goodness and light on one side and darkness and dysfunction on the other. The key is cultivating the awareness to recognize where we are on this spectrum at any given moment, across different situations. By doing so, we foster compassion and forgiveness for ourselves and others when we slip into darkness—when dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors take hold. Yet, as mentioned earlier, even our shadow selves hold wisdom, offering valuable insights if we are willing to listen.
I Am Multitudes (Emerson)
One useful metaphor for the various psychic entities within us is a bus, carrying passengers such as the wounded inner child, the wonder child, the angry and joyful teen, and both the critical and loving parent. But the cast of characters runs much deeper. Each of us carries an inner student and teacher, a coward and a warrior, a ruler and a servant, and countless other archetypes within our “inner net.” While this may sound reminiscent of multiple personality disorder, for most, it simply reflects the natural shifts we experience in identity and emotion—especially under stress. Recognizing these inner voices and their transitions allows us to navigate our lives with greater understanding, integrating all parts of ourselves into a more cohesive and conscious whole.
Who Is Driving the Bus?
We could be having a great day at work—until we get called to the boss’s office. Suddenly, a wave of fear rushes in, triggering memories of a cruel or abusive parent. The confident, happy teen who was behind the wheel gets shoved aside, and the wounded child takes over. In moments like this, we are wise to pause—to take a breath, say a silent prayer, or meditate. Checking in with our Higher Power helps us regain perspective, reminding us that our view is limited, but divine intelligence, wisdom, and love are vast. Think of it as a GPS—we may be the ones doing the driving, but the best journeys happen when we trust God's directions.
More Good News
We don’t need to forcefully eject the wounded child, angry teen, or critical parent from the driver’s seat. Doing so could be just as harmful as letting them run the show unchecked. Instead, we must listen—understanding why they became afraid and took control. Only by offering them the compassion, care, and kindness they (and we) need can we restore balance. This is true self-care—the integration of all our “selves.” Once these voices have been heard and their fears eased, they can return to their seats and enjoy the ride.
Spiritual Awareness
When we consider the spirit of something, we think of its heart, core, or essence—something that transcends mere physical form. We, too, possess this essential spiritual nature, yet we often live as though our bodies, minds, and world operate within a purely mechanistic framework—adjusting dials and making minor tweaks in an attempt to set things right. Unfortunately, much of modern society views the spiritual and transcendent as weak, outdated, superstitious, or naïve. However, shifting this dominant mindset—both personally and culturally—is not just valuable but heroic and necessary, especially as we face mounting global and existential challenges.
The Power of Spiritual Awareness
What are the benefits of embracing this mindset? Just as surrendering our lives and world to a Higher Power liberates us from stress and overwhelm, living from spirit frees us from the exhausting cycle of chasing after what we want—or running from what we fear. This shift turns the dominant worldview upside down, moving us from fear-driven striving toward a state of peace, acceptance, and wisdom. Spiritual awareness offers a profound opportunity: each day, each moment, becomes a fresh beginning. It allows us to live from the inside out, choosing our actions based on an inner compass and truth—rather than merely reacting to external circumstances.
Spiritual and/or Physical/Religious Realities
Spiritual reality can be understood as the experience of tapping into the infinite universal power, beauty, wisdom, and love—within ourselves, in nature, and through God—via prayer and meditation. This experience can be further defined through the pursuit of meaning and connection with the divine. Some seek God through personal reflection, individual beliefs, inner truth, and spiritual practices.
Others find meaning in collective traditions—rites, rituals, sacred texts, and the guidance of religious leaders in the external, physical world. Likewise, the spiritual journey can take the form of either embracing change and growth or holding firmly to traditional values and practices. Rather than limiting ourselves to one approach, we find wisdom in both, allowing them to enrich and expand our understanding.
Spirit as a Tree
Spirit can be likened to a tree. We see the trunk, branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits—the visible manifestation of life. But beneath the surface, an intricate system sustains it: roots provide nourishment, structure, foundation, and unseen yet essential support. Do the roots mirror what happens aboveground, or do the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits reflect the depths below? Most likely, spirit came first—the unseen, yet foundational force that gives rise to all we see and experience.
The Spectrum of Physical and Spiritual Realms
A simple analogy for the physical and spiritual realms is a wave that rises and falls. Sometimes, the wave is barely perceptible; other times, it crashes over us like a towering tsunami. Everything in the world follows this pattern—coming into existence in both subtle and grand ways, only to change and pass, like days, seasons, and waves. This is the relative, physical, and historical realm. Yet even within something as simple as a wave, there exists another dimension—the ultimate realm of the water.
The Water of Waves
Water is the essence of the wave—its ultimate reality, its true nature, its spirit. Likewise, we possess a spiritual reality that connects us to all people, all life, and all of creation, revealing our infinite, ultimate, and absolute existence. Higher Power moves through both realms, just as we do—if we open our eyes, hearts, and minds to awaken and embody it. Realizing our small place within the vast whole might seem humbling, but in truth, we are not merely a drop in the ocean—we are the ocean in a drop. Acknowledging the duality of physical and spiritual life helps us discern the interplay between them. This existence can be seen as a continuum, yet also as two sides of the same coin—an intimately connected whole.
Rising Sun Orientation
We have the power to change our minds and hearts, shifting our orientation toward a brighter, more optimistic perspective. The word orient itself speaks to this transformation—meaning to look east toward the rising sun, embracing renewal and positivity while leaving behind the setting sun mentality of negativity, dysfunction, and selfishness. As we step forward into the light of higher awareness, the shadow remains—always behind us—but its presence fades as we surround ourselves with goodness and truth. This orientation influences us profoundly, both physically and psychologically.
The Science of Positivity
The body responds powerfully to this shift. Beneficial chemicals such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin—often called the cuddle drugs or happy hormones—enhance bonding, generosity, and empathy. They also help relieve depression, aid sleep, and foster trust. Beyond emotional well-being, these neurochemicals regulate a wide range of essential functions, including memory, learning, reasoning, decision-making, problem-solving, energy levels, appetite, sensitivity to pain, and sleep patterns. When we embrace a positive orientation, we trigger responses that reshape our beliefs, behaviors, and even our physical health, reinforcing a life of greater balance and fulfillment.
On the other side of the coin, certain chemicals—such as cortisol and adrenaline—trigger bursts of alertness, energy, and heightened attention by rapidly producing glucose and accelerating the heart rate in response to perceived threats, whether real or imagined. However, frequent stress, depression, and anxiety can sensitize us to these responses, wiring our brains toward stressors and making it increasingly difficult to recognize and counteract their effects.
Over time, this leads to restlessness, headaches, sleep deprivation, fatigue, obesity, depression, immune system weakness, and a host of illnesses and diseases. It is no surprise that ancient Eastern philosophy labels emotions such as anger, hostility, hatred, blame, shame, negativity, aggression, violence, anxiety, fear, and depression as poisons. Yet, these same emotions are also recognized as the seeds of enlightenment, offering profound lessons about ourselves and others—if we are willing to examine them with awareness.
The Noble Truth
Ancient Eastern philosophy also presents the Four Noble Truths as a path to surrendering to a Higher Power. The first truth acknowledges that suffering—manifesting as ignorance and confusion—is an inherent part of life. Too often, we assume that hardships indicate something is wrong, when in reality, suffering is simply a fundamental aspect of existence. The second truth encourages us to look deeply into the origins of our suffering. Time and again, we discover that it stems from the ego’s attachments, aversions, and indifference. Recognizing this pattern allows us to identify the source of our bondage and misery—ultimately offering us the opportunity to break free.
The third step toward transformation is letting go of our self-absorbed perception and entrusting our lives and will to a loving Higher Power. This is best accomplished by embracing the fourth truth of the Eightfold Path—cultivating right (or higher) viewpoints, intentions, speech, actions, occupations, efforts, mindfulness, and concentration, all with Higher Power as our guide. While this philosophy does not explicitly define a Higher Power as an external entity, it instead emphasizes the Infinite or Noble Qualities—loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. But aren’t these, in essence, Higher Powers themselves?
Ego (I - Me - Mine)
Perhaps the greatest barrier to connecting with Higher Power—and to experiencing universal love for humanity, life, and creation—is the ego. Me. It is all too easy to become consumed by self-serving concerns, so much so that it seems normal. My health, my work, my home, my car, my things… The fixation is relentless. Yet this orientation is not only ineffective but exhausting, leading to anxiety and discontent. The Beatles captured this perfectly: "All through the day, all I can hear is I, me, mine." While self-care and personal responsibility are important, true balance is found in harmonizing the self with the needs of others. It is in surrendering ego and shifting our focus from me to we that we discover peace, purpose, and the deeper connection we seek.
Self-Will or the Will of God
The ego instinctively defends itself when threatened—reacting to even the smallest judgment or challenge as if its very survival is at stake. To the ego, being called out or proven wrong feels like death. Often, it takes a crisis, breakdown, or failure to loosen the grip of ego and reveal a broader perspective. Yet paradoxically, true service and selfless focus on others require a strong and healthy identity. This strength does not come from self-will or personal power but rather from surrendering to our Higher Power’s will and allowing divine energy to move through us.
Ego and True Self
It is remarkable how deeply we cling to our I-dentity (me) and My-dentity (mine). Ego is so pervasive that it often goes unnoticed, feeling like the default state of being. You might even call it Mego, the “I” of the storm. But excessive self-focus is not only stressful—it is exhausting. Deep down, we know we are not the center of the universe, and stepping beyond that illusion brings immense relief and a more balanced, fulfilling way of living.
The false self—the ego—operates from fear, constantly striving to prove its worth. Yet this striving only creates distance from the profound truth: life itself is a gift we already possess. At our deepest level—within our True Self and heart of hearts—we are kind, loving, and wise. The challenge is not becoming this, but recognizing that we already are. What we must be mindful of is the surface-level noise of compulsive thought and self-preservation, so we can quiet it enough to hear the truth that has always been
From Narrow-Mindedness to Over-Soul
We must remain vigilant against the mind’s calculating nature—its relentless effort to interpret events in service of itself. Even our attempts at self-development and personal growth are often subtly influenced by an unconscious yet flawed self-serving tendency. The human condition is inherently narrow-minded, consumed by personal concerns and, at some level, compromised—incapable of perfecting itself. Yet we are not doomed. Awareness allows us to rise above these limitations. True redemption does not come through self-effort alone; rather, it emerges when we release the self and surrender to the transcendent power and wisdom of a redeeming Higher Power, order, and law.
Taming, Training, and Transforming
Ancient Eastern traditions offer valuable guidance in this journey, particularly the practice of self-love toward our habitually overactive mind and self-absorbed ego. Calm abiding meditation teaches us to step aside and observe our thoughts and compulsions with kindness and forgiveness—recognizing them as natural byproducts of both the mind’s nature and the conditioning of our upbringing and modern world. Through the practice of letting be and letting go, we loosen the grip of deeply ingrained tendencies, freeing ourselves to rediscover the calm center within—the stillness that allows us to navigate life’s storms with clarity and peace.
Insight Meditation and Transformation
Insight meditation frees us by guiding us through our habitual and compulsive responses to their roots, origins, and beginnings. Through this process, we cultivate the compassion and understanding necessary to move beyond them. This journey leads to a natural wisdom—a profound realization that allows us to transform difficulties into advantages. The struggles of the past become fuel for progress, pushing us toward positive change in the here and now. As we release the illusion of mind and ego as master, self-will dissolves, giving way to God's will—and with it, all the wonders, miracles, and magic that unfold when we surrender to divine guidance.
The Gift of an Awakened and Compassionate Heart
When we truly recognize the kind, compassionate, and wise heart and mind of God, selfishness ceases to be an option. Self-will transforms into other-love, and other power becomes divine love. This is the True Self—the all-encompassing Oneness of life and creation, eternally inspiring, blessing, and renewing us.
Shinran reminds us: Such is the benevolence of great compassion. We must strive to return it. We must endeavor to repay it." And as Shantideva so beautifully put it: "As a blind man might find a jewel in a heap of rubbish, so too has this awakening heart and mind appeared in me." Our gratitude and our desire to respond to this sacred gift are themselves gifts—ones that deepen our connection to the infinite love that sustains all.
Gratitude and Grace as a Call to Action
Even as we celebrate the love, peace, joy, and beauty of the tremendous gift we have been given, we must remain vigilant to our fallible nature. In this awareness, life becomes ever more precious, profound, and sacred. Foolish grace says, "God has got this—it’s all part of God’s plan, so I don’t have to do anything." But wise grace calls us to action—to fully participate in the compassionate impulse that moves through us. The deeper our connection to God’s grace, the greater our gratitude, and this gratitude compels us to serve—to reach out to those who suffer and to uplift wherever we can.
Mystical Cooperation
To seek, embody, and enact the wise mind and loving heart of a Higher Power is the ultimate gift. Gratitude counters entitlement and pride, transforming self-focus into service. In recognizing this gift, we are inspired to guide others toward the vast freedom, humility, and happiness we have received. This is all the more reason to enter the flow of grace and remain there as much as possible. As Dogen so beautifully put it: "We enter into a mystical cooperation that completely penetrates all times and performs the eternal work of the enlightened ones—guiding influence in the past, present, and future, resonating like a bell."
Miracles and Magic
Our living prayer and practice—the awakened heart and mind of Higher Power within us—is like a pebble tossed into a pond, rippling outward in wave after wave of abundant kindness and compassion. Grace, unrelenting and ever-present, flows into and through us like the morning sun’s light and warmth—rising and falling as the seasons of life pass. With each cycle, the experience grows more brilliant, more profound. In this joyous world, we are finally free to embrace the miracle of loving service—unburdened by the contamination of self-interest.
A Gift of Grace
Our service becomes an offering—a gift to the Great Spirit, the Force of life—to uplift and inspire others toward their highest and True Self. Absolute surrender to Higher Power, divine order, law, and truth reveals our most heartfelt purpose and passion, allowing us to live each day with reverence and meaning. By acknowledging and healing our wounded, fragile nature, we cultivate boundless compassion, forgiveness, and love—both for ourselves and for others, regardless of how lost or despairing they may seem.
Rest in God
It’s time to stop constructing our own little kingdoms (and queendoms)—chasing after the right jobs, partners, cars, and homes. Instead, we must tear down our walls and recognize that we have always been safe, always at home, in God’s loving embrace. We simply didn’t realize it. By stepping back from our external, worldly identity and turning inward, we can finally release the endless striving—the rat race, the battles, the inner and outer wars—and instead rest in God. Once we uncover the infinite love, peace, joy, and beauty that already exist within, living from the inside out becomes not only the sanest but the most deeply satisfying way to move through life.
New Time Religion
For centuries, people inherited their parents' religion and concept of a Higher Power with little room for questioning. Dissenting from the status quo could mean exile—or worse. Today, most of us have the freedom to seek and shape our own spiritual understanding. This is an extraordinary gift, allowing us to discover or create a vision of God that resonates deeply—one that may have long eluded us but now offers the purpose and meaning we need.
God of the Wilds
As we cultivate tools to deepen our relationship with our Higher Power, we may wonder—why is this necessary? How did Higher Power become so distant? The truth is, God was never lost—we were. Looking back at how humanity has regarded the divine offers insight. In early times, God was seen and worshiped in the forests, rivers, animals, and other elements of nature. But as cities arose, the sacred wilds were left outside the walls—perhaps deemed too untamed, too dangerous for "civilized" society.
God Under House Arrest
In response, mankind constructed grand churches, temples, cathedrals, and other buildings to house God and centralize religious power. Often positioned at the heart of the city, these structures stood tall, their towering spires pointing toward the heavens. Stepping inside, one is met with soaring columns, high ceilings, masterful carvings, luminous stained glass, and stirring hymns—all undeniably awe-inspiring. Yet, such grandeur can sometimes become a barrier—separating us from a direct, intimate connection with our Loving Higher Power. Many religious traditions once placed clergy as intermediaries between humanity and the divine, creating distance instead of fostering personal communion. But in truth, God was never confined—never meant to be locked away within walls. The sacred remains alive in the wild, in the open sky, in the quiet spaces of the heart.
Monarchies and Government as God
As individuals sought power and status, they built ever-grander palaces and castles—pushing God further into the background. Governments, too, sought control, constructing immense and elaborate structures, often modeled after classical Greek and Roman temples. Eventually, this led to a formal separation between church and state. Yet even as society moved toward secular governance, a subtle resistance remained—visible in the currency we guard so carefully, stamped with the enduring reminder: “In God we trust.”
Corporate Gods
In modern times, towering corporate buildings dominate city centers, standing defiantly against the horizon. It seems that business—or perhaps money itself—has become the new Higher Power. And given its formidable influence over modern life, it’s easy to believe this is true. Yet what we need now is a Higher Power that encompasses all these forces, guiding them toward the greater good and higher law. This is not a solitary task—it is a collective responsibility. Together, we must make it happen.
Pulling Back the Curtain
The scientific community is often perceived as holding an adversarial stance in the age-old debate between faith and reason. Yet, in truth, there is no battle to be fought. It is not the grandest building or the most compelling empirical evidence that truly matters—but rather what resides within our hearts. Higher Power is ever-present, perhaps working behind the scenes, but still alive, well, and running the show.
Science Shows the Glory of God
Some view scientific discovery as a fall from grace, as though pulling back the curtain—like Toto in The Wizard of Oz—has exposed an illusion. But we say no. The Great and Powerful Oz, the Supreme Being that sustains all things, still brings the sunrise, the seasons, and the endless wonders that have carried us forward. Science has not diminished God—it has illuminated just how extraordinary and awe-inspiring creation truly is. As Carl Sagan so beautifully put it: "Science is, at least in part, informed worship."
Coming Home to God
Throughout history, powerful forces—civilizations, cultures, monarchies, governments, businesses, science, and even organized religion—have often seemed to stand between us and an intimate relationship with our deepest, most sacred truth: our Higher Power, and in turn, our True Self. Is it any wonder, then, that individuals and the world at large struggle? Yet the answer is not to wage battle against these obstacles, but to first turn inward—to transform our own minds and hearts, to embrace grace, and, from that place, begin making meaningful changes in the world.
We Are the Vehicle
A helpful analogy for being empowered and guided by a loving Higher Power is that of an automobile. Can it take us where we need to go? Not if we merely sit inside it, unmoving. First, the engine must be turned on, ignited with purpose. Navigation must be set—we need to know where we are going and how to get there. Then, we must shift into gear, ready to face the roadblocks, storms, detours, and unknowns along the journey. When fueled by Higher Power, the path becomes clearer, the obstacles less daunting, and the journey itself an act of faith and surrender.
Just as an automobile requires ignition, direction, and momentum to reach its destination, so do we. We must be turned on and fired up, plan our path, shift into gear, and press forward—pausing when needed for rest and renewal, all while navigating obstacles along the way. The key is to remember that Higher Power is not only the spark that ignites us, but also the fire, the journey, and the destination. We are God’s eyes and ears, hands and feet, mind and heart—body, soul, and spirit—a sacred vessel through which divine will manifests in the world. Without inspiration, direction, and purpose, we remain stagnant. But when we surrender to divine guidance, we become active participants in something far greater.
Intimate Conscious Contact
Many envision their Higher Power as an energy or presence, much like conversing with pets, plants, or the natural world. This connection manifests through prayer, meditation, journaling, and the quiet internal dialogue of daily life. For some, this presence takes on a human-like form—a loving mother, father, or caregiver who embraces us like a child. This Higher Power can be felt in every action, emotion, thought, and even in the cells of our body and the fabric of creation itself. If your Higher Power aligns with your religious tradition, that’s beautiful—but it doesn’t have to. This is a God of our own understanding, often distinct from the one passed down through generations. What matters most is the authentic, personal relationship we cultivate—one that guides and sustains us with love, wisdom, and grace.
Tuning Into Higher Purpose
When we truly align with higher purpose, we find that the work itself energizes us—feeding back into a self-sustaining, regenerative cycle. This state of immersion is often called being in the zone or flow—what we like to call exponential synergy. Some connect most deeply with their Higher Power through prayer—an intimate, personal communion. Others experience divine connection through worship and praise expressed in service, singing, dancing, art, play, or other acts of devotion. Whatever form it takes, this relationship with Higher Power fuels and sustains the soul.
Up Close and Personal
It is easy to imagine Higher Power as distant—residing in churches, cathedrals, temples, or watching from the heavens, only truly accessible in an afterlife. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can witness the infinite power, presence, and wisdom of God at work in every aspect of the natural world—in each blade of grass, every sunrise and sunset, the changing seasons, the rhythm of raindrops, and even in our own bodies, minds, and hearts. Rather than remaining distant and silent, Higher Power invites an intimate relationship—one that is deeply personal, immediate, and woven into the fabric of everyday existence.
Divine Creator and Sustainer
Some mourn the absence of a personal God—one who directly intervenes with miracles tailored to each individual. But consider the astonishing functions of the human body: digestion, balance, circulation, cognition, and countless other processes working seamlessly, unnoticed. These are miracles in their own right. As Joseph Murphy wisely said, “The doctor dresses the wound, and God heals it.” This truth applies to every hardship and affliction in life—we are never safer, nor more cared for, than when we rest in God.
Even the Hard Things
I admit, God can be harder to see amid drab buildings, wars, and refuse. Yet if God were malevolent, the world would be barren—a wasteland void of life. Instead, existence abounds with resilience, intelligence, diversity, and beauty, stretching across time and creation. That alone is enough to bring peace to the heart—to fill it with infinite love, joy, and awe. Whatever people may do, however kind or unkind humanity may be, the grand design outweighs fleeting disruptions. The big picture remains
Intimately Interconnected
Recognizing our profound interconnectedness with nature naturally leads us to acknowledge our connection to Higher Power as well. Call it nature or divine presence, but our bodies—woven into the fabric of all life—function through astonishingly complex systems: respiratory, cardiovascular, muscular, nervous, and countless others. It is truly remarkable how effortlessly these systems operate, performing countless intricate processes simultaneously. Perhaps, rather than being the source of this intelligence, our bodies are simply the receiving devices, while Higher Power remains the signal and source.
The Mind of God
The same principle applies to our minds—our thoughts and words arise so seamlessly, often without deliberate planning, that they seem to flow from something beyond us. Rather than solitary creators of consciousness, we may be more like radios or televisions, manifesting the divine signal we receive from Higher Power.
Binding Back to Our Source
There’s a lot of talk about God here—a bold proposition in a time when many are shifting away from religion toward spirituality. That’s why we often use the term Higher Power, which reflects a broader, more inclusive understanding. Interestingly, the word religion itself means to bind back—to reconnect with our source. This definition casts religion in a new light, making it something easier to embrace rather than resist. Perhaps, with this perspective, we can once again recognize the sacred in the sky, water, and trees—that everywhere is holy ground. This shift feels increasingly urgent as climate change threatens the very earth we call home.
The Gift of Grace
In these uncertain times, we are in desperate need of a benevolent force—a transcendent cosmology beyond mere self-interest, a compassionate presence we can all engage with and experience. This awakening is not something we earn but rather a profound gift—one we have inherited through Higher Power. To savor it fully is to affirm and honor its presence, allowing it to bless our lives. No amount of striving for self-improvement can replace this gift, for grace flows freely to each of us—abundantly and without condition—through humility, reverence, and service.
Universal Blessing
Embracing this mindset may require a leap of faith, but it is a worthy one—the belief that the tireless force that created all things is continuously blessing us in countless ways. From the changing seasons to the rhythm of rainfall, from the glow of sunsets to the laughter of children, grace is our inheritance. It is the force that created, developed, and sustains every atom, molecule, and cell at every moment. Though we may experience hardship—difficult days, months, or years—the underlying reality remains: we are upheld by an immeasurable and inexhaustible wellspring of well-being. And not just us, but all life, across time and space.
Manifesting Higher Power
For many, Higher Power is not an old man in the heavens but a living energy—something we can create and nurture, much like our bonds with pets, plants, or anything we name and cherish. This presence is cultivated through prayer, meditation, journaling, and daily conversation. It can take on a deeply personal form—one that embraces us like a loving parent, a caregiver, a home where we belong completely. Higher Power can be felt in every action, emotion, thought, and cell of our being—as close as a lifelong companion, a best friend forever. If this Higher Power aligns with your religious tradition, wonderful—but it doesn’t have to. It is, above all, a relationship of understanding, a sacred connection that evolves and meets us where we are.
What’s It Going to Take?
We’ve explored the analogy of life as a vehicle, but here’s another way to think about how Higher Power works—like a vacuum. Imagine someone throws dirt on the floor. The vacuum could clean it up, right? Of course! But if the person just stands there, nothing happens. Oh no! It’s not plugged into a power source!" Still nothing. "Oh no! It’s not turned on!" Still nothing. "Oh no! You have to do your part—you can’t just stand there and expect results!" So, ask yourself: Are you plugged into your higher power source? Are you turned on—inspired and motivated? And most importantly, are you actively doing your part, putting in the work that needs to be done in the world?
A Word from Our Founding Father
For a time, my relationship with Higher Power felt unclear—until I read Original Blessing. The book revealed how Saint Augustine introduced the concept of original sin, allowing the church to position itself as an intermediary between humanity and God. Yet before this doctrine took hold, God was recognized in the trees, the sky, the water, in all life and creation itself. That realization became my homecoming. Suddenly, the peace, love, joy, and beauty of the universe weren’t distant—they were mine again, residing within me, stretching across all space and all time.
Spinoza’s God and the Divine in Nature
I agree with Albert Einstein—I believe in Spinoza’s God. For Spinoza, God was synonymous with nature itself. Through this lens, the sun, mountains, and trees stand tall and strong as the masculine aspect—the Father. The valleys, meadows, waters, and the earth itself embody the feminine aspect—the Mother. Together, these life-giving forces sustain us and all living beings, making up a benevolent and abundant home for all. I cannot begin to express how comforting and reassuring this understanding is to me. Whenever I am in nature, I feel an immediate sense of belonging—a reunion with family. Within minutes, any troubles or stresses fade into the background, replaced by a deep and abiding peace.
The Best News Ever
To me, this concept is not just good news—it is the best news. It is something I can turn to at any time, allowing me to feel and see the infinite love of my Higher Power—within myself and throughout all creation. No matter what unfolds in life, I believe God is good—a truth revealed through creation itself, especially in the breathtaking diversity, resilience, intelligence, and beauty of life across the earth, across time, and likely throughout the universe. This is my indestructible, beautiful, and peaceful refuge—a place I carry in my mind and heart, offering solace in the face of any worries or difficulties. What is yours?
To see how Higher Power connects us with other areas of life, check out Part 2 of the Sanity File by clicking here