Michael Singer - What to Do When You Are Not Meditating

Quick Overview

Michael Singer asserts that what to do when you are not meditating is to simply remain conscious of the entire field of experience—thoughts, emotions, body, and senses—without trying to suppress or manipulate any of it, recognizing that this state of non-dual awareness is the natural state and the source of true joy and freedom, which is superior to artificially chasing spiritual highs or avoiding negative feelings.

Key Points: The primary instruction for when not actively meditating is to maintain awareness of the entire field of experience (thoughts, emotions, body, senses) without trying to manipulate or suppress anything. This state of non-dual awareness, where the observer is conscious of everything happening simultaneously, is presented as the natural state, contrasting with the ego's desire for specific spiritual experiences. Michael Singer references his book, 'Living Untethered,' and the concept of 'Prajna' (wisdom) or 'Dharana' (concentration) to illustrate this constant awareness. The speaker contrasts this natural state with the ego's attempts to control experience, such as trying to force feelings of ecstasy or trying to suppress fear or anger, calling these efforts a form of dualistic struggle. He quotes the Bible ('Man shall not live by bread alone') and the Yoga Sutras ('River of Holy Waters') to support the idea that the source of all positive experience (joy, love, creation) is the underlying consciousness itself. The speaker advises against seeking specific spiritual states or trying to avoid negative emotions; instead, one should simply observe them as they arise and pass, maintaining awareness of the whole field. The ultimate goal is to stop being distracted by the contents of experience (like past negative events or future anxieties) and rest in the pure awareness that is already present and whole.

Context: Michael Singer, author of 'The Untethered Soul' and 'Living Untethered,' delivers a talk focused on practical spiritual application, specifically addressing what practitioners should do when they find themselves not actively engaged in formal seated meditation. The context revolves around maintaining a state of constant, non-dual awareness throughout daily life, even when dealing with uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, or external distractions, framing this continuous presence as the true path to spiritual growth and freedom.