Aaron

Hello Rainbow Vein, If you use want in that context, yes they do. I am advocating necessities vs. desires. If we want food because we're hungry, that is a necessity. If we want food because we're bored, that is a desire. Now if we are not fulfilling our basic needs, the one that seems to be the most often unfulfilled is the desire for security, as marblehead describes it, and nurturing, as I call it, then we may end up looking for other avenues to fill that "void". We feel lonely, so we eat more, exchanging one need for another. Anyways, my main point is that people oftentimes mistake the material items in their possessions as necessities for existence, when in fact they aren't. We oftentimes mistake the need to work seventy hour work weeks as a necessity, when it isn't. It is this mistaken belief that causes us much misery in life, that is not needed. Aaron

Hello Aridus, When I define need, I define it as a necessity for existence. A flat screen tv for instance isn't a necessity, food is. Just clarifying. I can't really see how your perception of these changes changes anything. I hope life is treating you well. Aaron

Hello folks, I see the thread is running its course. I wanted to thank everyone who participated. I think this was one of the most informative threads I've participated in and it couldn't have been if it wasn't for each of you. Thanks again. Aaron

Hello Otis, No, the ego is not separate from the actual us. It is a part of us that has evolved for a purpose and it serves that purpose well. Yes, the actual self is the ego and everything else. I think what I should say as well is that I don't believe that we are born without an identity, that we are born part of a cosmic conscious, thinking of ourselves as everyone else, but rather we are born connected to everything else, we are molecules that make up that ocean. Even though we are molecules and in a sense separate, we are still the ocean, a very essential part of the ocean, and any drop that is absent diminishes that ocean. When I comment on this in other threads, I can see where this can get dicey, but it's best to think of it as a molecule that touches all other molecules, and although it is separate, it isn't, nor does it have to be. When I talk about deconstructing, I'm not talking about banishing the ego, or destroying it. I don't believe that the ego is entirely narcissistic, in fact some aspects of the ego are very humble and pure in motive. When I speak of deconstructing I'm talking about understanding what you truly are, understanding the nature of yourself, your connection to this universe and by doing so, reconciling your ego. When you can reconcile with your ego, then it isn't who you are anymore, but what you thought you were. You will still have your ego, but your ego will not be what spurs you to action, rather your action will come from your true self. Like the small child happy with the taste of chocolate, you will offer your candy to your brother gladly, so he can share the experience. I hope that makes sense. Aaron

Hello Lazy Cloud and Seth, It seems you both are asking the same question in a different way, so I will try to explain it the best way I can. In regards to the consciousness I speak of, well it has no physical form, so it can't be described in that way. It is not human consciousness, but humans are a part of it. Everything has consciousness, regardless of what it is, because all things came from consciousness. If I were to liken it to anything it would be as I described it before, a vast ocean that permeates everything in existence. We are a part of it, we feel it's ripples, yet not physically, oftentimes it's just an awareness, an intuition. Two recent examples. Today my brother called me and asked me to go to lunch and I told him I couldn't because my car was about to break down. He was certain it wouldn't and asked me how I knew and I answered that "I just knew." Well long story short, it broke down on the way home, the only thing is it broke down a block from my mechanics garage. That was the first convenient thing about it. Now I call my brothers and they come and help me push my car to the local gas station. One brother says I should go in and ask if I can park it overnight and then I can have someone tow it to my mechanic the next day. The other brother tells us that they wont do it because this is a chain and their policy is that they wont allow cars to be parked overnight because of insurance reasons. I tell them I'll ask anyways. I walk into the store and low and behold, who is at the counter but John, a friend I've known for about four years, but haven't talked to in two. You see I knew John when he didn't have a car and I used to give him rides everywhere, whenever he needed it. He looked at me and said, "it wont be a problem, leave it here as long as you need to." We caught up exchanged numbers and I went home. Now that seems coincidental doesn't it? The only thing is that for the last four months or so, since I've experienced this consciousness, this has been the course of my life. I can sometimes tell what's going to happen before it happens and when things do happen they tend to happen in a way that is less than tragic. A smaller and less interesting event happened about an hour ago. I was listening to a song on my i-pod and I was thinking of another song, but I couldn't remember the name. I have many many songs on my i-pod, about two thousand or so, so it's not like I could just pick it out, so I just set my i-pod to random and played the first song I wanted to listen to, guess what the second song that played was? The song I couldn't remember the name for. Again coincidental, but as I said before, these coincidences happen all the time now. I guess I just take it for granted that things will work out. My job status is the third weird coincidence. I was without employment and out of money and had no real options to look forward to when out of the blue and old employer calls up and asks if I could work for him for awhile. One of his employees was in an accident and he was short handed. I ended up being unemployed for a grand total of two days. Consciousness is real, but trying to define it concretely doesn't seem to work because it is mysterious, I'm not denying that part of it. What I'm saying is that from my own experience I understand it, I know it is there and I know that it is what connects me to everything else in existence. Now this is the really impressive part of consciousness, since I've experienced this awareness I rarely get angry or upset, in fact it's been awhile since I've felt this way. I have a serenity that just is. I don't have to work at it, it just is. I didn't take any self help courses or see a counselor to get to this state, it just started to be. My capacity for compassion is much greater than it has ever been in my life, but so is my ability to handle situations in a way that is beneficial to everyone involved. Case in point, my employer had a client that no one wanted to work with. He described this woman as insufferable, well those weren't his exact words, but it's not important. I went to see this woman and I showed up when I thought I was supposed to be there, as in the time that was on the worksheet. She was upset because she had actually rescheduled, but my boss had never told the office manager. This woman was never upset with me, rather she apologized and said she understood that this was putting me out too. I did the work I needed to do and left. My boss called and said that she had asked for me by name to come back the next day. I did. When I was done that second day she said that she was very happy with my work and that she planned on having us do several other jobs for her and was it possible for me to come do the work. Now this isn't something unique to this client, in fact several other clients have requested the same thing. The employees also ask if I can work with them. They say I'm easy to get along with. Now keep in mind that this is a physical labor type of job and these men are very macho and I happen to be gay and they know this. They still would rather work with me then anyone else in the company. How do I know consciousness exists? Because I see it's effects in my daily life. I see it in how I interact with others and what happens around me. Things just work out for me. I don't really struggle or worry because I know this is the way it is. If you're asking me to provide a scientific basis for how this happens, I couldn't tell you, all I can say is it just does. With that in mind, I have to get up early tomorrow to go to work, so I have to let you go and hit the hay. I know this doesn't really answer your questions, but perhaps it will give you an idea of my perspective of consciousness. Have a good nights rest or good day, depending on when you read this. Aaron

Hello Simple Jack, You are free to share whatever you want as much as you want. My only request, and this is for anyone that wishes to contribute to this thread, is that we treat each other with respect. You didn't offend me in any way. I do care about your opinion, I was just suggesting that there may be a more compassionate way to express it. Aaron

Hello Lazy Cloud, Well it is my consciousness, but it's your consciousness as well. Really much of what I am explaining comes from Vendanta Hinduism, only with some twists. The difference being, since I am not a "spiritual" man, I've decided to try and understand it for what it is, without those things that I think are superstitious (and mind you they are only superstitious to me, for others they are quite real so I'm not dismissing them, just explaining why I did this). So far as answering the big questions, I don't think there are big questions, only questions and answers and if we truly wish to understand, then we must both ask the question and when we know the answer, be willing to answer it. True compassion is sharing our knowledge with others, whether it's teaching someone how to copy and paste a file, tie a hook to their fishing line, or explaining the nature or reality. Of course the trick is to remember that there really is no such thing as a stupid question, so when someone asks a question, treat them with as much respect as if they were asking you for food for their starving child. If you have no food, apologize and suggest where they can find it, but if you do have food, then share it with them. Aaron

Hello Seth, I can understand what you're saying. I do think for many people consciousness and awareness are a mystery, but I don't think it has to be. There are parts of us that we are aware of, then parts we are not. What you're referring to as the parts that we are aware of I think of as the ego, that part of us that we construct in order to interact with society. This ego is the identity that we create for ourselves based on social mores and values. The important thing to remember is that the ego is not the entirety of our existence, but rather it's like an island within with an ocean. What I am saying is that we can become aware of the consciousness that we are not immediately aware of and by understanding this we can gather a greater understanding of the world. Now if you keep in mind the ocean metaphor, I also believe that this ocean does not have a boundary, rather it permeates everything and that individually we are just small islands within that ocean, not realizing that we are connected and that the land we've built does not exist. We have tricked ourselves into believing we are standing on land and that we can only go so far as the beach, when in fact we are really swimming within that ocean, we just don't know it. Anyways, thanks for your comments. Very well put. Aaron edit- I did want to point out that I agree with you, the arrow, or ego cannot be dissolved. For me it's not about dissolving the ego, but rather understanding what exists beyond the ego. When you realize this, then your understanding of your ego and your true nature become much clearer.

Hello Otis, Very nice topic. I think when one asks this question it's very important to keep in mind that one's cultural perspective plays a large part in the definition of ego. Since others have already given an excellent example of the Buddhist and to a lesser extent Taoists view ego, I will instead try to explain it as I view it. I believe that ego is a small part of our consciousness, the part that we create to define ourselves according to our cultural understanding. Ego is a tool we create that allows us to interact with others around us. We are not the only creatures that have ego, animals have ego, if not in the same way. The difference between ego and self, is that ego is not the entirety of self, but rather those aspects that we identify with. It is literally our identity. Beyond ego there is the rest of us, what some call the subconscious. There also resides the opposite of ego, the shadow, as Jungians are prone to call it, that part of us that contains those desires and wants that are not culturally acceptable and thus hidden and denied. Both the ego and shadow reside within our conscious mind. The key thing to remember is that ego and shadow, as I've stated, aren't the entirety of everything. They aren't even awareness, but rather a carefully detailed persona that we create for ourselves. We are taught to create this persona when we are young. We view the different roles people play in society and determine where we fit into those roles. I am a boy, so I should play with guns and toy soldiers. I have a mother and father, so I should get married and become a father. It's wrong to steal and lie, so I should be an honest person. The list goes on. Men are astronauts, cowboys, and doctors. Women are housewives, teachers, and nurses. Of course social constructs have changed over the last few decades, so these personae are becoming less strict, but they are still there. Beyond the ego there is also us, the actual us that exists hidden below the carefully defined borders of our ego. It is the part of us that shudders when we experience something without knowing why. It is the us that we do not even know exists, except in those rare moments when time begins to slip away and we can experience the full nature of who we are, like when we are dreaming. Many of the philosophical schools in the East and the mystical traditions of the West focus on understanding the parts we are not aware of, the subconscious, in order to fully understand our connection with the world around us. That is what's meant by looking within, understanding our true nature, the nature that existed before we began to construct our ego as a necessity. Anyways, I could go into further detail, but this thread isn't about deconstructing the ego, but rather defining it, so I will leave it at that. I hope life is treating you well, Aaron

I've been reading Alan Watts book, "The Book" and I have to say it's probably given me a deeper understanding about the Tao and Taoist ideas, in a roundabout way, than "The Watercourse Way" did. I was wondering if anyone else has read it or has any thoughts about it. Excellent book, if you haven't gotten around to it yet. Aaron

Hello Marble, Thanks for the kind words. Aaron

I thought I might attempt to answer your questions... In order to answer this question one must first decide what Tao is. Since most people are reticent to talk about Tao or attempt to define it, we tend to use terms that prevent Tao from being hedged in. I made the mistake of comparing it to consciousness at one time, which wasn't well received. So in regards to Tao, just keep in mind that it translates roughly as Way, but way as in practice, like a Buddhist Way or Confucian Way. In that regards Inanimate objects have a way because they are part of the "practice" of the universe. There are several different thoughts about this. Some tend to believe that there is no need to behave ethically, that the chapters regarding ethics were added at a later time during the formulation of the Tao Teh Ching and hence, they don't necessarily apply to the actual message of the Tao Teh Ching. I tend to view this kind of thinking as an attempt to justify one's own actions. In my own opinion, the need to live ethically is simply because by living ethically we can live harmoniously with those around us. The important thing to remember is that ethics are subjective. Remember the first line of Chapter 2 of the Tao Teh Ching tells us, "When all the world recognizes beauty as beauty, that in itself is ugliness." Just because someone tells you something is "ethical" doesn't necessarily mean it is so. Again this depends on what you consider a Taoist to be. For most a Taoist refers to someone who practices Taoism, either as a religion or philosophy. The idea that everyone is a Taoist often stems from the idea that Tao is the natural course of things, but most people tend to agree that those who are practicing in accord with Taoist ideology and philosophy are Taoists. In order to understand this idea that Buddhists and Taoists are "brothers in heaven" one must also understand the complex relationship of Buddhism and Taoism. Most Chinese are not exclusively Taoist or Buddhist, but rather follow a myriad of different philosophies. Historically, as Buddhism developed in China, it was eventually modified in certain ways so it adapted to the Chinese cultural identity. When this occurred aspects of Taoism were adapted by Buddhists. Many years later, when Buddhism was the more prominent of the two religions, Taoists began to adapt Buddhist ideas in order to appeal to the court. This adaptation of various philosophies and traditions has made Taoism and Ch'an Buddhism more similar in many respects, than different, hence this idea that Buddhists and Taoists are really "brothers in heaven". You could ask the same question about Christianity. The fact is, just because someone might believe something is true, doesn't mean they necessarily practice what they preach. Chinese history isn't really any more violent that Western History, but if one ceases to see Chinese people as people and rather defines them according to their religion and philosophy, what happens is that we will expect them to behave as that religion dictates, when in fact rarely does any man or woman behave in accord with all of a religions teachings, rather we do those things we absolutely must and let the others slide. Now keep in mind that Laozi was most likely a fictitious character, created by early Taoists to explain who authored the Tao Teh Ching. However, if one examines the man that people come to view Laozi as, then one can also see that he was essentially forced to write the Tao Teh Ching by the guard at the gate. Also the Tao Teh Ching advocates influencing others through ones actions, rather than one's words, so it would seem to me that, rather than preach about the need to conserve fossil fuel and change our destructive ways, that Laozi would most likely live a life that he thought would be an example for how others should live their lives. In this way, he would be showing the path of virtue. If you want concrete proof of an afterlife, I think you'll be disappointed. I personally believe in reincarnation, but I don't believe in heaven or hell. I can't prove to you that any of this exists, but I can tell you that the formulation of ideas about an afterlife often have to do with one's fear of death. If you want evidence of any of this, then you will have to experience it on your own. They are not misinformed, they are simply adapting cultural traditions to the religion of Taoism. As Westerners we often view Taoism as two distinct schools, a school of philosophy and a school of religion, in the eastern world this distinction isn't so visible. Many Chinese follow various traditional beliefs as well as Taoism and Buddhism. They will go to the Taoist temple on Tuesday and the Buddhist temple on Thursday. The temples have learned that in order to receive donations they need to cater to the people's needs, hence over time they've adapted their religious ceremonies to include the traditional cultural folk traditions of the local people. I mentioned this earlier in regards to the 'brothers in heaven' question and it applies here as well. I have a copy of the I-Ching, but I have never consulted it. The I-Ching actually is not Taoist, but rather comes from a tradition that predates the Tao Teh Ching. The ideas involved in the I-Ching do not necessarily represent the ideas presented in the Tao Teh Ching, but rather, as I've stated twice before, became incorporated in to that belief system because it was a popular tradition of the Chinese people. As far as being divinely inspired, I can't tell you. I would assume a divinity would be the only one who could tell you for certain. Most advanced practitioners of Qigong will tell you that semen retention is unnecessary. Even if it is practiced, it is one of last things one will learn in a Qigong system. Practicing this without sufficient knowledge and experience can be physically dangerous. As far as a scientific basis for the practice, no, I've never heard of one. Well I hope that helps to answer your questions. I'm sure others will come along and offer their own answers. In the end I would recommend that you look into these topics for yourself and decide how you feel about them. I hope life is treating you well. Aaron

I have no problem with you posting those chapters here. If you want to go ahead. This is really a place for Ancient Chinese texts concerning Taoism and I think many Taoists would be very interested in reviewing and discussing the Art of War. Aaron

Hello Adept, Thank you for your keen observations. First I would like to point out that what I'm talking about isn't Buddhist or Taoist enlightenment, so using that definition doesn't really work. When I say someone is enlightened, what I mean is that they have been freed from ignorance and misinformation based on full comprehension of the problems involved. Anyone who achieves this, on not just an intellectual but experiential level is capable of becoming enlightened. I do imply that a duality is perceived, but I don't mean to imply that it actually exists. I stated that we are born of consciousness and are conscious. The idea is that as one grows older they are taught to view themselves as being separate from the world and because of this perceived separation they are not consciously aware of their connection to the Universal Consciousness. When one once again becomes, not only intellectually aware, but also experientially aware, then they can once again understand the profound nature of their connection to everything in this universe, not just their fellow man. An interesting side effect of this awareness is that my opinion of plants and trees has drastically changed. I know it sounds odd, but there are moments when I feel like trees are actually reaching out to touch something. In fact I feel a sense of awareness in them. I know, sounds crazy. Anyways, I think it would be easy to make consciousness more complicated than it needs to be. Separating types of consciousness, determining aspects of consciousness vs. awareness, I'm sure are important questions, but they aren't necessarily questions I wish to answer. In that regard I appreciate your view on enlightenment and life, because it is spot on. Today I went to work and emptied trash. It was an enlightening experience. Anyways, thanks again for you input. I hope life is treating you well. Aaron

Hello Manitou, I wanted to take the time to reply to your comments regarding my post. First, let me thank you again for the kind words. Second, I think I might have an answer for you regarding the idea that the Sun has spirits. In regards to the idea of consciousness, everything within the universe is conscious, but not everything is capable of cognition. This means that the Sun is conscious and every bit alive as you and I are, it's just not aware like you and I are. If the sun does possess consciousness, then it is easy to understand how some might say that it has "spirits". I really think this reply is one of the best things I've seen anyone write on a forum. It was a real treat to read it and I'm happy that my initial comments were the result of such deep and inspiring repose. I really do hope life is treating you well. Nameste, Aaron

Hello Ejr, I'm not sure if the oneness I speak of is the same as the oneness that Jesus and others have spoke of, because I'm not them. When I experienced this oneness, it was quite sudden and it happened as a result of prior practice and study. I cannot say when this might happen for you, but I would suggest that if you are benefiting from the path you are on, stay on it, speak to those who are more advanced than you and ask them to help you. In the same way, if you are trying to achieve something, yet you are not progressing, then I would recommend that you seek other avenues of study. Keep in mind that studying and practicing are small parts to play, that in the end what is required is an acceptance of one's state and a willingness to progress beyond it. If you have each of these, then you are much more likely to achieve this oneness. I would also recommend that, as Otis has said, do not accept that someone is enlightened simply because they say they are, or because others have said that they are, but rather examine these people and decide for yourself. An enlightened person draws others to them, not by their words, but by their actions. If someone is enlightened you will know. Aaron

Hello Otis, First I apologize if it seemed like I dismissed what you said, it wasn't my intention. I did hear what you said and at one time did believe the same way that you do, but now I don't. That's all I meant. It doesn't mean that believing what you believe lacks value, or that since I've changed my mind my viewpoint is better. In regards to skepticism, I am very skeptical, in fact I urge everyone to never accept anything at face value. In my opinion it doesn't matter how anyone views anything, rather what's important is how we conduct ourselves with our fellow man. Today I worked with six other men. Each wanted to be the person in charge and they bickered constantly. They argued about who would do the "menial" tasks. I told them I would. I actually have nearly 10 years of experience in this particular field, in fact only one other person, the owner of the company had more, but it didn't matter to me. I did the job and I finished and went home. I'm as calm now as I was then. I listened to the backstabbing and infighting, slightly amused. If this had been four or five years ago, I may very well have been the one backstabbing, but today I'm not worried about status or face, rather I'm worried about my own job. I do the best that I can do on any task I perform, not because I am required to, but because it seems like the honest thing to do. I am not honest because other people tell me to be, but rather because I know that honesty is essential to having harmonious relationships with others. I also know that compassion and humility are important, not because anyone has told me, but because I know they are essential for having harmonious relations with others. I am the only one on that crew that everyone likes. Why is that? It's not because I'm enlightened, it's because I care for each of them, flaws and all, equally and I don't take sides against one another. I listen and keep my mouth shut. I only speak when I feel there is a need. So I guess what I'm saying is that I do understand your urge for caution, to not accept something without testing it first, but what I also understand is that prior to this experience I could never have walked through the various land mines laid out before me today without feeling anger and resentment. So even if this realization did nothing else, at least it has changed the way I behave. Aaron

Hello Simple Jack, Thank you for the suggested readings, but I already have a clear understanding of the Buddhist idea of consciousness and awareness and I don't necessarily believe it to be an accurate assessment of what I'm talking about. Also regarding your assessment of whether or not I have been "enlightened", I would like to post the definition I use so that I can clarify what I mean by enlightened, you are enlightened when you are freed from ignorance and misinformation based on a full comprehension of the problems involved. I believe I've achieved this, you obviously don't. A few things. First, was it necessary to post as many times as you have in order to express how your position is right and mine is wrong. I would recommend that rather than suggest people read up on consciousness, that you start practicing the virtues of right speech. Try to speak in a truthful non-harmful way. There's no reason to say someone isn't something. I want to also ask that you not make this thread about Buddhist Consciousness, what I'm talking about isn't Buddhist consciousness and I really don't want this thread to be another thumping ground for Buddhist conversion and assimilation. If you want to talk about your own experience with consciousness or ask questions that's fine, but from your own words you have little actual experience with even the Buddhist concept of consciousness and rather are judging my own comments based on an intellectual understanding, so making an assertion that you know that someone is not "enlightened" seems a bit presumptuous. Experience it, then tell them the "truth". Lastly, I do not discourage people from discourse, but I actually requested that people treat others with respect and I feel you haven't done this. If you cannot treat others with compassion and respect, I ask that you please be kind enough to exclude yourself from the conversation. I appreciate that I am not enlightened by Buddhist standards, but what I can say is that I do my best to make sure that everyone around me feels comfortable and cared for. I do hope you feel cared for too, but I also hope that you do not cause strife where there need not be any. Aaron

Hello Stig, I wanted to just mention that I really am not interested in comparing this to anything else. For me consciousness is consciousness. It might be Tao and it might be chi, but I'll leave that for others to decide. (And I know we spent a good time trying to decide this elsewhere.) I hope to answer everyone else's questions tonight. I just wanted to make sure people understood I'm not really interested in comparing this, but rather discussing it as consciousness. Aaron

Hello folks, I'm sorry if I haven't replied yet. Today is a busy day. When I have a chance I will reply to all of your questions. In the meantime, Manitou, thank you for your kind comments and I enjoyed your commentary very much. I can see you put a great deal of time and effort into your reply and you expressed yourself quite well. Anyways, I'm glad people are finding this thread useful and I hope to hear more opinions regarding consciousness. Aaron

Hello Otis, I think many people have had the same experience and drawn different conclusions... so maybe you have. I would love to hear your conclusions, if you care to share them. Aaron

Hello CowTao, Thanks for the link. I'm not so certain that the article is referring to the same thing that I am, but it was a very interesting read. Thanks for pointing me in that direction. Aaron

Hello Kate, I don't necessarily view the ego or consciousness in the same sense that Buddhists view it. I like to refer to our perception of self as localized consciousness. We are localized conscious beings. I know it is much longer definition, but it seems to me to be closer to the point. As you stated, there's no need to eradicate the ego, there is only a need to understand who and what we really are. I hope life is treating you well, Aaron

Hello Otis, It doesn't matter really. In the end what is, is, regardless of our beliefs. I can understand your skepticism. I was skeptical too for a long time. I am still skeptical of much of what religions and ideologies have to offer, but in this regard, in the regard of consciousness and our connection to it, I have no skepticism, because I have experienced it. It's not even faith, in the sense that I am not believing something based on ideology, but rather because I know for a fact, by experience that it does exist. I think it would be nice if I could snap my fingers and allow you to experience what I did. I share what I can about it because I think it is something beneficial, but there is no requirement to believe it. Man can go their entire life without knowing it. Does understanding our connection bring us closer together, I'm certain it does, but in the same way you can't force someone to believe something. I would say that if you don't believe it is possible, don't dismiss it. You never know what might happen. As I said I gave up because I tried to find "enlightenment" and couldn't. It really wasn't until I gave up looking for it that I actually found it. I hope life is treating you well. Aaron

Hello Lotus7, I spent much of my time using silent mind meditation, i.e. silencing my thoughts. Although useful in achieving an understanding of consciousness, it is not the only thing required. You can meditate any way that you choose. For me meditation is less to do with understanding consciousness and more to do with helping one to maintain balance and peace in their lives (imho). Aaron edit- I wanted to add that there are many ways to live one's life. If you are finding fulfillment in what you are doing, then by all means continue your practice. When it is time, it will happen, there's no need to struggle, just allow it to happen. I know that sounds very new age-esque, but it's very much the truth.