Freedom from Suffering - 10 Realisations

1) I have realised that everything can be examined and emotionally resolved through deep self inquiry. When this self inquiry is thorough, it doesn’t mean I no longer experience thoughts or feeling sensations. The emotional triggers underneath the thoughts are seen for what they are. They are reminders for my awakening, reminding me that I am not my thoughts, feelings or perceptions. Deep self inquiry leads me to recognise my true being, which ever- present, unlimited awareness. So I can express freely my perspective without feeling attached to it or traumatised when there is disagreement or conflict from others.

2) I have realised that addiction is not a moral failing. It’s simply the way many of us survive until we are clear enough psychologically, emotionally and energetically to move pass the addiction. We are taking care of ourselves during addictions and in moving past them. Addictions for me are nothing more than expectations and attachment to outcomes, and I believe that my inner peace depends on that.

3) Although many people say they want to be free spiritually, there is an aspect of our minds that does not want this. People love to suffer on some level, perhaps because it is familiar. Embracing and honouring that aspect and then inquiring into it within myself has been the key to going deeper and deeper.

4) Money isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s the many beliefs around money that cause suffering. I’ve met homeless people who are quite happy. I’ve met millionaires who are miserable. I’ve met spiritual people who suffer over their belief that money isn’t spiritual. I’ve met people who have no interest in spirituality who are clear around money issues and do not suffer. It’s the beliefs, not the money or lack of money. Having said that, I like to have money at my disposal to take care of myself and the people I love. I also love to be in a position to take care of others I meet who do not have enough money to make ends meet.

5) When observing the world I realise that almost everyone is traumatised, not just the people who have suffered from extreme physical or sexual abuse or even war. It’s a matter of degree. Trauma doesn’t look like trauma at first sight. But that emotional trigger that rises up in the face of psychological conflict, abandonment, relationship breakups, political deceit, and inhumane authority is trauma. I’ve also learned that our world as a whole is not quite ready to own up to and resolve the trauma. Most are still blaming others in order to feel better. I will keep addressing trauma until we all look within and face it. This is how we will change the world. I did not learn this from a book. I learned from inquiring deeply into my own trauma.

6) I have come to realise that achievements, relationships, things and substances cannot provide lasting happiness, only temporary pleasures or temporary relief. This doesn’t mean I have to avoid the world or turn away from it. Pleasure is wonderful. This simply means that for lasting happiness, I can only look within. The world is merely the matrix of resisting pain and searching for pleasure.

7) Falling in love is mostly about the ego. Beyond the “falling in love” stage there is a deeper, more emotionally mature love that can endure eternally. It is unbreakable and unconditional. It is the very essence of our being that recognises that same essence in the other.

8) I have realised that everything that I try to hide from others is an opportunity to inquire into shame and guilt. I’ve also learned that, once I am free of shame and guilt, it is nobody’s business to know everything about me unless I want that to share it.

9) I have realised that death is nothing to fear. Only the ego fears its own death. The ego is essentially the belief that one’s identity is the body/mind and shares it’s destiny. Inquire into the nothingness of the ego and the fear disappears. Then one can truly live. 

10) Spiritual awakening is only the beginning. Waking up to one’s true nature is like a match that lights a fire. The fire is the key. And that fire can change the world. Spiritual awakening is not some sort of end goal, there is no end goal. Life is constant movement happening in the Here and Now, the limitless, ever-present reality of being.

Love and Light

Rolf Krahnert 
​
https://rolfkrahnert.com