The Untethered Soul

In seeking liberation, Singer believes it is possible to go beyond “the limits that you put on things” and realize that “in truth, everything is infinite” (119). We minimize the infinity of existence to feel that we are in control of our lives by amassing a set of opinions, preferences, beliefs, and goals that become our reality. These models we construct for ourselves are fragile, and when they are damaged, it is hard for us to recover. For example, relying for all our emotional support on a friend who moves away can be devastating when that person is gone. Singer presents a choice: either stay within the comfort zone of our model or “work on your freedom” (122), which means moving past these limiting models of reality, which are like cages, and facing “reality without mental boundaries” (123). Spiritually begins in “[committing] to go beyond, no matter what it takes […] an infinite journey based upon going beyond yourself every minute of every day” (124).

There’s a lot going on in the psyche, which makes it difficult to hold together; “it’s a full-time task just to maintain the discipline necessary to create even the semblance of control and order in there” (127). Engaging with this process is the source of suffering. Singer discusses the Buddhist concept of “clinging” (128) to emotions, thoughts, and energies instead of simply noticing that you are the inner witness who is aware of these passing experiences. How and where we focus consciousness gives rise to a sense of self. When we build the self around objects we cling to, we relate to this structure of self more closely than we do to anything else because it appears solid and reliable in an unpredictable world. Traditional success usually means “clinging and then building” (131), meaning that we build a successful career and personal life around the objects that we choose to make important in our lives. The kinds of inner structures we build are massively influenced by the societies in which we are raised, and it is difficult to let go of your self-concepts because if you try, “your thoughts and emotions will become unanchored and begin passing through you” (132), which leads to panic and fear. Being willing to move past this, to stop trying to protect yourself, and to rest in conscious awareness, will end the noise and confusion of the mind. A life lived spiritually is a life not engaged in the struggle to control all of life and hold our psyches together. Letting go leads to a vast supply of untapped endless energy.