Gary Zukav: How To Manifest Your Soul’s Deepest Desires & Awaken To The New Consciousness
In this episode of The School of Greatness, Gary Zukav examines humanity's transition from what he calls "old consciousness" (limited to physical senses) to "new consciousness" (embracing non-physical reality). He explains how this shift, which began in the late 1980s, represents a spiritual evolution that transcends political, economic, and cultural boundaries.
The discussion explores Zukav's perspective on authentic power, which he describes as the alignment between personality and soul. Drawing from his personal experiences with addiction, he discusses how fear-based behaviors mask deep insecurities, while love-based actions foster harmony and cooperation. The conversation covers practical aspects of personal transformation, including the role of intention in consciousness and approaches to developing authentic relationships.
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The Shift From "Old Consciousness" to "New Consciousness"
Gary Zukav discusses humanity's evolution from "old consciousness," which is limited to the five senses, to "new consciousness," which embraces non-physical reality. According to Zukav, the old consciousness relies heavily on control and manipulation, while the new consciousness acknowledges the existence of the soul and enables direct experience of non-physical reality. This shift began in the late 1980s, and Zukav expects it to become dominant within the next generation and a half. He emphasizes that this transition is fundamentally spiritual rather than political, economic, or cultural.
Authentic Power: Love vs. Fear Relationship
In exploring the concept of authentic power, Zukav presents love and fear as opposing forces in what he calls "Earth School." He describes love as encompassing gratitude, appreciation, and caring, while identifying fear as the root of negative emotions like anger, jealousy, and addictions. The old consciousness's pursuit of power through manipulation and control, Zukav explains, breeds fear-based violence and destruction. In contrast, authentic power emerges when one aligns their personality with their soul, fostering harmony, cooperation, and reverence for life.
Process of Personal Growth, Transformation, and Finding Intimacy
Zukav shares personal insights about the journey toward authentic power and meaningful relationships. He emphasizes that intention, as a quality of consciousness, matters more than specific actions or goals. Drawing from his own experience with addiction, Zukav explains that addictions stem from powerlessness and pain, often masking deep insecurity. He suggests that confronting these fears is essential for cultivating self-love and authentic intimacy. Rather than seeking meaning intellectually, Zukav advocates for focusing on sharing joy and love, emphasizing the importance of present moment awareness in what he calls the Earth school of learning to love.
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Counterarguments
- The concept of a collective shift in consciousness is not universally accepted or empirically proven; it is a spiritual or philosophical interpretation that may not resonate with everyone.
- The dichotomy between "old consciousness" and "new consciousness" may oversimplify the complexity of human experience and historical development.
- The idea that the transition is purely spiritual and not influenced by political, economic, or cultural factors could be seen as overlooking the interconnectedness of these aspects of human society.
- The framing of love and fear as opposing forces might not account for the nuanced ways in which these emotions can coexist and interact within individuals.
- The notion that authentic power comes from aligning one's personality with their soul presupposes a belief in the soul, which is not a universally held view.
- The emphasis on intention over action could be critiqued for potentially minimizing the importance of tangible efforts and outcomes in personal growth and societal change.
- The interpretation of addictions as stemming from powerlessness and pain may not encompass the full range of biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to addiction.
- The focus on present moment awareness and sharing joy and love, while valuable, may not address the practical challenges and complexities of life that require planning, critical thinking, and sometimes intellectual engagement.
- The idea of Earth as a school for learning to love is a metaphor that may not be meaningful or useful to those who do not share the same spiritual beliefs or worldview.
Actionables
- You can start a daily "emotion journal" to track feelings and their triggers, fostering self-awareness and identifying patterns linked to old consciousness behaviors. By writing down emotions as they arise and what caused them, you'll begin to see how often control or manipulation play a role in your reactions. This can lead to a deeper understanding of how to move towards new consciousness by recognizing and then shifting away from these patterns.
- Create a "moment of love" ritual where you pause several times a day to focus on feelings of gratitude and appreciation. Set an alarm for random times during the day, and when it goes off, stop whatever you're doing to think of something or someone you're grateful for. This practice helps to cultivate the love-based aspect of new consciousness by reinforcing positive emotions and reducing the space for fear-based reactions.
- Engage in a weekly "fear-facing" exercise where you deliberately confront a small fear in a controlled environment to build resilience and self-love. For example, if public speaking makes you nervous, you might start by talking to yourself in the mirror, then progress to speaking in front of a friend, and gradually increase your audience as you become more comfortable. This helps to break the cycle of fear and powerlessness by proving to yourself that you can overcome obstacles and grow in authentic power.
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The Shift From "Old Consciousness" to "New Consciousness"
Gary Zukav explores the evolution in human consciousness, shifting from an "old consciousness" that is limited by the five senses to a "new consciousness" which enables the direct experience of non-physical reality.
Characteristics of Old and New Consciousness
Old Consciousness Confines Itself to the Five Senses, Dismissing Anything Beyond Them As Imagination or Delusion
Millennials and Gen Z, Zukav suggests, may not recognize the old consciousness, which confines itself strictly to the five senses, dismissing anything beyond them as imagination or delusion. He contends that the old consciousness relies heavily on the ability to manipulate and control, viewing that as the only form of power. In stark contrast, the new consciousness is not limited by this sensory perception and does not see a barrier between internal and external realities. To Zukav, casting off possibilities beyond the five senses is a limitation of the old consciousness.
New Consciousness Enables Direct Experience of Non-physical Reality, Realizing We Are Beyond Minds and Bodies
Zukav shares insights into the new consciousness emerging within humanity, which allows individuals to experience non-physical reality directly. This consciousness acknowledges the existence of the soul, a part of our personality that is older and wiser. It recognizes that we are more than our minds and bodies, moving towards a multi-sensory perception of our environment and ourselves.
The Emergence of the New Consciousness in Humanity
Emerging Consciousness Expected to Dominate In Next Generation
The new consciousness is rapidly emerging since the late 1980s and Zukav expects it to be dom ...
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The Shift From "Old Consciousness" to "New Consciousness"
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Counterarguments
- The concept of "old consciousness" being limited to the five senses may oversimplify the complexity of historical and traditional ways of knowing, which often include intuition, spirituality, and other forms of understanding beyond the sensory.
- The dichotomy between "old" and "new" consciousness could be seen as a false binary, ignoring the spectrum of consciousness that has been recognized and valued in various cultures and throughout history.
- The idea that new consciousness allows for the direct experience of non-physical reality may not be universally accepted, as empirical evidence for such experiences is often debated within scientific communities.
- The assertion that the new consciousness will dominate may be overly deterministic, not accounting for the diverse and unpredictable nature of cultural and cognitive evolution.
- The claim that the transition to new consciousness is purely spiritual might discount the role that political, economic, and cultural factors play in shaping collective consciousness and societal ...
Actionables
- You can explore sensory expansion by engaging in sensory deprivation experiences, such as float tanks or blindfolded meditation, to challenge the reliance on the five senses and open up to new perceptions. Sensory deprivation can quiet the usual sensory input and potentially heighten your awareness of non-physical aspects of consciousness.
- Start a daily practice of intention setting to shift away from control-based power dynamics. Each morning, set intentions that focus on collaboration and empathy rather than manipulation. For example, if you're leading a team, instead of setting goals solely based on outcomes, include intentions about the team's growth and well-being.
- Incorporate reflective journaling into your routine to foster a connection with the concep ...
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Authentic Power: Love vs. Fear Relationship
Gary Zukav discusses the duality of love and fear in "Earth School," analyzing how these opposing forces affect our quest for power and how true, authentic power stems from aligning the personality with the soul.
Duality in "Earth School": Love vs. Fear
Love Opposes Fear, Embodying Gratitude, Appreciation, Caring, and Contentment
Zukav indicates that having no reason for living except to love people signifies a shift toward prioritizing love and gratitude. He asserts that authentic power is synonymous with love, encompassing attributes like gratitude, appreciation, caring, and contentment. Love is described as the universe itself, and when we act out of love, we create constructive, healthful, and life-affirming outcomes.
Fear Is the Source of Emotions Like Anger, Jealousy, and Addictions
Conversely, Zukav identifies fear as the root of negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, resentment, competitiveness, superiority, inferiority, and addictions. He discusses how fear leads to negative life outcomes including violence and destruction. Fear-driven emotions like anger emerge from the parts of our personalities that identify with being a victim.
Pursuit of Power Through Manipulation and Control
Power in Old Consciousness: Control and Manipulation of the External World
Zukav describes old consciousness as a preoccupation with the external world and the belief that changing the world requires manipulation and control. He cautions, "We cannot change a world that's built on external power with more external power." This way of thinking about power is not just obsolete but considered toxic.
External Power Pursuit Breeds Fear-Based Violence and Destruction
Zukav explains that the pursuit of external power involves manipulation and control to fill an emptiness, leading only to violence and destruction. This is depicted through actions such as attempting to gain more votes or removing a politician from office, exemplified at personal levels and between nations.
Cultivating Power Through Alignment of Personality and Soul
Authentic Power Unites Personality and Soul, Fostering Harmony, Cooperation, Sharing, and Reverence For Life
Authentic power, as Zukav explains, aligns an individual’s personality with their soul, encouraging harmony and cooperation, sharing, and reverence for lif ...
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Authentic Power: Love vs. Fear Relationship
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Clarifications
- When someone aligns their personality with their soul, it means they are integrating their outer self (personality traits, behaviors) with their inner essence (spiritual core, higher self). This alignment involves living in accordance with one's deepest values, purpose, and spiritual beliefs, leading to a sense of authenticity, harmony, and inner peace. It requires acknowledging and honoring the spiritual aspect of oneself while navigating the physical world with integrity and compassion. This process often involves introspection, self-awareness, and conscious choices that prioritize spiritual growth and connection with one's higher self.
- Old consciousness is a concept referring to a mindset focused on external power, control, and manipulation of the world. It contrasts with authentic power, which involves aligning one's personality with their soul for harmony and cooperation. This perspective views the pursuit of power through fear-based tactics as outdated and harmful.
- Karma is a concept from Indian religions that links an individual's intentions and actions to their future experiences. It involves the idea that good actions lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions result in negative consequences. Karma is not predetermined fate but rather the principle of cause and effect, ...
Counterarguments
- Authentic power may not be solely synonymous with love; it could also involve other virtues such as wisdom, courage, and integrity.
- Negative emotions like anger and jealousy can sometimes serve constructive purposes, such as signaling boundaries or motivating change.
- The dichotomy between love and fear might be oversimplified; human emotions and motivations can be more complex and interrelated.
- The concept of "old consciousness" may dismiss the value of certain traditional practices and wisdom that also emphasize inner transformation.
- The pursuit of external power is not inherently negative; it can lead to positive change when aligned with ethical principles and social justice.
- The idea that authentic power unites personality and soul may not resonate with those who do not hold spiritual beliefs or who have different interpretations of the soul.
- The process of confronting and transforming fear might require more than personal introspection, such as community support, therapy, or other external resources. ...
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Process of Personal Growth, Transformation, and Finding Intimacy
Gary Zukav, in conversation with Lewis Howes, discusses the significance of meaning, intention, and the journey through addictions towards self-love. Their insights reveal the transformative process of personal growth and how it leads to finding deeper intimacy and spirituality.
Role of Meaning and Intention in Manifesting Dreams
Zukav emphasizes the intimacy he experienced with his late wife, Linda, signifying a profound transformation and a search for meaning beyond physical interactions.
Seek Meaning and Purpose, Not Desires From Lack
He instructs to "follow your sense of meaning, not your need or want," stressing the importance of seeking purposeful goals rather than those driven by a feeling of lack. Zukav encourages engaging with what resonates and applying it to life's experiences.
Intention, a Quality of Consciousness, Outweighs Specific Actions or Goals
Zukav underscores that intention as a quality of consciousness is more critical than specific actions or goals. He affirms that the universe operates on cause and effect, which is determined by intention, not just actions. The hosts discuss that one's personal reality is shaped by their personality, indicating that living in fear creates a reality reflective of those fears, while intentions rooted in love cultivate a more positive reality.
Healing From Addictions and Cultivating Self-Love
Zukav shares his struggle with sex addiction, relating addictions to control by external factors—a sign of deep pain and inadequacy.
Addictions Stem From Powerlessness and Pain
He sees addiction as stemming from powerlessness and pain, including the intense desire to belong and be loved. A past marked by insecurity masked as superiority is indicative of these painful and disempowering roots. Recognizing current fears and pains is central to healing and growth, he suggests.
Confronting Fear to Cultivate Self-Love and Authentic Intimacy
Zukav delves into the importance of confronting one's fears to cultivate self-love and authenticity. By choosing to act from a loving part of the personality amid fear, one develops authenticity. He reflects on his journey from addiction to cultivating a loving relationship with Linda Francis. Addressing personal fears leads to authentic intimacy.
Genesis has offered guidance, suggesting a healing process to address struggles with sex and herpes. Acting on love and joy rather than seeking meaning is Zukav's advice for transcending fear and moving towards growth.
Transc ...
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Process of Personal Growth, Transformation, and Finding Intimacy
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Counterarguments
- Seeking meaning and purpose can sometimes be intertwined with desires from lack, as individuals often find meaning in overcoming their deficiencies and struggles.
- Specific actions or goals can be as important as intention because they are the tangible manifestations of one's intentions and can have direct impacts on the world.
- Personal reality is not only shaped by intentions but also by external circumstances, social structures, and chance, which can play significant roles in an individual's life.
- Addictions can also have biological and genetic components, and not all addictions stem from emotional pain or a desire for love and belonging.
- Confronting fears is important, but it is not the only path to self-love and authentic intimacy; other factors like social support, therapy, and personal circumstances also play crucial roles.
- The healing process is complex and individualized; what works for one person, such as acting on love and joy, may not be effective for another.
- While consciousness may expand beyond the intellect's capacity, intellectual understanding and critical thinking are also valuable tools for navigating life and making informed decisions.
- Shar ...
Actionables
- Start a daily intention journal where you write down one intention every morning that's rooted in love or joy, not in fear or lack. This practice helps you focus your day on positive intentions and observe how they influence your personal reality. For example, set an intention like "Today, I will approach all my interactions with kindness," and reflect in the evening on how this intention shaped your experiences.
- Create a "fear-facing" challenge for yourself where you commit to doing one thing that scares you each week. This could be as simple as initiating a conversation with a stranger or as complex as signing up for a public speaking class. The key is to choose activities that push you out of your comfort zone, leading to increased self-love and authentic connections with others.
- Organize a mo ...
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