Q: So does that mean, even though they (the suffering?) exist in the mind, we have a choice in that moment how we let these moments affect us? TODD ANSWERS: We definitely do have a choice, but there may also be unhealed trauma as well. For many, our trauma may be the cause of our awakening out of suffering. For others, awakening may be the cause for our trauma to…
Q: Dear Todd, why does our mind want to harm our mental peace? TODD ANSWERS: I think we're just not designed for modern life away from nature, and so our protective brains have gone into overdrive. But, what makes humans unique is our neuroplasticity and adaptability, so we can unlearn this deeply ingrained subtle state of constant stress and alertness that no longer serves us. Path to Peace with Todd…
Q: Dear Todd, could you please give me guidance right now? I just got scammed and lost my hard-earned money when planning my family trip. I've been maintaining a high frequency the past few days but my fury doesn't seem to be contained to the point where I dreamed of finding the suspects and harming them and cursing them in all universes and existence. I know Karma will deal with…
Q: Dear Todd, So, do we just avoid and walk away without commenting, do we just nod and show compassion with simple words without true feeling? I need to know how to respond exactly. I live with one chronic complainer currently and can't get away so simply yet. I mean, I could, but only in a situation that I don't feel is a ton better and not without a lot…
Q: Dear Todd, what exactly is God's role in being within us and present everywhere? Why is it so helpless while witnessing all the violence, crimes, suffering, and misery? How can it not do anything? If this was the design, this big puzzle, then what's God's role? We cannot even hear His voice because our minds are constantly playing games. If there's a divine energy within us, how do we…
Q: Dear Todd, my problem is that I become depressed when reading the news and seeing angry, bigoted, homophobic, leaders who spew hatred. I can look at individuals as loving souls, however, if they follow certain political beliefs, I find it very difficult. And there are people who are simply cruel selfish beings. Can you speak to this in more detail and how to live in peace with such hatred…
A lot of people think that accepting things as they are means we don’t need to take any action, we don’t need to improve anything, and that “letting go” means giving up. I was even asked once, “Doesn’t being happy mean that we would not care about anything and we would never try to develop ourselves spiritually, financially or personally?”I understand where these questions are coming from. From a nonspiritual…
Q: Dear Todd, I have been trying meditation for at least a couple of years, reading books and blogs, and studying Buddhist teachings, yet I feel no different than I ever have. I want to feel a connection, I want to feel safer, loved, and be in communion with my spirit. What am I doing wrong? TODD ANSWERS: I wonder what kind of meditation you’ve been doing because different kinds…
It’s not hard to see parallels between meditating and playing video games. Both activities force participants to step out of their head, to temporarily forget their mind-made illusory self, and to become free from thoughts and worries.But there are also some key differences between meditation and video games, which I will get into in this article.Do Video Games Count as MeditationGaming, swimming, running, rock climbing, making art, dancing and watching…
Q: Dear Todd, I experience non-dual consciousness pretty regularly. What I struggle with is sometimes there is a loneliness attached to it because most people in my daily life are asleep, and I end up forgetting about the non-dual nature of reality just to “fit in” and live my life without seeming crazy. Any advice? TODD ANSWERS: Spiritual practice is to constantly accept what is then move forward with wise…
“I thought my biggest fear was growing old and dying in prison. In truth, my biggest fear was growing old and not knowing myself.”
- Rick Smith, Albama inmate
Path to Peace - A newsletter not just for your mental health but also for your spiritual health.
