A Lesson from Michael Singer’s “The Untethered Soul”
If you haven’t yet dived into the profound wisdom of Michael Singer’s “The Untethered Soul,” I strongly recommend you get your hands on a copy. Singer’s insights can open doors to personal freedom and inner peace you might not have thought possible. One of the standout chapters in the book is Chapter 9: Removing Your Inner Thorn, which sheds light on the art of welcoming life’s challenges as opportunities for growth.
In Singer’s view, life’s obstacles, often manifested as emotions like anger, fear, and envy, can be seen as “your inner thorns.” Many of us, myself included, tend to hold onto these issues, not letting go of them, without even realizing that we have a choice in the matter. We go to great lengths to protect ourselves from the pain these inner thorns cause, and often, that means suppressing them, denying their existence, or simply ignoring them. It’s akin to playing a never-ending game of “whack-a-mole,” where we smack one problem down only to have another pop up. If this sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone.
However, my perspective on life took a dramatic turn when I got sober in 2000. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and I realized I had choices. Real choices! I could continue protecting my 
Now, let me share a miraculous moment from my life that illustrates the power of letting go.
In 2013, the Friday before Labor Day, I had an MRI of my knee to determine if I had a meniscus tear. The results were supposed to be available in 48 hours, but due to the holiday weekend, I wouldn’t receive the news until the following Tuesday. Having heard nothing from the doctor’s office by Wednesday, I called to inquire about the results. I heard crickets. The same thing happened on Thursday. By Friday, I was thoroughly frustrated and told the receptionist that I wouldn’t hang up until I spoke with someone. Finally, the physician assistant (PA) took the call and was surprised because she had instructed her assistant to contact me to find out where the MRI was performed. She promised to call me back when I informed her of the location. Within twenty minutes, she was on the phone, confirming the presence of a tear and the need for surgery.
With my insurance set to renew on October 1st, I asked if the surgery could be scheduled earlier, considering my end-of-the-month appointment. The PA offered an opening at 9 a.m. the following Monday, although it was at a different location. “Great, I’ll take it,” I replied, and I was starting to release my earlier irritation at the staff’s mishandling of the situation.
Here’s where the magic happened:
I arrived at the new location at 8:50 a.m., ten minutes early, and checked in. As I sat down to wait, I began reading Chapter 9: Removing Your Inner Thorn. Twenty minutes later, the receptionist called me to the desk and asked, “What are you doing here, Debbie? Your appointment isn’t until the end of the month.“ Without any emotional reaction, I explained what I had been told, and her response was, “Oh, we’ll have to squeeze you in somewhere.”
I sat and waited for another thirty-five minutes but felt no frustration or annoyance this time. I observed the situation unfold, and any residual thorns that might have bothered me were nowhere to be found. I didn’t have to remove my inner thorn because I had never allowed it to take root in the first place. That, my friends, is a true miracle!
In the spirit of “The Untethered Soul,” I leave you with this simple yet profound message: The power to let go and find inner peace is within your reach. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Are you able to let go and find your inner peace?
If not, take your best next step in finding out how to do it by scheduling your complimentary Discovery Session to get your Personal Roadmap to Confidence and Peace of Mind.
[Content updated from June 21, 2016]
