Navigating the Ocean of Life | The Michael Singer Podcast

[@matthewkennedy81]

For anyone confused, I believe the ‘polestar’ is referring to is achieving high inner states, rather than anything external.

[@lindseyoh59]

Thank you

[@kathleenmartin8249]

I think you are right. I think there will be people that will say,"you mean if I have a goal at 25 I shouldn't change it?" I believe as well, that he speaking about a spiritual path, seeking consciousness.

[@josepapiii]

I think he means that and also your purpose. What are your natural inclinations? and what makes you feel fulfilled? I truly think both are connected and imperative for a fulfilling life.

[@localrachel]

I saw this as 'north star' in other words that external point you sail towards, or in human terms: your goal and guiding light.

[@susanswinny588]

Yep, agreed!

[@isaacfcshisaac2412]

Amazing! He is my favorite teacher 🙏

[@koraldina]

Mine too!! So clear and direct!!

[@skj068]

I have read all of Michael’s books and watched and digested his KZbins numerous times. I respect his insight a lot. There are a lot of nuggets, but on most of his teachings he states “you think you can control what’s happening. You can’t! It has nothing to do with you! E.g. rains on your wedding day). So let it go.” But on this video he mentions several times about balancing control and waiting in order to steer the course to the pole star. This is contradictory to his previous messages. Also he kept saying find your direction. If things happen because they just happen as he has said and have nothing to do with us, how do you determine a direction when the message is to accept what is or surrender to it?

[@staciejean]

Iabsolutely love Michael singers teachings, but I felt the same contradiction in this lesson. I thought I must be missing something. Im planning on listening several times to see if I could find the place where the two teachings of his don't feel in opposition to eachother🙁

[@arch_andrewscott]

This is totally consistent with the Surrender Experiment. For those who disagree, think about what Michael’s goal was when he first moved to the forest and started meditating - that was his ultimate life goal. The other stuff that happened in his life were just the currents and wind helping him arrive at his destination. They also happened as a result of him not listening to his “lower self” along the way. Watch the Oprah interview for a better understanding 😊

[@cindybuerkle9773]

For me, this presentation elucidates Michael Singer's previous teaching rather than contradicting or muddying it as some seem to have perceived. In this analogy, think of freeing yourself from the "small-mind" thinking that keeps you going nowhere, simply avoiding pain and seeking pleasure. When you are in small-mind mode, your sailboat is tethered. When you free yourself from that modality, you become untethered and can sail toward your polestar.

[@lindseyoh59]

At first this was feeling really contradictory to The Surrender Experiment. I mean... he never set an intention to be a CEO of a big company, and yet that's where he ended up. Have you read the book? If so, can you help put this teaching in context with that book?

[@codyheiner3636]

Possibly the greatest Michael Singer podcast ever. Wonderful analogy, piercing and inspiring insight!

[@SoundstrueManyVoices]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@willrogersapproach5668]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@Snapsta123]

It's one to be on repeat

[@susanswinny588]

I have done close to this before... I took aim and did what felt right. Grace and my effort were both part of it. Now in this case, it was just for me, but the path was laid out before me and it helped me survive without hurting anyone and helping others too. I knew where not to go. Now I need to reach beyond myself. I'm working on my next chapter now.

[@Fog_and_Stone]

So grateful for Michael Singer and his teachings. Thank you

[@lunardesignstudiolinda1256]

Micky always comes thru with amazing teaching but this one is sooooo deep and so timely for me! Thank You!

[@SirianXM]

Mr. Singer is the personification of 'clarity'. Thank you for your digestible wisdom 🙏

[@thetaeater]

At 45 this was extremely painful to contemplate on. But like he said time is irrelevant. I always struggled with feeling selfish when trying to achieve goals and now there is no polestar. Ridding my mind of anger and addiction was my polestar but now that this phyche is balanced I'm just existing, letting the wind take me wherever and I'm just open and accepting of what arises.

[@dmills7375]

Not sure I got that point (at 45). Was he saying that you have set your intention AND all the forces are aligned to help you achieve your goal? Why would that be the most difficult/confusing time? Did I miss something? As to your statement, I can relate. I had wondered in the past whether he was advocating passivity - being okay with whatever life brings. This teaching helped me understand that that is not at all what he is advocating.

[@alau2058]

Not sure if you've worked a 12 step program, but if you've conquered your addiction, perhaps trusting in your higher power for inspiration is the next step. Be still and stay the course.

[@1402celsiusltd]

As a follower of your work, Michael Singer, I find this latest episode both intriguing and confounding. Your previous teachings have been rooted in the power of surrender, allowing life to unfold in its own mysterious ways. This episode, however, advocates for setting a course and adhering to it, which seems to contradict your earlier philosophy. Moreover, the notion of setting a destination like 'Australia' and sticking to it seems to overlook the human tendency to seek new horizons once a goal is achieved. Isn't the pursuit of ever-changing goals at odds with the idea of surrender and contentment? Lastly, while the sailing metaphor offers a simplified view of life's complexities, it comes across as somewhat patronizing, especially for those of us who have navigated life's waters for many years. We understand that the ocean is neither entirely calm nor entirely turbulent; it's a mix that requires both surrender and intention. Could you please elaborate on how these seemingly contradictory viewpoints fit into your overall philosophy? Your insights have been valuable to me, and I'm keen to understand this apparent shift in perspective.

[@christinegorman3629]

Exactly my feelings…seems to contradict all of his other teachings.

[@joyflow2683]

Could the goal be to surrender to life and accept what is unfolding?

[@judgepamelaluther8368]

He did say that adjustments could always be made, but it was most important to follow goals set when in a state of clarity, never from a lower energy. It seems possible that the course could change often, especially for those with rapidly increasing clarity.

[@staciejean]

I completely agree. I found this contradictory to his other teachings and thought it must just be me whose not grasping it. Thanks for explaining it so well.

[@localrachel]

I interpret the two aspects like this: The yang is to have the goal & intentions and take a step towards them by showing the universe that your whole being aligns with those - we 'do' and are active. The yin is to surrender to the reality you are a drop of water in a beautiful ocean. You can move but may not travel anywhere and that is perfectly ok - you 'be' and surrender to the potential and unknown. Most people act and then hope or demand. When we act and then release all the tensions and just expect the universe to do its thing and trust it is doing it (ie have faith in all the potentials) then things end up just fine. We may not get the exact outcome we were assuming we would necessarily but we are being drawn towards the goal/intention we have for ourselves. Another way I can write this is: there is the push and the pull. We are drawn towards our goals (passive pull by the universe) and we also can move towards our goals (active push that we ourselves do). I think of it like 'pooh-sticks' - Winnie the Pooh wants to see which stick will win the race when he and a friend drop them one side of the bridge and rush over to see which one the current has taken downstream fastest. But it actually doesn't matter who threw it best, or what got in the way, or which stick wins - the journey of throwing and then watching with a friend IS the game. The throw of the stick is the goal/intention action. And then sitting back and curiously finding out which stick 'won' (if any actually do) if the fun part. And fun and play of such silly games as the perfect way to release any tensions and simply trust the world around us and have faith that things just do the things they do.

[@radhikafreebird6422]

This talk put it altogether ...probably the first of the online material that talks about INTENTION..thank you Master Michael and SoundsTrue

[@salvas7376]

Yes I am glad he has done this one and that it’s here. Been listening to this one quite a bit.

[@Yourhighnessnona]

Yeah, episode three! ❤ Micheal Singer's way of teaching the Universal has been touching my heart and changing my life since a year now. This podcast did it for me!

[@guillaumelevesque3669]

Sounds True, what a difference you make! Be Tami and everyone in the company receive infinite blessings.

[@peter1835]

I so needed to hear this today. Next year hitting my lean fire goal after 12 years of working towards it. My lower self feels like an animal stuck in a trap trying to gnaw its leg off to escape lol. So I am listening to this again to help steady the ship. Thank you Michael you helped another soul.

[@pearlcallender2780]

Thank you. You save my mind and thinking. You are the greatest

[@Something4every1_123]

I am so greatful for these teachings thank you

[@tomoconnor7451]

Singer split the atom with this talk.

[@judgepamelaluther8368]

Love this comment

[@Brandi.731]

I love these Sounds True videos, and Michael Singer. So calming to listen to and so much truth and love 💕

[@willrogersapproach5668]

An absolute masterpiece of wisdom 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@willrogersapproach5668]

Thankyou Sounds true & Michael Singer for this amazing content 🙏🏻

[@jarayshaw9928]

So joyful the universe brought me to this channel

[@jenmdawg]

Imagine my delight the day I learned that this shakti he talks about is not boring or exciting -it doesn’t want more or less of anything and when you feel it you know it’s always been there and always will be. My first experience of it was brief but profound and pursuing it through these talks, meditation and not making anything in my life more difficult is the most worthwhile goal I can have.

[@melissabeckham6917]

Thank you, Sounds True, these talks are so full of wisdom and encouragement. I listen again and again and always get something new. This talk was particularly powerful.

[@Jehna618]

Thank you SO MUCH for hosting this Sounds True and Thank you Michael for your teachings. Every time I listen to any of your teachings, I feel myself less and less tethered; like a zebra loosing or unwinding its strips...simply unwinding it all.

[@KaarinaKimdaly]

Or like a leopard losing it's spots or like a tiger ganz orange? Tanz die Orange! Dance the taste of the Fruit you test. . .

[@wendyroe5154]

Wow! Thank you! This is perfect in message and timing ❤

[@lozb1631]

Wow the best teaching from Michael. It touched me so much

[@jessicamaden707]

❤💚 Michael is my pathfinder guide to paradise on this earth. With Michael you learn that paradise isn't somewhere else. Its here. And only you can decide when you want to get there. 💚❤️

[@nozizwechigonga9646]

“Always reach for the highest and always dream the impossible dream” ❤

[@youmoveme888]

He’s the truth 🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️‍🔥

[@patpalmercp]

This is such a gift to people. So practical and powerful!

[@richardhart2291]

Simple, clear, brilliant.❤️

[@kris2740]

An excellent analogy! Thank you, Michaelji.

[@delindasharrison1467]

I’m having a hard time this is helping me so much

[@whatashiftshow]

Since I listened to his latest book a few months ago I’m finding myself using these teachings all day everyday. I think I’m doing it right but I’d love some company. Is there a community I can join where I can meet people who are also actively using these principles in their daily life?

[@koraldina]

I am.not a community, but I would love to build one if there is none! I don't feel alone, but it would be great to have new like minded friends.

[@blueberriesrfine5538]

I've been listening to Michael Singer for a few years and have often wondered the same thing! I'd love some sort of community to join as well. 😀

[@JJBerthume]

I would love to join likewise!!

[@JustFurious11]

Is there anyway we could create a group online via reddit or some other avenue for those in this thread?

[@Elysian777]

Discord would be best for group communication - check it out. @@JustFurious11

[@robertcalamusso1603]

He's right on this. I've taken on mountains and won and have been beaten by a fly. 😮

[@Rehabotium]

fabulous teachings of Mickey , Thanks 💖

[@judypearson4239]

He’s an amazing gift

[@elkaperelstein9028]

Thank you 🙏 ❤

[@kimh.8754]

I’ve never commented on a podcast before. Michael - I’m sailor and a very big fan of your work and this is my favorite podcast EVER! I absolutely love the analogy comparing life with sailing. It is just perfect (ok, maybe I would correct a few sailing terms you used - haha). Absolutely phenomenal - thank you! ⚓️

[@norameehan4633]

Perfect analogy Michael, thank you soo much 🙏. This is brilliant!

[@Bonnie-Lewis-Australia]

This seems to contradict the surrender experiment where he just went where life took him - in this video he says you must create a direction in which to go?? I am confused now so what is it just go with the flow or set a direction??

[@zinebelkouhen]

Totally agree.. this episode got me completely offset. It goes in the opposite direction to everything he said before. I thought he might have spent a weekend with Tony Robbins 😅

[@staciejean]

Same

[@tinarodriguez6510]

What a great metaphor 🤩😍

[@Untetheredcc]

beautiful

[@fretfix1]

So I'd like to know where, you got the notion Said I'd like to know where, you got the notion To rock the boat (don't rock the boat, baby) Rock the boat (don't tip the boat over) Rock the boat (don't rock the boat, baby) Rock the boat Ever since our voyage of love began Your touch has thrilled me like the rush of the wind And your arms have held me safe from a rolling sea There's always been a quiet place to harbor you and me Our love is like a ship on the ocean We've been sailing with a cargo full of love and devotion The Hues Corporation, 1974 (Wally Holmes)

[@genmmygem1908]

Love a good metaphor 💕💕🙏

[@richardhart2291]

Michael is describing setting the course to the “polestar”: a guiding or motivating purpose or principle and how the “lower self” can distract us from what we need to do to hold the course toward the polestar, and what to pay attention to so we stay on course. At 44:44 he talks about the hard part. I need to listen to his talks many times to hear what he is saying, to overcome how I translate what he says until I feel it. As I have listened to his talks over and over, there are times when I feel fear and/or resistance in my body to let go of my concepts and perceptions to be open and vulnerable to what he is saying. My experience is that there is pain I need to release to allow my heart to open to what he is saying. The thoughts of my mind and feelings of my heart are my experiences of past trauma and I have to move into an unknown that Michael is brilliantly and articulately describing that my mind cannot grasp. To me Michael is describing how to be in the moment to be able to course correct when we become aware of where we are headed is not where we intended to go.

[@noreallyihearyou837]

Strangely, I’m finding this talk very stressful rather than comforting. 😢

[@staciejean]

Me too, your not alone

[@boatdoctors]

I agree . I don't have a destination. Never have.. I wonder if peace can be a destination.

[@Graegrum]

Wow ! Absolutely true ! Thank you very much for yr beautiful teaching 🙏🙏🙏❤️

[@christinegorman3629]

How does this sync with surrender to what life brings you? So confused. I have no idea what my next direction should be. Doing the inner work and waiting for life to unfold, show me the direction. Have spent my whole life running. Looking for the next job, person, thing to make me happy. Trying to be still but it’s so painful. Maybe I’m wrong but this podcast seems like a contradiction of the other MS teachings I’ve heard. Praying for a sense of direction and peace.

[@judgepamelaluther8368]

I trusted Mr. Singer enough to know that this teaching wasn’t contradictory to his other teachings, but I too was certainly confused. I’ve listened to it 3 times. I’m so so grateful for this lesson, and the sailing analogy. I feel as if I reclaimed goals and life directions that, for a while, I thought I was supposed to “surrender”. I understand now that we surrender to what life brings as we walk (or sail) on our path. Work with what arises. “Be the Captain of your ship, not the Captain of the weather or water”. Use your will to work with what life brings instead of becoming miserable with the unplanned obstacles. I especially appreciated the analogy of sometimes needing to simply “let down your sails” and weather the storm.

[@Trifoliumpratense1]

I am with you, Pamela and Christine too. I agree that trusting the cohesiveness of his teachings will keep me oriented to letting go and releasing and letting life live through me. As for more tangible goals, this still challenges me, as I explore whether they come from lack and wanting to stem suffering, but I also do need immediate goals attained (survival, a roof over my head etc…), but perhaps I am not sailing right now? This keeps me on the journey of exploration for sure. That’s the discipline of not giving up.

[@staciejean]

I feel the exact same way. It's discouraging because I felt like I was finally able to lean in to the concepts of being untethered and surrendered. Now it feels like I need to have "preferences " and goals and muster up discipline to make my boat go a certain way. I'm just confused.

[@cc-ny7wi]

Live w intension, compassion and faith.

[@littlewillowlinda]

I'm still stuck on not knowing the direction. I know no one can give it to us but I’ve fallen into aimlessness for ten years just bc I don’t have a clue about what makes me happy (i used to have depression so I think I may have become numbed?) if anyone has tips I’d greatly appreciate it. I try new things and like them well enough but nothing has grabbed me with the spark of passion.

[@joyflow2683]

" I don’t have a clue about what makes me happy" this is very deep. Not many know. I suggest go as simple as possible. For me it helps to sit quietly and focus on breath, look at the sky and a tree. Then watch your thoughts that come up and feel your heart.

[@judgepamelaluther8368]

Sometimes, our polestar can simply be clarity

[@richardhart2291]

Dr. Joe Dispenza works with evidence based science that works well with Michael’s teachings.

[@lindahamm5440]

So clarifying and confirming! 🙏 Thank you…

[@maysaraali5772]

Love love love this man ❤

[@rickhalas]

How do i determine what is my pole star after unwanted marital separation, kids leaving the house and loss of job and retirement? This determination of 'polestar' is not clarified by Singer.

[@rickhalas]

This teaching is unclear to me.

[@takeller3657]

It’s between you and your higher power. I get your position. I’ve been through it. The dark night of the soul is tough. It will make you or break you. Just don’t let it take you out. You will be ok. You will.

[@atulthakrar5692]

Thank you Michael

[@joseangelosantos7339]

Wow! Thank you, Sir.

[@humanemaths]

Very clear and beautiful. I do wonder though if it needs to be so long. 😊

[@tulipinquest]

I'm a bit surprised that he hasn't talked about how the pole star we go towards also comes from the same source as the wind and the currents. Resonate with our role in navigating towards it through intention and self effort.

[@judypearson4239]

I wish I had a goal. 75 years old. I reached my original goal Home and family but family going away with their lives both physically and emotionally I thought my goal was to be mom and grandma So I’m alone and lonely my sails are down. There is no wind

[@patreeseeahhh1606]

Reaching for the BEST❣️ Neither fear nor desire Will carry me ‘there’…👀 Losing attachment Desire-less desire Decorate my life❣️

[@MoniqueDiCarlo]

So I need to pick a destination in order to stay on course. But I do not desire going to a certain place. I’m not afraid of where I am or could go. Isn’t the goal a want, I need to be there because something is not ok here?

[@lindavarg5323]

I am a little bit confused sometimes I’m thinking that you should aim for a goal in like for example your career but then I’m thinking that he’s talking about your inner higher self and living without desire. Does anyone understand?❤️

[@sajo4241]

Much love from Miami. 🙏🏻 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheDarkestMarcus]

Same!! 😊

[@robertjameshanrahan]

Michael is a great brother

[@barbrathompson9798]

Love both of you,,, thank you 😊

[@Rahaf-tb9im]

Thank you Micky ❤️❤️

[@jennifer-gt2li]

I agree with @1402celsiusltd. Perhaps there will be clarification in a later podcast.

[@lukeclaydon6670]

Great

[@murray8378]

I think he needs to do a video defining the “best” someone can do. Maybe he already has touched on it?

[@stevenrosen5955]

One rather glaring problem with the sailboat metaphor: who is sailing the boat? If the "I" as executive decision maker is strictly speaking an illusion, there is no sailor.

[@SideB1984]

Consciousness is sailing the boat? ⛵️🌀

[@lynnesunshine]

Thank you ❤

[@KirillSolianik]

❤blessed

[@Swati_1112]

I needed to hear this.

[@iancorgi200]

❤️ from Chiangmai, Thailand

[@rickyleitanthemmeitei9725]

Thank you

[@zora4321]

Too many ads! I listen to these podcasts when I go to bed. These awful commercials cut off such a great talk and are really disturbing. Put them in the beginning!

[@staciejean]

Ugh. Yes

[@dianeflynn6207]

Use duck duck go browser if you can. It blocks ad interruptions

[@林在仁]

thank you micky！

[@mountainhobbit1971]

I find it so odd that there is always talk about how 'great' we are...in so many ways I find this concept so misleading.

[@hansotto109]

Tough analogy. A great book is"Sailing around the would alone." By Joshua Slocum. He described so many experiences of how the wind and currents aided his progress. Ultimately he got lost at sea. I would like to know, what is an example or two of a destination. My first yoga teacher said they were three types of people: sleeping awakened and enlightened. enlightenment seems to be a Worthy destination although in this talk he leaves it open to not achieving because you just do the best you can. In other talks he discusses liberation. Is that the goal? Could it be to become a spiritual teacher or found a temple? Anyhow, it is a good messages do the best you can and use the present moment and your own will to move your life toward a supreme destination.

[@machsij]

What if I want to sail to Australia while going to Japan and Korea?

[@1402celsiusltd]

I couldn't agree more with your observation about the multi-faceted nature of life's ambitions. The idea of setting a single course for 'Australia' does seem to oversimplify the complex web of desires and goals we often have. For instance, what if one's journey isn't just about reaching a single destination but involves multiple stops that are equally important? This point further amplifies my confusion with Michael Singer's latest episode. His previous teachings emphasized surrender and allowing life to unfold naturally, which seems more aligned with the idea of multiple 'ports of call' rather than a single, unwavering destination. Additionally, the notion that we'll simply set another course after reaching 'Australia' seems to contradict his teachings on finding contentment in the present moment.

[@Vanderful_life]

You can be anything but not everything

[@leonardoschickentanz8500]

The danger of spiritual teaching I think is this: it convinces you that external situations have no impact on your happiness. I’ll tell you this: If you are broke, Out of shape, Doing a job you don’t like Have no friends No partner No family You can watch your emotions all you want You can let them go all you want You can overcome all the past trauma you want You’ll be miserable. The external is ALSO important. Don’t forget that.

[@Yourhighnessnona]

I agree with that. I love these teachings, and they have changed my life for the better, but there is a middle ground. Yes, we are Source, or the "all that is" and infinite love, but we are also all of that, created in a physical, single manifestation: an individual human being. And that material makeup requires biological needs. Including an environment that aligns with these needs.

[@judgepamelaluther8368]

Yes, as soon as he said that your external environment is also important, it rang so true that I immediately began making a list of how I can promote and encourage my highest self with things that included established practice times, healthy diet, etc.

[@daytradersuccesscoach9927]

For the first time in life, I’m having a hard time getting clear on goals. So a hard time reaching them because I am waffling. What to do if you can’t get clear?

[@boatdoctors]

I'm in agreement with you.

[@gummisnoodable]

3:17 The first clue that this talk is about not blindly going with the flow.

[@gummisnoodable]

13:13 the little self will steer you away from pain and towards pleasure but doesn't have a polestar and will not get you were you want to arrive in life. This is the default mode.

[@gummisnoodable]

18:47 When you have those moments of clarity, that is a great time to set your polestar, your goal, your direction. After that we can only do the best we can, making the adjustments we can. Not talking about absolute clarity, but rather times when we are more clear than others. Absolute clarity may only come at the end.

[@gummisnoodable]

21:50 What influence does your current actions have on what happened in the past? Exactly! Don't dwell on the past. Live in the here and now.

[@gummisnoodable]

24:20 make hay while the sun shines. Take advantage of favorable winds while you have them. Reminiscent of make haste not waste and also the counterpoint haste not waste not.

[@gummisnoodable]

27:37 when the winds are not perfect, work with what you are presented with.

[@betsy56]

That is da bomb. Smooth sailing is fun as crud also! And putting the sails down is like super wise, if you're upset and need damage control. I always think of Lt. Dan. from forest gump.

[@hiuller]

2:07 what does he says first thing? Some sort of a greeting?

[@lindseyoh59]

I wonder this too! He says it every time.

[@dianeflynn6207]

Sounds like Jai Gurudev

[@cherylpereira27]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Snowfluffy123]

What does he say in the beginning always?

[@staciejean]

I always want to know that too!

[@dianeflynn6207]

Jai Gurudev

[@staciejean]

@@dianeflynn6207 what does that mean?

[@c.bastien8437]

How to behave and stay peaceful with actual chaos and highly corrupted evil authorities?

[@boatdoctors]

Can my course be inner peace?

[@ranurene2018]

❤

[@evegoodmon]

Singer is awesome the marketing introduction is not…and as for sailing.. Sometimes youturn on the engine and keep going in that direction… go with the flow is the way of the Tao... There is no higher and lower selves there is only the self and the rest is dogma hummm

[@barcelona12ist]

Someone, please explain what the polestar is 🙏???

[@Ann-qz7bl.]

Know. Yur. Direction.

[@parinazshahmoradi6432]

I wish he would use more real life examples in his talks.

[@soniahaddad8492]

🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

[@annemarine]

💚🙏🏻🍁

[@lynettelindeboom6898]

But what if you don’t know what your purpose is

[@ToddSloanIAAN]

Nag nag nag

[@Untetheredcc]

51:00

[@claradaum5561]

20:00