"The mind is everything. What you think you become."
— Buddha
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In any deep meditation or practice like Ascension, you can no longer hide from your own mind. There are no distractions — just you, your thoughts, your past, and your fears about the future.
This is exactly why so many people avoid it.
They'll do anything to not sit and be, often because they don't have the right tools or guidance. With something like the Ascension Attitudes however, you find it's a whole different game. It's not just you and your thoughts; you have a vehicle into the deep Now beyond the mind.
But the first lesson is that an inner practice isn't about stopping your thoughts — it's about changing your relationship with them. When you quit fighting, when you quit being afraid of your mind and simply observe, you'll gain freedom from its grip and from your automatic reactions in life. You start to choose consciously and freely.
Uncovering Your Operating System
Then you’ll make an even better discovery: your personal story. This is your operating system — the inner narrative that defines who you think you are and how you live your life.
It’s a framework we've told ourselves so often it feels like it’s the natural, normal way of seeing the world. Your personal OS absolutely shapes your reality — the way you perceive the world, what you do and don't do, and what you believe is possible. But it isn't the truth itself; it’s opinion, it’s an option.
How can you find your story?
Start by being curious. Pay attention to what you think and say. Your story isn't random thought; it has recurring themes, a narrative that guides your actions. Listen for these phrases:
"I am..." (e.g., "I'm not a morning person," "I'm just a shy person," "I'm not good with money.")
"I can't..." (e.g., "I can't seem to get ahead," "I can't ever catch a break.")
"Life is..." (e.g., "Life is a struggle," "Life is unfair.")
Your story also tends to be absolute, using words like "always" or “never” or “must” or “should”. It often has an emotional component, especially when challenged. There's little objectivity because it feels like a personal attack.
With this awareness you no longer have to stay in a fixed narrative with no other options. You can choose what serves you best – and being open means you can adapt to life as it changes. You can have more, you can grow, you stay out of rigidity.
How To Change Your Story
The first thing is to simply see your story exactly for what it is: a collection of thoughts with emotional hooks. Not the core of you, but a way of looking at the world that can be updated.
Then, try a gentle enquiry or two: "How about?" or "What if I have other options here?”.
These simple, open questions create space for new possibilities. They’re not a threat to what can feel as the essence of your self and reality, but an invitation to something more. Force rarely works … acceptance with an easy, “Maybe there’s something else?” does.
Give it a try and see what you discover. If there’s any emotion, great! You’re onto something.
It won't be easy to question your most deeply held beliefs, but remember they are just thoughts you've decided are true. Good for a framework, but keep it flexible and open to change so you can grow with life, not against it.
The journey is challenging, but the freedom and growth you'll find are worth it. It all starts by simply closing your eyes and being willing to see what's there. So worthwhile.
As I say, give it a shot and let me know what happens.
Go well,
Arjuna
PS.
What is priceless is getting some tools and guidance to leave the mind and anchor yourself in the deep Now.
Come learn Ascension (meaning to rise beyond limitation and negativity). It’s the thing that I practice and love teaching because it makes this so simple.
Upcoming courses:
— First level courses: October 17-19 and November 21-23, 2025 (already learned? You can repeat for free!)
— 5-Day Retreat (September 24-28): For those who've taken a course and want to accelerate their journey. Experience profound engagement, meaning, peace and presence in a stunning setting.
There are limited places.
Want to know more or ready to book?
Drop me a line and let me know what you're looking for – I can help you find it.