The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer offers profound insights into the nature of consciousness, inner peace, and personal growth. Through a blend of spiritual wisdom and practical guidance, the book invites readers to explore the depths of their minds, free themselves from self-imposed limitations, and experience true liberation. “Untethered Soul quotes” provide inspiration and clarity along this transformative journey.
Untethered Soul Quotes
“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind – you are the one who hears it.”
This quote highlights the importance of self-awareness and recognizing that we are not defined by our thoughts. True growth begins when we separate ourselves from the constant chatter of the mind.
“If you want to be happy, you have to let go of the part of you that wants to create melodrama. This is the part that thinks there’s a reason not to be happy.”Happiness is often hindered by the mind’s tendency to create unnecessary drama. Letting go of this mental tendency allows you to embrace life fully and enjoy the present moment.
“If you truly love someone, your love sees past their humanness.”
True love goes beyond flaws or imperfections and sees the essence of a person. This love embraces the whole being without judgment.
“When a problem is disturbing you, don’t ask, ‘What should I do about it?’ Ask, ‘What part of me is being disturbed by this?’”
Problems often trigger emotional reactions that come from within us, not just the external situation. Understanding the source of your disturbance within helps address the root cause of discomfort.
“Do not let anything that happens in life be important enough that you’re willing to close your heart over it.”
Life will throw challenges your way, but it’s essential not to let them close you off emotionally. Keeping your heart open, no matter the circumstances, allows growth and peace.
“Eventually you will see that the real cause of problem is not life itself. It’s the commotion the mind makes about life that really causes the problems.”
The mind often amplifies challenges, creating stress and conflict. The real issue is not the external problem but the internal struggle and mental commotion we create.
“Imagine if you used relationships to get to know other people, rather than to satisfy what is blocked inside of you.”
Relationships become easier and more meaningful when they are used for connection rather than filling inner voids. Letting go of your own blockages enhances genuine relationships.
“The truth is that most of life will unfold in accordance with forces far outside your control, regardless of what your mind says about it.”
Life is influenced by forces beyond our control, and trying to control everything only creates resistance. Acceptance of life’s flow allows for peace and wisdom.
“We are constantly trying to hold it all together. If you really want to see why you do things, then don’t do them and see what happens.”
Often, we act out of habit or fear of losing control. Stopping and observing what happens when we don’t act reveals our true motivations and desires.
“There is no reason to constantly attempt to figure everything out.”
Overthinking and trying to control every situation prevents us from living freely. Sometimes the best approach is to let go of the need to understand everything.
“Your relationship with God is the same as your relationship with the sun. If you hid from the sun for years and then chose to come out of your darkness, the sun would still be shining as if you had never left.”
Spiritual connection is always available, regardless of how long you’ve been away. God’s love and guidance remain constant, and you simply need to turn toward it.
“Instead of being encouraged to feel completely protected, loved, honored, and respected by the Divine Force, you’ve been taught that you’re being judged.”
Many people feel distant from the Divine due to fear and guilt. This mindset closes the heart, but embracing the truth that God’s love is unconditional brings peace and connection.
“True personal growth is about transcending the part of you that is not okay and needs protection.”
Personal growth involves moving beyond the fears and insecurities that require protection. It’s about embracing your wholeness and accepting all parts of yourself.
“To get some distance from this, you first need to get some perspective. Walk outside on a clear night and just look up into the sky.”
Gaining perspective on life can be transformative. Realizing how vast the universe is helps us put our problems into context and encourages detachment from trivial concerns.
“How would you feel if someone outside really started talking to you the way your inner voice does? How would you relate to a person who opened their mouth to say everything your mental voice says?”
If you wouldn’t tolerate such negativity from others, why accept it from yourself? By observing your inner voice, you can learn to detach from its constant judgment.
“Your inner growth is completely dependent upon the realization that the only way to find peace and contentment is to stop thinking about yourself.”
Peace comes when you stop focusing on yourself and instead shift your attention outward. Transcending the ego and self-centered thinking is essential for inner peace.
“When you feel pain, simply view it as energy. Just start seeing these inner experiences as energy passing through your heart and before the eye of your consciousness.”
Pain is a natural part of life, but it is also energy that can be released. Viewing it as energy rather than something to fear helps you release it and move on.
“If experience is the best teacher, there’s nothing that comes close to the experience of life.”
Life itself is the greatest teacher. The lessons it offers, whether joyful or painful, are the most profound and essential for growth.
“To attain true inner freedom, you must be able to objectively watch your problems instead of being lost in them.”
Inner freedom is achieved when you can observe your problems without becoming consumed by them. Distance from emotional reactivity allows for clearer thinking and action.
“The only permanent solution to your problems is to go inside and let go of the part of you that seems to have so many problems with reality.”
External circumstances cannot fully resolve inner turmoil. True peace comes when you release your attachment to the inner conflicts that make life feel problematic.
“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind – you are the one who hears it.”
Growth begins when you realize you are the observer of your mind, not the mind itself. This realization helps you detach from negative or unproductive thoughts.
“Billions of things are going on in this world. You can think about it all you want, but life is still going to keep on happening.”
Life doesn’t stop for our worries or thoughts. Understanding this allows us to let go and live fully in the present moment, regardless of the external noise.
“You have to understand that it is your attempt to get special experiences from life that makes you miss the actual experience of life.”
Life is best experienced when we stop trying to control it or extract specific outcomes. Surrendering to what life offers brings richer, more meaningful experiences.
“The most important thing in life is your inner energy. If you’re always tired and never enthused, then life is no fun. But if you’re always inspired and filled with energy, then every minute of every day is an exciting experience.”
Inner energy fuels a vibrant life. When you nurture and protect your energy, life becomes engaging and full of joy, no matter the circumstances.
“Everything will be okay as soon as you are okay with everything. And that’s the only time everything will be okay.”
Acceptance is key to peace. When you stop resisting life and accept things as they are, you’ll find that everything falls into place.
“The psyche is built upon avoiding this pain, and as a result, it has fear of pain as its foundation. That is what caused the psyche to be.”
Fear and pain are central to the human psyche. Recognizing this helps you understand that avoiding discomfort only strengthens these fears, keeping you stuck.
“It’s actually a shocking realization when you first notice that your mind is constantly talking. You might even try to yell at it in a feeble attempt to shut it up. But then you realize that’s the voice yelling at the voice.”
Your mind constantly generates thoughts, and by noticing this, you realize that the true you is separate from the mind. Recognizing this helps you detach and find peace.
“What if you knew that the next person you’d see would be the last person you would ever see? You’d be right there soaking it in, experiencing it.”
This quote encourages living in the moment, appreciating each interaction and person as if it were your last. It’s about cultivating awareness and deep presence in your relationships.
“It is truly a great cosmic paradox that one of the best teachers in all of life turns out to be death.”
Death teaches us profound lessons about impermanence, perspective, and the value of the present moment. By acknowledging death, we are reminded to live authentically and fully.
“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind – you are the one who hears it.”
True growth begins when you separate yourself from the voice of your mind. You are the observer, not the thoughts themselves, which allows for greater self-awareness and freedom.
“If you want to be happy, you have to let go of the part of you that wants to create melodrama. This is the part that thinks there’s a reason not to be happy. You have to transcend the personal, and as you do, you will naturally awaken to the higher aspects of your being. In the end, enjoying life’s experiences is the only rational thing to do. You’re sitting on a planet spinning around in the middle of absolutely nowhere. Go ahead, take a look at reality. You’re floating in empty space in a universe that goes on forever. If you have to be here, at least be happy and enjoy the experience. You’re going to die anyway. Things are going to happen anyway. Why shouldn’t you be happy? You gain nothing by being bothered by life’s events. It doesn’t change the world; you just suffer. There’s always going to be something that can bother you, if you let it.”
Happiness is a choice, often hindered by the mind’s tendency to create drama. Letting go of melodrama and embracing the present moment allows for a peaceful and fulfilling life.
“Only you can take inner freedom away from yourself, or give it to yourself. Nobody else can.”
True inner freedom is not dependent on external circumstances or people. You hold the power to either grant yourself peace or remain trapped by your own thoughts and fears.
“If you truly love someone, your love sees past their humanness.”
Real love transcends human flaws and imperfections. It embraces the essence of the person, seeing them as more than just their actions or mistakes.
“When a problem is disturbing you, don’t ask, ‘What should I do about it?’ Ask, ‘What part of me is being disturbed by this?’”
Problems often trigger internal disturbances that come from within us. By examining our own reactions, we gain insight into the root cause of our discomfort and can address it with clarity.
“Do not let anything that happens in life be important enough that you’re willing to close your heart over it.”
Life will present challenges, but closing your heart in response only causes more suffering. Keep your heart open, and face difficulties with love and compassion.
“Eventually you will see that the real cause of problem is not life itself. It’s the commotion the mind makes about life that really causes the problems.”
Life itself is neutral, but our minds often create unnecessary stress around situations. The key to resolving problems is calming the mental noise that magnifies them.
“Imagine if you used relationships to get to know other people, rather than to satisfy what is blocked inside of you. If you’re not trying to make people fit into your preconceived notions of what you like and dislike, you will find that relationships are not really that difficult. If you’re not so busy judging and resisting people based upon what is blocked inside of you, you will find that they are much easier to get along with—and so are you. Letting go of yourself is the simplest way to get closer to others.”
Relationships improve when we stop trying to mold others to fit our needs. By letting go of personal blocks, we allow for deeper and more authentic connections.
“The truth is that most of life will unfold in accordance with forces far outside your control, regardless of what your mind says about it.”
Life is shaped by forces beyond our control. The more we accept this truth, the more peace we can find by letting go of the need to control every outcome.
“We are constantly trying to hold it all together. If you really want to see why you do things, then don’t do them and see what happens.”
We often act out of habit or fear of chaos. By stopping and observing what happens when we don’t act, we gain insight into the true motivations behind our actions.
“There is no reason to constantly attempt to figure everything out.”
Overthinking can be a barrier to peace. Sometimes, the best approach is to let go of the need for answers and trust the flow of life.
“Your relationship with God is the same as your relationship with the sun. If you hid from the sun for years and then chose to come out of your darkness, the sun would still be shining as if you had never left. You don’t need to apologize. You just pick your head up and look at the sun. It’s the same way when you decide to turn toward God—you just do it.”
Spiritual connection remains constant, regardless of how long we’ve been away. Just as the sun shines without judgment, divine love is always available when we choose to turn towards it.
“Instead of being encouraged to feel completely protected, loved, honored, and respected by the Divine Force, you’ve been taught that you’re being judged. Because you’ve been taught that, you feel guilt and fear. But guilt and fear do not open your connection to the Divine; they only serve to close your heart. The reality is that God’s way is love, and you can see this for yourself.”
Guilt and fear close the heart and hinder spiritual connection. Understanding that divine love is unconditional allows us to open our hearts and embrace spirituality.
“True personal growth is about transcending the part of you that is not okay and needs protection.”
Growth involves moving beyond the fear-driven parts of us that seek protection. It’s about embracing all aspects of ourselves, even the vulnerable ones.
“To get some distance from this, you first need to get some perspective. Walk outside on a clear night and just look up into the sky. You are sitting on a planet spinning around in the middle of absolutely nowhere. Though you can only see a few thousand stars, there are hundreds of billions of stars in our Milky Way Galaxy alone. In fact, it is estimated that there are over a trillion stars in the Spiral Galaxy. And that galaxy would look like one star to us, if we could even see it. You’re just standing on one little ball of dirt and spinning around one of the stars. From that perspective, do you really care what people think about your clothes or your car? Do you really need to feel embarrassed if you forget someone’s name? How can you let these meaningless things cause pain? If you want out, if you want a decent life, you had better not devote your life to avoiding psychological pain. You had better not spend your life worrying about whether people like you or whether your car impresses people. What kind of life is that? It is a life of pain. You may not think that you feel pain that often, but you really do. To spend your life avoiding pain means it’s always right behind you.”
Gaining perspective on the vastness of the universe helps us detach from the trivial worries that dominate our lives. Let go of the need to impress others and focus on living freely.
“How would you feel if someone outside really started talking to you the way your inner voice does? How would you relate to a person who opened their mouth to say everything your mental voice says? After a very short period of time, you would tell them to leave and never come back. But when your inner friend continuously speaks up, you don’t ever tell it to leave. No matter how much trouble it causes, you listen.”
We tolerate negative self-talk that we wouldn’t accept from others. By observing the inner voice, we can learn to separate ourselves from it and stop its destructive patterns.
“Your inner growth is completely dependent upon the realization that the only way to find peace and contentment is to stop thinking about yourself.”
True peace comes when we stop being self-centered and start focusing on the world around us. Letting go of self-focus opens us to greater connection and inner calm.
“When you feel pain, simply view it as energy. Just start seeing these inner experiences as energy passing through your heart and before the eye of your consciousness. Then relax. Do the opposite of contracting and closing. Relax and release. Relax your heart until you are actually face-to-face with the exact place where it hurts. Stay open and receptive so you can be present right where the tension is. You must be willing to be present right at the place of the tightness and pain, and then relax and go even deeper. This is very deep growth and transformation. But you will not want to do this. You will feel tremendous resistance to doing this, and that’s what makes it so powerful. As you relax and feel the resistance, the heart will want to pull away, to close, to protect, and to defend itself. Keep relaxing. Relax your shoulders and relax your heart. Let go and give room for the pain to pass through you. It’s just energy. Just see it as energy and let it go.”
Pain is not something to fear but energy to be released. By facing it with openness and relaxation, we allow it to pass through without getting stuck.
“If experience is the best teacher, there’s nothing that comes close to the experience of life.”
Life itself is the greatest teacher, offering lessons that no book or guide can provide. Embrace the experiences that come your way, as they shape your growth and wisdom.
“To attain true inner freedom, you must be able to objectively watch your problems instead of being lost in them… Once you’ve made the commitment to free yourself of the scared person inside, you will notice that there is a clear decision point at which your growth takes place.”
Inner freedom is achieved when we can observe our problems without being consumed by them. This detachment allows us to make a conscious decision to let go and grow.
“The only permanent solution to your problems is to go inside and let go of the part of you that seems to have so many problems with reality.”
True peace comes from within. Rather than trying to change external circumstances, change your inner response to them, and you’ll find lasting solutions.
“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind – you are the one who hears it.”
Growth begins when we recognize our true nature as the observer of the mind. This realization allows us to detach from the mind’s constant chatter and find peace.
“Billions of things are going on in this world. You can think about it all you want, but life is still going to keep on happening.”
Life doesn’t stop for our thoughts or worries. It keeps moving forward, and the more we accept this, the more we can engage with it fully.
“You have to understand that it is your attempt to get special experiences from life that makes you miss the actual experience of life.”
The pursuit of specific outcomes often causes us to miss the richness of the present moment. Life is an experience to be lived, not a collection of achievements to be obtained.
“The most important thing in life is your inner energy. If you’re always tired and never enthused, then life is no fun. But if you’re always inspired and filled with energy, then every minute of every day is an exciting experience.”
Energy is the driving force of life. When you are filled with energy, every moment becomes meaningful, and the experience of life becomes deeply fulfilling.
“Everything will be okay as soon as you are okay with everything. And that’s the only time everything will be okay.”
Acceptance is the key to peace. Once you are at peace with everything, nothing external can disturb your inner tranquility.
“The psyche is built upon avoiding this pain, and as a result, it has fear of pain as its foundation. That is what caused the psyche to be. To understand this, notice that if the feeling of rejection is a major problem for you, you will fear experiences that cause rejection.”
Fear of pain is the foundation of much psychological suffering. By understanding this, we can begin to release the fears that control us and move toward greater freedom.
“It’s actually a shocking realization when you first notice that your mind is constantly talking. You might even try to yell at it in a feeble attempt to shut it up. But then you realize that’s the voice yelling at the voice.”
The mind’s constant chatter can be overwhelming. By noticing it, you can begin to detach from it and realize that you are the observer, not the voice itself.
“What if you knew that the next person you’d see would be the last person you would ever see? You’d be right there soaking it in, experiencing it.”
This quote urges us to appreciate each moment and every interaction as if it were our last. It’s about being fully present and savoring life’s fleeting moments.
“It is truly a great cosmic paradox that one of the best teachers in all of life turns out to be death.”
Death teaches us profound lessons about impermanence and the fleeting nature of life. By embracing this truth, we are encouraged to live more fully and authentically.
“Unfortunately, most of us are not that wise. We’re really not trying to be free of our stuff; we’re trying to justify keeping it.”
Often, we cling to our emotional baggage rather than seeking true freedom. The wisdom lies in releasing what no longer serves us, rather than defending our attachments.
“In the end, if you stay happy, you win.”
Happiness is the ultimate goal in life. Regardless of what happens externally, maintaining an inner sense of peace and joy is the key to success.
“Reality is just too real for most of us, so we temper it with the mind.”
The mind often distorts reality to make it more bearable. Learning to accept reality as it is without mental filtering is essential for peace and clarity.
“Understand this, imagine what would happen if you started feeling tremendous love for all creatures, for every plant, for every animal, and for all the beauties of nature. Imagine if every child seemed like your own, and every person you saw looked like a beautiful flower, with its own color, its own expression, shape, and sounds. As you went deeper and deeper, you would start noticing a phenomenal thing—you are no longer judging. The process of judging has simply stopped. There is just appreciating and honoring. Where there used to be judging, there is now respecting, loving, and cherishing. To differentiate is to judge. To see, to experience, and to honor is to participate in life instead of standing back and judging it.”
This quote highlights the power of unconditional love and acceptance. By letting go of judgment, we experience life more fully and with greater appreciation for all beings.
“The spiritual journey is one of constant transformation. In order to grow, you must give up the struggle to remain the same, and learn to embrace change at all times.”
Spiritual growth involves embracing constant change. Letting go of the desire to stay the same opens the door to transformation and deeper understanding.
“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind—you are the one who hears it. If you don’t understand this, you will try to figure out which of the many things the voice says is really you. People go through so many changes in the name of “trying to find myself.” They want to discover which of these voices, which of these aspects of their personality, is who they really are. The answer is simple: none of them. If you truly realize this, then there is nothing to look for because the part of you looking is not you either.”
True self-realization comes when we recognize that we are the observer of our thoughts, not the thoughts themselves. Understanding this liberates us from the mental struggle of “finding” ourselves.
“You must realize that when you defend yourself, you are really defending your walls. There is nothing else to defend in there.”
Defending yourself is often a defense of your ego and mental walls. Letting go of the need to defend creates freedom and authenticity in interactions.
“Consciousness is always drawn to the most distracting object: the bumped toe, the loud noise, or the hurting heart.”
Our attention tends to focus on immediate discomforts, whether physical or emotional. Learning to redirect this energy allows us to stay balanced and centered in the face of life’s distractions.
“No matter what happens below you, just turn your eyes upward and relax your heart. You do not have to leave the seat of Self in order to deal with the darkness.”
This quote encourages us to maintain our inner calm, no matter what external challenges arise. By staying rooted in our true self, we can deal with anything life throws our way.
“There is nothing wrong with feeling the energies of fear, jealousy, or attraction. It’s not your fault that such energies exist. All the attractions, repulsions, thoughts, and feelings don’t make any difference. They don’t make you pure or impure. They are not you. You are the one who’s watching, and that one is pure consciousness. Don’t think you’d be free if you just didn’t have these kinds of feelings. It’s not true. If you can be free even though you’re having these kinds of feelings, then you’re really free—because there will always be something.”
Feelings such as fear and jealousy are a part of the human experience but do not define you. True freedom comes from observing these feelings without becoming attached to them.
“Do not doubt your ability to remove the root cause of the disturbance inside of you. It really can go away.”
Inner disturbances are temporary and can be released with awareness and self-compassion. You have the power to let go of what no longer serves your peace.
“You said to your mind, ‘I want everyone to like me. I don’t want anyone to speak badly of me. I want everything I say and do to be acceptable and pleasing to everyone. I don’t want anyone to hurt me. I don’t want anything to happen that I don’t like. And I want everything to happen that I do like.’ Then you said, ‘Now mind, figure out how to make every one of these things a reality, even if you have to think about it day and night.’ And of course, your mind said, ‘I’m on the job, I will work on it constantly.’”
The mind is constantly working to fulfill our desires, but it cannot guarantee control over life’s uncertainties. This highlights the importance of letting go and trusting life’s flow.
“The most important thing in life is your inner energy. If you’re always tired and never enthused, then life is no fun. But if you’re always inspired and filled with energy, then every minute of every day is an exciting experience.”
Energy fuels life’s experiences. When you cultivate and protect your inner energy, every moment becomes an exciting opportunity for growth and joy.
“One of the essential requirements for true spiritual growth and deep personal transformation is coming to peace with pain.”
Spiritual growth involves learning to accept pain rather than avoiding it. By embracing discomfort, we expand our capacity for growth and transformation.
“Look at this thing. It’s ruining my life. I’m trying to live a peaceful, meaningful existence, but I feel like I’m sitting on top of a volcano. At any moment this thing can decide to freak, close down, and fight with what’s happening.”
Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but recognizing that our reactions to them create the disturbance helps us take control and release the tension.
“Do not let anything that happens in life be important enough that you’re willing to close your heart over it. When your heart starts to close, just say, “No. I’m not going to close. I’m going to relax. I’m going to let this situation take place and be there with it.” Honor and respect the situation, and deal with it. By all means, deal with it. Do the best you can. But deal with it with openness. Deal with it with excitement and enthusiasm. No matter what it is, just let it be the sport of the day. In time, you will see it all differently.”
Challenges will arise, but closing your heart only adds to the suffering. Approach life’s challenges with an open heart and acceptance, and you’ll find peace.
“If, for even one moment, you can look at someone with the eyes of true love, you’ll know those eyes are not yours. Your eyes could never look with that amount of love. Your eyes could never be that unconditional. Your eyes could never, even in a million years, see only beauty and total perfection in your beloved. Those are the eyes of God looking down through you.”
True love is unconditional and sees only beauty. By connecting to the divine love within, we can reflect this love onto others, seeing them through the eyes of compassion and grace.
“Letting go of yourself is the simplest way to get closer to others.”
Our attachment to the self creates distance between us and others. By letting go of the ego and embracing openness, we can deepen our connections and understand others more fully.
“Contemplate this, and let go of the idea of a judgmental God. You have a loving God. In truth, you have love itself for a God. And love cannot do other than love. Your God is in ecstasy and there’s nothing you can do about it. And if God is in ecstasy, I wonder what He sees when He looks at you?”
The divine is loving and ecstatic, not judgmental. Embracing this truth allows us to release guilt and fear, and to recognize that we are embraced by unconditional love.
“Most people can hardly imagine what it would be like to be at peace with inner disturbance. But if you do not learn to be comfortable with it, you will devote your life to avoiding it. If you feel insecurity, it’s just a feeling. You can handle a feeling. If you feel embarrassed, it’s just a feeling. It’s just a part of creation. If you feel jealousy and your heart burns, just look at it objectively, like you would a mild bruise. It’s a thing in the universe that is passing through your system. Laugh at it, have fun with it, but don’t be afraid of it. It cannot touch you unless you touch it.”
Inner disturbances are part of being human, but we don’t have to be defined by them. Observing them objectively allows us to release them with ease.
“So there are two ways you can live: you can devote your life to staying in your comfort zone, or you can work on your freedom. In other words, you can devote your whole life to the process of making sure everything fits within your limited model, or you can devote your life to freeing yourself from the limits of your model.”
Living a restricted life or embracing freedom is a choice. Freedom comes from breaking free from self-imposed limits and allowing life to unfold without fear.
“So you decide to use life to free yourself. You become willing to pay any price for the freedom of your soul. You will realize that the only price you have to pay is letting go of yourself. Only you can take inner freedom away from yourself, or give it to yourself. Nobody else can. It doesn’t matter what others do, unless you decide that it matters to you.”
Inner freedom comes when we choose to let go of our attachment to the self. No one else can take away your freedom—it is entirely within your control.
“You should know about this energy because it’s yours. It’s your birthright, and it’s unlimited. You can call upon it any time you want. It has nothing to do with age. Some eighty-year-old people have the energy and enthusiasm of a child. They can work long hours for seven days a week. It’s just energy. Energy doesn’t get old, it doesn’t get tired, and it doesn’t need food. What it needs is openness and receptivity. This energy is equally available to everybody. The sun does not shine differently on different people. If you’re good, it shines on you. If you did something bad, it shines on you. It’s the same with the inner energy. The only difference is that with the inner energy, you have the ability to close up inside and block it. When you close, the energy stops flowing. When you open, all the energy rushes up inside of you. True spiritual teachings are about this energy and how to open to it.”
Your inner energy is limitless and available to all. By opening yourself to it, you can experience vitality and enthusiasm at any age, and it will sustain you through life.
“You end up loving your edges because they point your way to freedom.”
The “edges” of discomfort in life point to areas where we can grow and experience freedom. Embrace these challenges as opportunities for personal expansion.
“The more you are willing to just let the world be something you’re aware of, the more it will let you be who you are—the awareness, the Self, the Atman, the Soul.”
When you stop trying to control the world and simply observe it, you allow yourself to align with your true essence. Let go of control, and the world will let you be free.
“Just as the sun does not leave its position in the sky to illuminate objects with its radiating light, so consciousness does not leave its center to project awareness onto the objects of form, thoughts, and emotions.”
Consciousness remains centered and unshaken, just as the sun radiates light without moving. Awareness is always present, simply observing the forms and emotions that pass through.
“You can wake up in the morning, look forward to the day, and not worry about what will happen. Your daily life can be like a vacation. Work can be fun; family can be fun; you can just enjoy all of it. That does not mean you don’t do your best; you just have fun doing your best. Then, at night when you go to sleep, you let it all go. You just live your life without getting uptight and worrying about it. You actually live life instead of fearing or fighting it.”
Approach life with joy and openness, allowing each moment to unfold without stress or worry. Living fully in the present frees you from the burdens of overthinking and anxiety.
“The first problem you have to deal with is your own reaction. You will not be able to solve anything outside until you own how the situation affects you inside.”
The key to solving external problems lies in understanding and managing your internal reactions. By changing your perspective and inner response, you can transform how you deal with life’s challenges.
“If you spend your time hoping that it doesn’t rain tomorrow, you are wasting your time; Your thoughts don’t change the rain.”
Worrying about uncontrollable outcomes is futile. Instead of trying to change the unchangeable, focus on adapting to and embracing life as it comes.
“You have a wellspring of beautiful energy inside of you. When you are open you feel it; when you are closed you don’t. This flow of energy comes from the depth of your being. It’s been called by many names. In ancient Chinese medicine, it is called Chi. In yoga, it is called Shakti. In the West, it is called Spirit. Call it anything you want. All the great spiritual traditions talk about your spiritual energy; they just give it different names. That spiritual energy is what you’re experiencing when love rushes up into your heart. That is what you’re experiencing when you’re enthused by something and all this high energy comes up inside of you.”
This inner energy is the source of love, passion, and vitality. By staying open and receptive, you can tap into this unlimited energy and experience life more fully.
“You must not be afraid of rejection, or of how you would feel if you got sick, or if someone died, or if something else went wrong. You cannot spend your life avoiding things that are not actually happening, or everything will become negative. All you will end up seeing is how much can potentially go wrong. Do you have any idea how many things can cause inner pain and disturbance?”
This quote reminds us that living in constant fear of what could go wrong only feeds negativity. We must embrace life as it is, without avoiding discomfort, to truly live freely.
“Real spiritual growth happens when there is only one of you inside. There’s not a part that’s scared and another part that’s protecting the part that’s scared. All parts are unified. Because there is no part of you that you’re not willing to see, the mind is no longer divided into the conscious and subconscious. Everything you see inside is just something you see inside.”
Spiritual growth occurs when we stop splitting ourselves into parts—fearful and protective—and instead embrace all aspects of our being, leading to unity and inner peace.
“Spiritual growth exists in that moment when you are consciously willing to pay the price of freedom. You must be willing at all times, in all circumstances, to remain conscious in the face of pain and to work with your heart by relaxing and remaining open.”
True spiritual growth requires the willingness to stay conscious and open, even in painful situations. This is the price we must pay for freedom from inner turmoil.
“You are not your thoughts; you are aware of your thoughts. You are not your emotions; you feel emotions. You are not your body; you look at it in the mirror and experience this world through its eyes and ears. You are the conscious being who is aware that you are aware of all these inner and outer things.”
This quote emphasizes the distinction between our true self—our conscious awareness—and the transient thoughts, emotions, and physical body. Recognizing this helps us detach from identification with them.
“You may not think that you feel pain that often, but you really do. To spend your life avoiding pain means it’s always right behind you. At any point you could slip and say the wrong thing. At any point anything can happen. So you end up devoting your life to the avoidance of pain.”
Pain is inevitable, and avoiding it only keeps it lingering. Instead of living in fear of pain, it is healthier to face it openly and learn from it.
“Eventually you will see that the real cause of problems is not life itself. It’s the commotion the mind makes about life that really causes problems. Now this raises a serious question: If so much of what we call problems are caused by the mind’s commotion, can we not stop the commotion and let life simply unfold?”
The true source of our suffering is often not the events themselves, but our mental reaction to them. By calming the mind, we can allow life to unfold without creating unnecessary problems.
“In the end, enjoying life’s experiences is the only rational thing to do. You’re sitting on a planet spinning around in the middle of absolutely nowhere. You’re floating in empty space in a universe that goes on forever. If you’re going to be here, be happy and enjoy the experience.”
Life is short, and the universe is vast. Instead of focusing on worries, enjoy the experience of being alive and embrace the joy in every moment.
“If you challenge yourself to live as though it were your last week, your mind may come up with all kinds of suppressed desires. It may start talking about all the things that you’ve always wanted to do, and you may think you had better go do them. You will soon see that’s not the answer. You have to understand that it is your attempt to get special experiences from life that makes you miss the actual experience of life. Life is not something you get; it’s something you experience. Life exists with or without you. It has been going on for billions of years. You simply get the honor of seeing a tiny slice of it. If you’re busy trying to get something, you will miss the slice you’re actually experiencing.”
Living fully doesn’t mean chasing experiences or trying to fit life into your desires. True living comes from fully experiencing each moment as it is, without attempting to manipulate it.
“Relax and release.”
This simple yet powerful advice encourages us to let go of the stress and tension we carry. Relaxing and releasing allows us to find peace in any situation.
“Once you clearly see the disturbed part, then ask, ‘Who is it that sees this? Who notices this inner disturbance?’ Asking this is the solution to your every problem. The very fact that you can see the disturbance means that you are not it. The process of seeing something requires a subject-object relationship. The subject is called ‘The Witness’ because it is the one who sees what’s happening.”
Self-awareness is key to overcoming inner turmoil. By recognizing yourself as the observer of disturbances, you detach from them and regain control over your responses.
“If you’ve ever really loved anybody, then you know what true love means. It means that you love them more than you love yourself. If you truly love someone, your love sees past their humanness. It embraces their whole being, including past wrongs and current shortcomings. It is like the unconditional love of a mother. A mother devotes every moment of her life to a child who is physically or mentally challenged. She thinks the child is beautiful. She doesn’t focus on the shortcomings; in fact, she doesn’t even see them as shortcomings. What if that is how God looks upon His creation? Then you’ve lost out if you’ve been told otherwise. Instead of being encouraged to feel completely protected, loved, honored, and respected by the Divine Force, you’ve been taught that you’re being judged. Because you’ve been taught that, you feel guilt and fear. But guilt and fear do not open your connection to the Divine; they only serve to close your heart.”
True love transcends imperfections and sees the divine essence in everyone. This kind of love is unconditional and embraces the whole being, not just the human flaws.
“You will eventually get conscious enough so that the minute you see the energy start getting strange, you stop. You stop getting involved in the energy.”
Awareness allows you to notice when negative energy begins to rise. By stopping your engagement with it, you prevent it from affecting your peace and tranquility.
“How do you free yourself? In the deepest sense, you free yourself by finding yourself. You are not the pain you feel, nor are you the part that periodically stresses out. None of these disturbances have anything to do with you. You are the one who notices these things. Because your consciousness is separate and aware of these things, you can free yourself. To free yourself of your inner thorns, you simply stop playing with them.”
Freedom comes from realizing that you are not your pain or stress. You are the awareness behind these experiences, and you can choose to release them by not engaging with them
“Any time you’re having trouble with something, think of death. Let’s say you’re the jealous type, and you can’t stand anyone being close to your mate. Think about what will happen when you’re no longer here. Is it really all that romantic that your loved one should live alone with no one to care for them? If you can get past your personal issues, you’ll find that you want the person you love to be happy and to have a full and beautiful life. Since that is what you want for them, why are you bothering them now just for talking to someone? It shouldn’t take death to challenge you to live at your highest level. Why wait until everything is taken from you before you learn to dig down deep inside yourself to reach your highest potential? A wise person affirms, ‘If with one breath all of this can change, then I want to live at the highest level while I’m alive. I’m going to stop bothering the people I love. I’m going to live life from the deepest part of my being.’”
Death serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life. It urges us to live with love, free from jealousy and attachments, and to embrace life fully while we can.
“What actually gives life meaning is the willingness to live it.”
Life’s meaning isn’t something we find—it’s something we create through our willingness to engage fully and live authentically, embracing each moment.
“Worldly means that you think the solution to your inner problems is in the world outside.”
The belief that external circumstances can solve our inner issues keeps us trapped. True peace comes from within, not from changing the external world.
“You should be experiencing the life that’s happening to you, not the one you wish was happening. Don’t waste a moment of life trying to make other things happen; appreciate the moments you are given. Don’t you understand that every minute you’re a step closer to death? This is how to live your life. You live it as though you were on the verge of death, because you are.”
Life is happening right now, and we shouldn’t waste it longing for what could be. Embrace each moment as if it were your last and fully appreciate the present.
“Stress only happens when you resist life’s events.”
Stress is the result of resistance to the flow of life. Letting go of resistance allows us to accept life as it comes and find peace in any situation.
“This is how great beings live. When you are trained, like a great athlete, to immediately relax through your edges when they get hit, then it’s all over. You realize that you will always be fine.”
Greatness comes from learning to relax and stay composed in challenging moments. By mastering this, you can stay calm and peaceful, no matter the situation.
“I am the one who sees. From back in here somewhere, I look out, and I am aware of the events, thoughts, and emotions that pass before me.”
This quote emphasizes that we are not our thoughts or emotions. We are the consciousness that observes them, and by recognizing this, we achieve greater peace and clarity.
“It turns out that the life of protecting yourself from your problem becomes a perfect reflection of the problem itself. You didn’t solve anything. If you don’t solve the root cause of the problem, but instead, attempt to protect yourself from the problem, it ends up running your life. You end up so psychologically fixated on the problem that you can’t see the forest for the trees. You actually feel that because you’ve minimized the pain of the problem, you’ve solved the problem. But it is not solved. All you did was devote your life to avoiding it. It is now the center of your universe. It’s all there is.”
Running from problems only amplifies them. By facing them head-on and resolving the root cause, we stop letting them control our lives.
“You label everything that doesn’t fit as wrong, bad, or unfair. If anything happens that challenges how you view things, you fight. You defend. You rationalize. You get frustrated and angry over simple little things.”
The habit of labeling things as wrong or unfair keeps us in a constant state of resistance. By letting go of judgment, we can experience life with more acceptance and peace.
“You are not the voice of the mind—you are the one who hears it.”
This quote underscores that we are not our thoughts. By realizing we are the observer of the mind, we can detach from its noise and gain clarity.
“Relationships are a great way to work with yourself. Imagine if you used relationships to get to know other people, rather than to satisfy what is blocked inside of you.”
Relationships are opportunities for self-awareness, not just a means to fulfill personal needs. When we let go of personal blocks, relationships become much easier and more meaningful.
“For instance, somebody says something, and you start to feel the energy get a little strange inside. You will actually start to feel a tightening. That is your cue that it’s time to grow. It’s not time to defend yourself, because you don’t want the part of you that you would be defending. If you don’t want it, let it go.”
Feelings of discomfort are signs for growth. Instead of defending yourself, use these moments to release what no longer serves you and grow beyond them.
“Your center of consciousness is always stronger than the energy that is pulling on it. You just have to be willing to exercise your will.”
Your inner consciousness is more powerful than external forces. By choosing to remain centered, you can withstand any external challenges with peace and clarity.
“If you are doing something to avoid pain, then pain is running your life. All of your thoughts and feelings will be affected by your fears.”
Avoiding pain only gives it more control over your life. Confronting and accepting pain frees you from its hold and allows you to live more authentically.
“But closing your heart does not really protect you from anything; it just cuts you off from your source of energy. In the end, it only serves to lock you inside.”
Closing your heart in an attempt to protect yourself only isolates you from your true energy and love. Open-heartedness brings connection, peace, and vitality.
“Let go right then. Do not rationalize, blame, or try to figure it out. Don’t do anything. Just let go immediately, and allow the energy to go back to the highest center of consciousness it can achieve. If you feel shame, let it go.”
Letting go is immediate and effortless. When negative emotions arise, release them without overthinking, and allow your consciousness to return to its highest state.
“Just as everything that happens outside in the physical world requires energy, everything that happens inside requires an expenditure of energy.”
Both external events and internal experiences require energy. By understanding this, we can conserve and direct our energy more consciously.
“When you let go of yourself, you are able to feel the presence of life itself. When you try to hold on, you keep yourself disconnected from life.”
Letting go of the ego allows you to experience life directly and fully. Holding on to self-identity separates you from the richness of life’s experiences.
“The process of releasing is the process of unburdening yourself from all that has been added on to you.”
Releasing is about shedding the layers of conditioning and beliefs that have accumulated over time. When you let go, you return to your true essence.
“The more you can relax and simply be, the more you can realize the truth of who you are.”
Relaxation and acceptance are key to discovering your true self. Letting go of effort and control reveals the peace and wisdom that already exists within you.
“Letting go is not giving up; it is a conscious decision to trust the universe and allow it to guide you.”
Letting go is not about surrendering in defeat, but trusting in the flow of life and allowing it to lead you to greater peace and fulfillment.
“You are not the thinker, you are the one who notices the thoughts.”
This realization allows you to detach from the endless cycle of thinking. You are the observer, not the thoughts themselves, which gives you power over your mental state.
“If you keep your heart open, life will never get stuck. Life will flow freely, and you will have peace.”
An open heart ensures that life flows smoothly, without resistance. By remaining open and receptive, you invite peace and harmony into your experience.
“True freedom comes from learning to let go of the constant thoughts and fears that bind you to the past and future.”
Freedom comes when you release the grip that thoughts and fears have on you. Living in the present moment allows you to experience true liberation.
“The world is a mirror that reflects back your own energy. If you are full of peace, the world will reflect that back to you.”
The energy you project into the world is reflected back to you. Cultivating peace within leads to experiencing peace in your surroundings.
“The moment you stop fighting with life is the moment you can truly start living.”
Acceptance is key to freedom. When you stop resisting what life offers, you open yourself up to fully living and embracing each experience.
“If you don’t let go of the past, you’ll keep dragging it with you into every new experience.”
Holding on to the past prevents new growth. Letting go of past attachments allows you to experience life without the weight of past hurts or regrets.
“You are the awareness behind all thoughts, emotions, and actions.”
It shows you are not your thoughts, emotions, or actions. You are the awareness that observes and experiences them, allowing you to gain true perspective and freedom.
“When you learn to let go of your expectations and attachments, you’ll find that life is much simpler and more enjoyable.”
Letting go of attachments and expectations allows life to unfold more naturally. Freeing yourself from these mental constructs brings greater peace and enjoyment.
“The ability to relax and let go is the greatest spiritual gift you can give yourself.”
Relaxing and releasing are key spiritual practices. The ability to let go is the ultimate freedom and a gift that brings inner peace and clarity.
“The more you can let go of what doesn’t serve you, the more you will create space for the life you truly desire.”
By letting go of unnecessary baggage, you create room for the life you truly want. Releasing what no longer serves you is a powerful step toward manifesting your desires
“Real happiness comes from letting go of what you think you need in order to be happy.”
Happiness is not found in external circumstances or possessions, but in letting go of the belief that you need something specific to be happy.
“To let go of the past, you must be willing to accept that it is over, and that there is nothing you can do to change it.”
Letting go of the past requires acceptance that it is beyond our control. Once we release attachment to past events, we open ourselves to the present moment and its possibilities.
“Freedom is not a destination—it is a way of being in the present moment, letting go of all the attachments that bind you to the past and future.”
Freedom is a state of being in the now, unburdened by attachments to past or future. It is achieved by letting go and embracing the present.
“The energy you feel is what you are. The more you can open up to that energy, the more you will experience life fully.”
Your energy reflects your state of being. By opening up to it and allowing it to flow freely, you experience life with greater vitality and presence.
“True spiritual growth is about accepting that you are not separate from the universe, and that you are part of the greater whole.”
Spiritual growth involves recognizing your interconnectedness with everything around you. Understanding that you are part of the greater whole brings peace and harmony.
“Every time you resist or fight against life, you create tension within yourself. Let go of the need to control, and the tension will dissolve.”
Resistance creates inner tension. By letting go of the need to control and accepting life as it is, you release this tension and allow peace to flow.
“The mind will always try to tell you what’s wrong with you or the world. But you are not your mind. You are the stillness beneath it.”
The mind constantly judges, but you are not defined by its thoughts. By connecting with the stillness beneath your mind, you can find clarity and peace.
“Every time you let go of a belief, a fear, or a thought, you open yourself up to a greater level of freedom and peace.”
Letting go of limiting beliefs, fears, and thoughts frees you from mental and emotional constraints, allowing you to experience more peace and freedom.
“The greatest spiritual realization is to understand that you are not your thoughts, your feelings, or your body—you are the one who experiences them.”
True spiritual realization is knowing that you are the observer of your thoughts, feelings, and body, not identified with them. This awareness brings liberation.
“When you accept life as it is, you will find peace within yourself, no matter what is happening around you.”
Peace comes from acceptance. When you embrace life’s imperfections and accept things as they are, you cultivate inner peace regardless of external circumstances.
“Letting go is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process of releasing the attachments that keep you trapped in the past.”
Letting go is not a singular event but an ongoing practice. Continuously releasing attachments keeps you free and present, allowing life to flow more easily.
“You will find that the more you let go, the more energy you will have to focus on what really matters.”
Letting go creates space for what truly matters. The more you release what isn’t serving you, the more energy you can direct toward your goals and passions.
“To live fully, you must learn to embrace uncertainty and let go of your need for control.”
Embracing uncertainty and releasing the need for control allows life to unfold with ease. This openness leads to richer, more fulfilling experiences.
“True peace comes from surrendering to the present moment, and allowing it to unfold as it is.”
Peace arises when we surrender to the present, allowing life to unfold naturally. This acceptance brings inner calm and harmony.
“Your life is not about holding on to what is familiar. It is about releasing what no longer serves you and stepping into the unknown.”
Growth comes from letting go of what’s familiar and stepping into the unknown. Releasing the old makes room for new experiences and possibilities.
“The only way to truly know yourself is to let go of everything you think you know about yourself.”
Self-discovery happens when we let go of our preconceived notions and identities. By releasing the ego’s grip, we open up to our true nature.
Untethered Soul by Michael Singer—Summary
The concept of the “inner roommate,” which Michael A. Singer explains in The Untethered Soul, stands for the continuous thoughts that many of us wrongly think characterizes who we are.
This inner voice, which governs our emotions and shapes how we react to obstacles in life, is frequently filled with dread, judgment, and desires. Singer contends that we accidentally lose our authority and mental stability when we identify with these ideas.
Singer suggests that we view this constant conversation from a distance, understanding that we are not our ideas, rather than becoming enmeshed in it.
By being the silent observer of these mental whims, we start to escape their grip and discover more about who we really are—beyond the noise of the mind.
The notion of the “seat of consciousness” is yet another major issue in the book. This is the part of us that is constantly mindful, the observer that exists apart of our feelings and thoughts.
Because it is unbound by the ego’s impulse to dominate, condemn, or categorize, Singer urges readers to nurture a relationship with this essential component of themselves.
No matter what is going on around us, we can achieve a deep sense of calm by regularly rebuilding this inner presence.
We discover how to live more fully and honestly, free from the constraints of prior training or external circumstances, when we turn our attention from the erratic thoughts of the mind to the constant, constant consciousness.
The discipline of surrender is another important concept in The Free Soul. Singer suggests that we should accept what is occurring right now instead of resisting life’s natural flow or try to control every possible outcome.
In this sense, surrender is about letting oneself flow with the natural rhythm of life, not about giving up or ignoring life as it is. This means believing that life will develop exactly as it is supposed to and giving up of the need to have control over every element of it.
We open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences by letting go of the mental and emotional resistance that leads to needless pain.
In the end, The Untethered Soul challenges readers to live with an open heart and to let go of the psychological obstacles they have built, including fear, judgment, and attachment.
According to Singer, these obstacles prevent us from feeling joy and true freedom. Continuous letting go—giving up our ego-driven desires, our emotional attachments, and our need to control life—is the key to conquering them.
By doing this, we open up a wide area for spiritual development, inner peace, and love. This letting go is a lifelong process that results in the continuous discovery of our actual selves rather than a one-time occurrence.
Conclusion
The Untethered Soul encourages readers to release their attachments, step into the present moment, and live with a deep sense of inner freedom and awareness. Through continuous practice of surrender, letting go, and embracing the wisdom of the “seat of consciousness,” we can transcend the limitations of our mind. As Michael Singer shares in his profound Untethered Soul quotes, true peace and joy lie in our ability to observe life without attachment and live in harmony with the flow of existence.
FAQ’s
Michael Singer believes in surrendering to life’s flow, releasing attachments, and observing thoughts to find inner peace and freedom.
The philosophy is about transcending the ego and becoming the observer of your thoughts to achieve spiritual freedom.
The book teaches that true freedom and inner peace come from detaching from the mind and emotions.
You are not the voice of the mind. You are the one who hears it.
