The SHN #27: Rupert Spira, Fatal Conveniences, and Healing Music

Welcome back to The Synergetic Health Newsletter! 

In this edition, I’ll introduce you to Rupert Spira and his ideas on being aware.

After that, I dive into Darin Olien’s new book, “Fatal Conveniences”.

Then comes a look into the healing music that came out of German New Medicine.

Finally, I’ll include some links to things I’ve found particularly interesting recently.

Joe Burt

➡️ Please forward this email to a friend or family member that you think would enjoy reading it, thanks!

Rupert Spira (1960-) is an English contemporary spiritual teacher, philosopher, speaker, author, and proponent of the Direct Path.

Spira is renowned for his ability to articulate complex philosophical concepts in a clear and simple manner, making spiritual wisdom accessible to a wide audience. He has authored ten books, maintains an active YouTube channel, has a comprehensive blog full of spiritual wisdom, and offers frequent in-person and online retreats and webinars.

One of Spira’s shorter and more accessible books is “Being Aware of Being Aware”, released in 2017. In it, Spira expands on:

“The knowing of our being—or rather, awareness’s knowing of its own being in us—is our primary, fundamental and most intimate experience. It is in this experience that the peace, happiness and love for which all people long reside. The happiness we have sought so long outside of ourselves, in situations, objects and relationships, turns out to be always present and available in the simple knowing of our own being as it truly is.”

Key Lessons from “Being Aware of Being Aware”

The Inward Facing Path

At the heart of Spira's wisdom lies the concept of the "inward-facing path." This inner journey involves redirecting the mind from the distractions of objective experiences towards the essence from which they arise. Spira encapsulates this notion, stating:

"The turning of the mind away from the objective content of experience towards the source or essence from which it has arisen is the essence of meditation or prayer."

"The culmination of the inward-facing path is the recognition of the presence, the primacy and the nature of awareness."

Spira's words guide us toward a shift in perspective. By turning away from external stimuli, we start a journey that transcends mere meditation—it is a prayerful inward-facing path, an exploration of the essence that precedes experience.

The Essence of Meditation

Spira challenges conventional views on meditation, highlighting that it's not an activity to achieve a specific state but rather the essence of the mind itself.

"Meditation is not something we do; it is something we cease to do."

"Enlightenment or awakening is not a new or extraordinary kind of experience. It is the self-revelation of the very nature of experience itself."

By being aware of being aware, we unravel the mind's limitations, revealing the awareness within. Spira challenges the notion of meditation as a task to accomplish. Instead, it is a cessation of effort to reveal the actual quality of our minds, which is simply awareness.

The Nature of Awareness

Spira emphasizes that peace and happiness are inherent in the nature of the mind itself:

"Peace and happiness are not, as such, objective experiences that the mind has from time to time; they are the very nature of the mind itself."

"To know oneself as pure awareness is the ultimate healing."

This foundational truth becomes a cornerstone of the book, emphasizing that awareness is not an acquisition but a revelation. Spira dispels the idea that peace and happiness is an external achievement. Instead, he invites us to recognize that the tranquility we seek resides within the core of our being.

Practical Applications

The Sacred Question - "Am I Aware?"

Spira introduces a sacred question that acts as a portal to self-discovery: "Am I aware?" This question directs the mind away from external objects and towards its own substance.

"The desire for peace or happiness is the desire to return to our original, inherently relaxed condition."

“Being aware of being aware is the essence of meditation. It is the only form of meditation that does not require the directing, focusing, or controlling of the mind."

Questions like “Who Am I”?, “What is my True Nature?”, “What is Peace?”, and many more act as a launching off point to self-inquiry. These questions aren’t meant to get an intellectual answer but to turn the mind inward in the search for the truth of who you are.

Learn more about self-inquiry here.

Being Aware of Being Aware

By letting go of the fascination with the content of experience, one can witness the peace and happiness that reside within awareness itself. This shift in attention is not a strenuous effort but a gentle redirection of focus.

“Allow the experience of being aware to come into the foreground of experience, and let thoughts, images, feelings, sensations, and perceptions recede into the background."

"In order to answer the question ‘Am I aware?’ we must ‘go to’ the experience of being aware. In other words, we must know the experience of being aware."

Non-Practice Meditation

Spira introduces the concept of non-practice meditation—being aware of being aware without effort.

"Being aware of being aware is the essence of meditation. It is the only form of meditation that does not require the directing, focusing, or controlling of the mind."

“We cannot become what we essentially are through any kind of practice. Through practice, we can only become something that is not essential to us."

“There can be no effort in this non-practice. Any effort would involve directing the mind towards an object or trying to control the focus of attention.”

This natural return to one's true nature becomes a journey back to who you really are, away from thoughts and associations with the external world. Meditation is helpful to discover what this sense of awareness is, but then you must be able to carry that over into everyday life.

Some More Gems From Spira

“We have forgotten who or what we essentially are and have mistaken ourself instead for a collection of thoughts, images, memories, feelings, sensations, and perceptions.”

The non-dual teachings hammer home the point that you are not the contents of your mind and your body, but an unchanging awareness or consciousness that is not limited to individual identity.

“Awareness is our primary experience; that is, being aware is awareness’s primary experience. Before awareness knows objective experience, it knows itself.”

I like to describe how babies are close to being pure awareness, that they have no sense of a “me” yet, that they are simply being aware of what’s happening around them without the ability to label it. This awareness remains the same and is present throughout our lives, even as the contents of our mind and state of our body continuously change.

Conclusion

Spira's teachings invite people not merely to understand but to experience the inherent peace and happiness within. The inward-facing path, the essence of meditation, and the nature of awareness become not just philosophical concepts but practical tools for self-discovery.

There are many other teachers like Spira in the non-dual traditions, who offer their own unique perspective on spiritual awakening and the discovery of your true nature. Spira is one of the most popular contemporaries, as are Adyashanti, John Prendergast, Eckhart Tolle, Francis Lucille, Mooji, Bernardo Kastrup, Ganjaji, Angelo Dilullo, and many more.

They each offer ways of pointing to the same thing, which is that you are more than what you think you are.

☠️ Fatal Conveniences

I recently finished Darin Olien’s sobering book “Fatal Convenieces: The Toxic Products and Harmful Habits That Are Making You Sick―and the Simple Changes That Will.”

In it, Olien offers the most comprehensive overview I’ve seen of the hidden dangers in so many of the products we use, the foods we eat, the clothes we wear, and the electromagnetic radiation we bathe in.

I’ve written a lot about endocrine disruptors and other toxic compounds found in everyday items, but this book educates the reader on the history of the introduction of over 80,000 chemicals in the last 50 years (most haven’t been tested for safety), gives actionable advice on how to improve your choices, and also shares a vetted list of companies producing safe products.

Olien reiterates throughout the book that it’s foolish to trust the government to protect us from harm and it is our personal duty to understand exactly what we are buying and consuming:

“It seems to me that we have our priorities upside down. Corporations create products using untested chemicals, many of which are known to be harmful to human health. The companies grab the cash today, and when the scientific truth catches up with them, they ask for forgiveness, settle lawsuits, pay fines, and conduct product recalls. To them, this is just the cost of doing business, which is passed along to consumers. Human safety is not their top priority. Our health is not their responsibility. That’s the truth.”

Here are some of the tips Olien shares in the book:

-Avoid any moisturizer, lotion, or cream with ingredients that you don’t recognize

-Avoid products that list "fragrance" or "perfume" on the ingredients label. Opt for natural alternatives such as essential oils or other all-natural substances for fragrance. Look for products that are phthalate-free and prioritize ingredient transparency.

-Many commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol, artificial colors, and other synthetic chemicals that may have adverse effects on oral and overall health. Instead of relying on commercial mouthwashes, focus on maintaining good oral hygiene practices.

-Most commercial sunscreens contain chemicals that can be absorbed into the body and have been linked to endocrine disruption. Ensure sufficient direct sunlight exposure for vitamin D production, following recommended guidelines. If necessary, consider the moderate use of commercial tanning beds emitting 2 to 6 percent UVB radiation as a safe way to supplement vitamin D.

-Tampons and other menstrual products may contain harmful substances such as phthalates, parabens, bisphenol A, and triclocarban, which are endocrine disruptors. Choose tampons that are unbleached, fragrance-free, and made without dyes or hydrogen peroxide. Opt for brands made with organic cotton.

-Shaving cream is often unnecessary and may contain harmful chemicals. Consider alternatives like using organic coconut oil or chemical-free soap.

-Deodorants may contain chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin, and frequent use may contribute to adverse health effects. Cut back on deodorant use and consider going without it occasionally. Explore natural alternatives like baking soda, essential oils, or homemade deodorant recipes.

-Frequent shampooing may strip the hair of natural oils and contribute to environmental waste. Recognize that hair doesn't get dirty as quickly as it may feel. Consider reducing the frequency of shampooing and opt for natural, chemical-free alternatives. Embrace natural oils like coconut oil for hair care.

-The shift towards processed foods has been linked to various health issues, including inflammation and disease. Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods and limit the consumption of processed foods high in additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Cook at home using fresh ingredients and explore a diverse range of recipes.

-The environmental impact of bottled water, along with concerns about plastic pollution, calls for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Reduce reliance on bottled water and invest in reusable water bottles. Filter tap water to reduce contaminants. Explore plant-based beverages as alternatives to sugary drinks and sodas.

-Never hold your phone against your ear and talk. If you must talk on your phone, do it with wired headphones plus a microphone. Even better, get antiradiation air tube headphones.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and science behind the harmful chemicals that have made their way into so many of our favorite products, I recommend checking the book out. Reading about the serious negative health effects behind your everyday products could influence you to change some of your consumption choices.

If you’re short on time, you can go check out my notes on the book.

Also, if you’d like to check out some of the companies that Olien has vetted and recommends, navigate to page 12 of these notes.

Prefer podcasts? Check out Olien talking about his book on “The Breathcast with Mike Maher” and “The Life Stylist Podcast with Luke Storey.”

♫ German New Medicine Music

Dr. Giovanna Conti wrote the book “The Biological Meaning of Music” after discovering that some musical compositions seemed to mirror Dr. Ryke Hamer's (founder of GNM) insights into the essence and progression of illnesses.

Specifically, Dr. Conti found that the Second Biological Law of GNM (that there are two potential phases for each biological shock: active and healing) is found structured in exact accordance with the works of Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin.

This discovery spurred Dr. Hamer to incorporate music into healing modalities for his practice. He believed that music can play a crucial role in supporting individuals during both the conflict-active and healing phases of their illnesses. These compositions help guide them through the resolution of the healing phase, reducing complications and aiding in overcoming lingering challenges in chronic diseases.

His own song, “Mein Studentenmaedchen”, was made as a love song for his wife and a live version is hosted on Dr. Conti’s Youtube page.

The song is believed to stop or at least downgrade conflict activity.

Hamer also considered that the following song was a forerunner and another pillar of New German Medicine as, after listening to it for several days, and even at night while sleeping, its magic activates properties that dissolve away panic, cancer and psychosis.

Two versions of the song, a daytime and nighttime version, can be found here.

𝕏 Thread of the Week

☀️ Vitamin D From Sunlight Lowers Cholesterol: This study showed that just 20 minutes of sunlight exposure to forearms and face between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. per day resulted in a significant increase in Vitamin D and a significant decrease in total cholesterol including LDL.

🧺 Washing Machines Can Spread Deadly Superbugs: This article discusses how your washing machine can be a silent assassin in your home. It also discusses how front-loading machines tend to be more susceptible to mold and other bacteria than top-loading washing machines. Some tips on how to mitigate these risks are also included.

🔄 The Randle Cycle- How Burning Fat Hinders Your Ability to Burn Glucose: This post discusses the Randle Cycle, a metabolic process that determines whether your body uses glucose or fatty acids as its primary fuel source. The author argues that burning predominately fat for fuel is meant as a survival mechanism, not a strategy for thriving health.

“Become reacquainted with well-tolerated carbs to return to effectively using the body’s preferred fuel source: glucose. This will benefit your thyroid health, increase your energy and insulin sensitivity, and stabilize your hormones.”

🌬️ 4-7-8 Breathing: Also known as the “Relaxing Breath”, this simple breathing technique, popularized by Dr. Andrew Weil, is as simple as they come. A powerful stress antidote, this can be used whenever you feel the need to calm down your nervous system.

✔️ That will do it for this time! Hopefully you got some value out of it. If you have any questions/comments/things you’d like to learn more about please don’t hesitate to reach out.

🔗 If you know anyone who loves learning about these types of topics, send them this link!

📰 To read all past newsletters, go here.