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A dialog summarizing the SimplyAwake.com website contents into a conversation!

Josh: Hey everyone and welcome to this deep dive tailored just for you. You know, we’ve been talking about that feeling you’ve been wrestling with, that sense of hitting a wall, even when on paper, things seem good. And you shared this website and it really resonated, especially that idea that even those seemingly perfect lives are often grappling with that same stress, anxiety, that lack of fulfillment. 

Ellie: Yeah, that’s something we see a lot.

Josh: So we’re diving deep into this website today, unpacking it. And one thing that struck me right away was how directly it addressed that feeling. They say you have a beautiful home, a rewarding career, and now struggle to keep it all going. And that really hit home for me. 

Josh: That’s not some guru on a mountain top. 

Ellie: That’s like- 

Josh: Like in real life. It is that way for so many of us. And then it gets even trickier, right? Because you start to wonder if the very things that are supposed to bring you joy might be part of the problem. Like you mentioned, trying meditation apps, all those self-improvement books. 

Josh: But sometimes it just feels like 1 more thing on the to-do list. 

Ellie: Absolutely. Like if we could just optimize ourselves enough then we’d finally be happy. 

Josh: Right. 

Ellie: But this website hints at something more doesn’t it? It points towards spiritual awakening and liberation as potential solutions. 

Josh: See liberation, now that’s a word that makes me want to listen. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s break it down. So, before we get to liberation, they also talk about these practical tools, you know? Mindfulness, meditation, understanding your core. Honestly, after years of dabbling in self-help, I’m always a little wary. 

Josh: But the way they describe it here, it’s not about running away from our thoughts and feelings. It’s about, and I love this phrase, making friends with them. What does that even look like in practice? 

Ellie: Well, it’s a powerful shift. You know instead of letting every single thought and emotion just sweep you away, these practices can help create space. 

Josh: Okay. 

Ellie: Think of your mind like a busy highway. Meditation, mindfulness, they’re not about shutting down the highway. They’re about choosing not to jump in every car that speeds by. 

Josh: Okay, that clicks, especially because they talk about this core of ours. Is that like the real me that’s always there, even when it’s a mental traffic jam in my head? 

Ellie: Exactly. It’s that awareness. You are not your thoughts, you’re not your emotions. You’re the awareness that experiences them and is intertwined with them. And connecting with that deeper sense of self, that core, can be incredibly grounding. 

Josh: And is that where the making friends with thoughts and feelings comes in? So instead of constantly fighting those tough emotions, you learn to just sit with them. 

Ellie: Yeah, you got it. It’s about having a different kind of relationship with your inner world. And that can diminish the stress you’ve been feeling. So instead of getting hijacked by anxiety about that deadline, you can notice those thoughts, acknowledge them, but then choose to enjoy this moment right now by seeing if those thoughts are true or not. Not true, then no anxiety is needed. 

Josh: Yeah, so it’s not about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing where we put our energy, even when things are tough. Which brings us to this concept that really, really made me curious. Liberation. It sounds big, right? 

Ellie: It is, it is. But it doesn’t require that mountaintop retreat or anything like that. Remember how the website said it’s available to everyone? That’s because it’s this freedom that comes from within.

Josh: Okay, I’m intrigued, but I need a little more. What does liberation even mean here? What does it actually feel like? 

Ellie: Just imagine being free from those thought patterns, the negative ones that keep you feeling stuck, anxious, unhappy. That’s a big part of what they’re talking about. 

Josh: So less about levitating and more about letting go of those beliefs and mental habits that aren’t helping us. So, it’s not just about feeling better. It’s about experiencing life differently, even when things are hard. 

Ellie: Right, exactly. And it’s interesting, they tie all of this, the mindfulness and meditation that connects you to your core, back to the idea of commitment. 

Josh: Yeah, they don’t shy away from that, do they? Commitment is needed for healing and awakening. I mean honestly that can feel overwhelming. Okay, I’m ready for a change, but where do I even start? 

Ellie: I get that. And remember you were saying earlier sometimes those self-help things, they feel like just 1 more thing to do. 

Josh: Totally. 

Ellie: I think what they’re getting at is this isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about fundamentally shifting how you approach, well, everything about being human. 

Josh: So it’s less about another item on the to-do list and more about a real willingness to show up differently in your own life. 

Ellie: Yeah, yeah. And that kind of commitment means looking at the places where we’re actually comfortable, but staying stuck. And it’s not always easy, but the rewards, as they describe them, are pretty amazing. 

Josh: Okay, that makes sense. But for someone reading this who may be thinking,” this sounds great, but I’ve tried things. I’m not sure I’m ready to dive headfirst into another program. “What would you suggest? 

Ellie: I think that’s fair. It’s about finding what feels right for you. And the good news is, this isn’t a 1 size fits all thing. They’ve got the book, which is a great foundation. Then there’s the online course, it’s 13 weeks, Experiments in Being Human and Waking Up, which gives you more structure. 

Josh: So, you can dip your toes in the pool before you jump into the deep end? 

Ellie: Exactly. And they even mention, you know, check out Jon’s podcast appearances or his fledgling YouTube channel. He’s got a Substack column called “Simply Awake.”  These are low pressure ways to get a sense of his style and see if it resonates. 

Josh: I like that. It takes the pressure off. 

Ellie: Yeah. It’s about giving you the power to explore at your own pace. 

Josh: So as we wrap up this deep dive, what’s the big takeaway you hope people will leave with? 

Ellie: That life with more peace, more contentment, even what they call liberation, is not this far-off thing. It’s about the choices we make every day. It’s about the willingness to show up for ourselves differently by learning the skills we need to be human beings; skills no one at home or school ever teaches us. 

Josh: And sometimes that means questioning the old ways of doing things and being open to something new. 

Ellie: Absolutely. Who knows what could happen?