Tony Teegarden (Dot) Com

Turn Your Problems into Profits

Written by Tony Teegarden 40 Comments

Waking From The Human Dream

She is a beautiful Asian baby with innocent face.

The Human Dream

How awake are you today?

And no I’m not asking if you’re still in your PJ’s either.

Just so you know…

I’m afraid to post this.

I’m afraid you’ll think I’m out there.

I’m afraid you’ll not read my blog anymore.

I’m afraid you’ll judge me.

But I’m doing it anyway, because I’m waking up…

If I seem a little out there maybe it’s because you’re in there. Consider coming out and taking a look before you judge it.

Waking from the human dream has begun to be a paramount shift I’m experiencing right now. I’m living a life of light more than I feel I ever have.

I feel I’ve discovered buckets of creativity and potential lately.

I’m having more amazing relationships that compliment my awareness come into my life than ever before.

I am more present than ever. In these moments, like now as I write this, It feels as if boat loads of ideas flow effortlessly through me.

It comes to me unbridled and unattached of exterior outcomes or influence.

I’m finding myself on purpose, projecting a loving light back onto a holographic world known as my reality.

The world is light. The light rays pass through the lens of the eye, which actually changes shape so it can further bend the rays and focus them on the retina at the back of the eye.

The world is a hologram my friend and you & I are it’s projector.

We can project what we desire.

I feel I now am waking. I’m beginning to see I am the person that can project what I choose. I am bending the light to see a self image that is loving, accomplished, passionate, creative, compassionate and becoming free of the human dream.  Along with it’s attachments.

I’ve come to acknowledge that my belief is that I am a vessel for creation.

  • I don’t have to choose just to be a blogger
  • I don’t have to choose just to create music
  • I don’t have to choose just to be a speaker
  • I don’t have to choose just to be a marketer
  • I don’t have to choose just to be an author
  • I don’t have to choose just to be consultant
  • I don’t have to choose just to (insert the little box that the world attempts to project onto you)

I am none of those, but I choose to allow all of those roles to flow through me.

I am not attached to being any one of them.

I am not just any one of those titles. I only choose to experience what the title implies. I can have more than one experience damnit.

Who says I have to choose just one?

The Human Attachment

Allowing myself to experience all of these roles never would have been possible up until now.

Before I was:

  • Domesticated
  • Hypnotized
  • Pr0grammed
  • Conditioned

…by the human dream and by it’s participants who have yet to awake from their dream.

Not pretty or feelgood words I know, but definitely a truth for me that I’ve come to acknowledge in my recent work. I’ve been discovering how words reveal how you and I see the world.

Before today, I saw my world in a box because I held attachments. Those attachments fed the projector (me). This is the reality that kept me experiencing pain and suffering.

I unconsciously held attachments to things, people, ideas and experiences.

All of this made up my self image.

How do you see yourself?

It’s an important question to ask because:

“We don’t see the world as it is, we see it as we see ourselves.”-Steven Covey

Words are not truth, these words you’re reading right now aren’t even truth. They are only a sign post. They point to my projection of what I see as my truth.

You need to question yours.

  1. My mind had tricked me into thinking this human dream is real and this is where I meet my attachments face to face.
  2. My attachments have kept me prisoner up until now.
  3. No longer do I choose to believe in these attachments so no longer can they have power over me and the direction I choose.

“Continuous mind activity keeps you imprisoned in the world of form and becomes an opaque (not letting light pass through) screen that prevents you from becoming conscious of the Unmanifested, conscious of the formless and timeless god-essence in yourself and in all things and all creatures.“-Eckhart Tolle

But there is a way to awake and serve, to contribute and to live free of these attachments.

What has caused the most pain and suffering for me over the past 5 years that I’m conscious of?

  • Attachment to what I had done or hadn’t accomplished.
  • Attachment to who I thought I was and how I saw myself.
  • Attachment to stuff that I thought made up my identity, such as cars, a house, the way I should dress or a type of job.
  • Attachment to who I thought my friends were or weren’t.
  • Attachment to thoughts and beliefs that if challenged I would resist or resent. Including whoever presented them.
  • Attachment to what my parents thought of me
  • Attachment to what my friends expected of me
  • Attachment to what my piers in business expected me to be

And then I began to consciously question…

Waking From The Human Dream

Serendipitously this part of the post actually ties into Nathan Hangens post, I Don’t Know What I’m Doing. Ironically the post you’re reading right now was started a week before I had even read Nathans. But after reading his PDF download, It resonated with me to tie this in.

From his free PDF Download:

I donʼt know what Iʼm doing.
I really donʼt. Iʼm just on a journey, in the same way that you are, that we all are.
I donʼt have any answers, but I have a lot of questions.

Asking questions is where we begin to awake from the human dream.

Not just any questions though.

I’ve been asking empowering questions.

I encourage you to ask yourself questions that empower your current experience.

You’ve probably always been taught, Don’t Ask Stupid Questions.

I say fuck that.

I ask questions such as:

  • If I could wake up every morning and do anything I wanted, what would it be?
  • Who would I do it with?
  • Where would we/I do it? (Get your mind our of the gutter 😉 )
  • What steps need to happen in order to accomplish it?
  • What steps do I need to take today to make that my reality?
  • How soon can I get started on it?
  • Who do I know who has already done it, and I could contact?

If you don’t ask these questions you leave unconscious space.

This is where sabotage is born.

Seth Godin posted recently about sabotage and frankly you can replace marketing with waking:

“We don’t resist because we’re not capable of it… we resist because if our marketing fails, if we don’t get the job or earn the trust, then we’re off the hook. No promises made, which means no promises to keep.”-Seth Godin

Unleash Your Life As Art

There are so many reasons why I know I’m meant to create and perform my gifts regardless if it’s via music, marketing, blogging, writing or speaking and no matter who’s watching, who’s reading, or who’s listening.

I am to do so regardless of someone elses attachment to what they think I’m supposed to be doing or how I should do it.

I’ve never talked to Nathan about our work as being art but I’ve picked up enough from his work that we’re probably on the same page.

When I was performing as a musician as a teen, creating and projecting my music was paramount. Lots of people dug it, some didn’t.

Back then I didn’t have as much of an attachment to peoples expectation of my music. I was completely focused on the now when I was creating it. I was completely focused on expressing the energy that was me. It was how I saw myself and I was cool with it.

Afterwords I got caught up in the self image created by someone elses expectation of me.

That someone chose to engage in another relationship (while she was still living with me), then left the relationship and I experienced feeling alone and deceived.

She left me for someone who was making more money than art.

Later I would leave the world of  music to focus on making money. Interesting isn’t it?

I decided to chase the mask of money because of someone elses attachment.

The world of blogging (Or any other community where others congregate) I see everyone wearing similar social masks. People blogging about stuff because they see others doing it. I don’t wish to see their reasons but you’ll see as you read Nathans PDF download that he say’s everyone is smiling but no one is happy.

“Weʼve become a culture that admires celebrity more than contribution.”-Nathan Hangen

I can’t speak for his projection but it all sounds familiar to what I experienced.

The distortion I believe comes from our attachment to other peoples expectations of us. Rather than living in a child like state of “I am here right now, whether I’m crying or I’m playing.”

We I show up in such a way that we seek community, acceptance and wanting to feel loved…at almost any cost. Even if that means we stay asleep in the human dream.

Ask yourself, what are people looking for who feel they must:

  • Retweet a Twitter post
  • Share a status on Facebook or comment on one
  • Or share their comment on a blog post (Provided their intentions are to contribute, not spam)

What are they looking for?

  • They are all seeking to be safe in this waking dream.
  • They are all seeking to feel a sense of significance in this dream
  • They are all seeking to feel a sense of contribution in this dream. (Even if they never read the link they retweeted)
  • They are all seeking to find a sense of certainty in this dream
  • They are all seeking to a sense of variety in this dream

They are all seeking these experiences in a way that is congruent with how they see themselves whether they are conscious or unconscious of who that exactly is.

Their attachment (and this isn’t a marketing tactic) hasn’t been their fault. Until now they you and I were asleep. But because we’ve become conscious of it at least there is a chance that we are able to start finding the authentic you me.

As an artist, musician and someone who loves to create I find so much satisfaction in self expression. Yes, I have an attachment to being able to express myself, however it frees my energy.  It doesn’t hold my creativity captive.

“I remain open to my experiences, not someone elses expectations.”

Do I give a shit when people don’t like my art? Sure, at times I still find myself reacting. That is until I step back and witness it. Witnessing keeps me in a space of being able to respond and say, “isn’t that interesting?”

I won’t lie, it’s not always that easy but because I make it a point to stay grounded I’m beginning to witness more and find I’m attached to less.

I do realize the only reason I still react is because I’m still waking up from the human dream.

It’s a process damnit.

Next Steps

From brilliant copywriter Uegene Schwartz:

“You’ve got to break that fascination with words. Of course you’ve got to have the right words. Of course you have to have the punch headline But when the right words come “0” people don’t see them, they feel them.”-Uegene Schwartz

I am going to challenge you today to ask yourself better questions starting now that make you feel alive in the moment.

Ask yourself questions using words that you feel resonate within you and accentuate your brilliance and self love.

Use words that make you sit straight up in bed and awaken from the dream.

  • Brilliance
  • Wonder
  • Love
  • Beauty
  • Creativity
  • Excellence
  • Gorgeous
  • Connection

So here’s what to do next:

Be sure to read Nathan Hangens download: I Don’t Know What I’m Doing

Now Write out:

  1. If I could wake up every morning and do anything I wanted, what would it be?
  2. Who would I do it with?
  3. Where would we/I do it?
  4. What steps need to happen in order to accomplish it?
  5. What steps do I need to take today to make that my reality?
  6. How soon can I get started on it?
  7. Who do I know who has already done it, and I could contact?

Ask questions…you may find the dream you’re in is one you want to wake up from.

Related Posts

Comments

  2. Rusty Barrier says

    It sounds like you are learning to “lucid dream” your life again! Way to go Tony!!

    Whether we admit/accept it or not we all are the co-creators of this experience we call life. It is only when we Awaken that we move into the space of being a CONSCIOUS co-creator of the experience. Just for the record, being a conscious co-creator doesn't mean that you create the events of life. It means that you have reclaimed the power to proactively decide your response to the event and therefore the outcome of the experience for you.

    Love & Light,
    Dr. Rusty Barrier
    http://www.personaldevelopmentsolutions.com

  7. Tony Teegarden says

    Thanks Rusty,
    I have to agree:

    “..It means that you have reclaimed the power to proactively decide your response to the event and therefore the outcome of the experience for you.”

    I remain as observant as possible of all of this so that I assign the meaning that best brings me happiness.

    Rock on!

  9. Nathan Hangen says

    Wow man, this is masterful. You have a lot of experience-based insight, and it shines through here. I'm really pleased to be mentioned, but inspired that you wrote this before I wrote mine. I've always believed that things like this don't happen artificially or superficially…there's more to the story. Now that we're waking up, I think it's time to discover it 🙂

  12. Uzma says

    Tony. So powerful!!

    To begin with thank you for this 'awakened' post, for the courage to walk this path and to share your learning with us. You begin by saying people may walk away when they read this. Don't worry, it is said when one is authentic and true to self,ways open. You will find many fellow travelers. Many, many. .

    I think Buddha said that all suffering is due to attachment. .There are stages in awakening, I am told and someone said to be a witness is one of them. I love how you bring in the 'witness' phase. It helps one distance oneself from the world.
    I shuttle in and out. Its hard, the mind and its form take over.

    My blog, I write for creative expression. A wise friend though feels it is for self-importance and I know somewhere it is true. I want my words, my thoughts, reflections, even my spirituality to be accepted and that like you say,that is 'attachment'. Am still figuring out how to lessen the hold on me.

    A humble bow and thank you for these incredible words and for the light. This happens with experience doesn't it. .You should write about it, am eager to learn from you. .

    Btw, read Steve Pavlina, he's currently also awakening and seeing things as his projections..or dream like state..

  13. Tony Teegarden says

    I stand before you a humble man, who is just a reflection of your very own divinity, love and higher state of consciousness. I am just a reflection of all that you acknowledge of your “self.”

    When you embrace this, I'll have taught all I can teach, and you will learn all that you can learn.

    Love & Light Uzma Love & Light my friend 🙂

  15. Sandra Hendricks says

    I related to the entire post! You did an awesome job describing what I call “being a zombie”. We go through life trying to dull our emotions and ignore our thoughts to a level of ignorance. It is all too easy to believe we are living because of this lifestyle. Ignorance really can seem like bliss, until we finally awaken to what is important and discover we were merely existing.

  16. evanhadkins says

    Hi Tony, it sounds like really positive things are happening for you. This is great to hear.

    My problem is negotiating the non-attachment with others (they are attached to ideas about me).

    Here's an example of what I mean. When playing music (esp. if for a paying audience, but even if not) the experience is a meeting. There needs to be both a performer and an audience for a concert or performance to happen.

    I'm not saying that the experience of non-attachment is not a liberation or even essential to living fully. My question is about what's next? In music there are those who are known for improvisation (Miles Davis' Kind of Blue is next door to perfection for me – every few seconds there is a skin tingling moment for me – from what you've said I guess we have different tastes in music). In relationships there is the hunger for authenticity. My question at the moment is: how do I become wealthy doing what I love?

    I hope this rant makes sense.

  18. Tony Teegarden says

    Sandra, wow I never considered it a Zombie state but I think you nailed it with another good perspective. I just didn't know what I didn't know, ya know? LOL

    I'm so glad it resonated with you, the next step for me is to simply feel found and grounded in sharing it.

    Thank you so much for your contribution and sharing yourself. 🙂

  19. Tony Teegarden says

    #1 thank you for such a thought provoking question. I can't say I'm 100% the person to answer it, but I'm going to share with you from my perspective what has felt right up to this point.

    As a musician myself, I can tell you the only reason I've ever “performed” is because I loved the act of creation first and contribution second. I can't tell you the hours upon hours that went into mastering my technique, creating the music and practicing modes and theory.

    Every moment alone or in front of an audience was a performance of a lifetime to me. I found myself lost in the moment because it just felt right.

    The word performance may simply imply a specific “meaning” to someone but it represents an “experience” to me instead. That experience didn't start only when I stepped out on stage.

    By the way I'm listening to Miles Davis's “Blue In Green” from the Kind of Blue album as I write this. My taste in music is varied and eclectic my friend, so I'm not sure there is so much different between you and I.

    To be hungry for authenticity sounds as if one is so wrapped up in ego that their gift is overshadowed by their desire to gain attention. Instead of contributing their gift and shedding it's light, their performance is only to gain attention. (Replace music with business passion of choice)

    In my experience you only truly “gain” by giving. That's the performance of a lifetime. That happens whether you're alone, in the room with one person or in front of a crowd of 10,0000. Which leads to your question.

    “How do I become wealthy doing what I love?”

    Like a musician you plan, you practice and if you choose, you contribute your experience to those who are eager to hear it.

    In business you research, plan, create and execute. It's methodical, it's purposeful and it feels good because it just fits within the context of contributing your gift to your audience.

    (If that gift is selling the audience a solution or if it's selling them something that entertains them is part of the research)

    I see business as an art. Just as if I want to fully express my gifts via music, then I'll learn music theory and I'll practice modes and scales.

    In business if I want to fully serve my customers by meeting their needs, I'll create a solution for their problem “and” financially be rewarded for it. In that case I'll learn marketing and what's required to do it effectively.

    I'll discover if there is a hungry market for what I am passionate about. In the case of online marketing it's never been easier than now than to target that “audience.” For example doing keyword research for keywords of people who are specifically looking for.

    Match your passion to your hungry audience. I don't know exactly what that looks like for you Evan but that's the “fast food” answer that I can share with out going into further detail.

    It does take work but if you love what you do, you'll never work another day in your life. Perhaps I really need to dig into this much deeper via my next post. Wonderful subject.

    Passions, profits, purpose and congruency. Interesting mix that is able to be done. I see where this can be confusing and challenging.

    Hopefully my response brought a little light to your question. I fear a small ebook starting here so I will cover this subject in my next post brother.

    Love & Light

  24. Uzma says

    What can I say but Thank u . . That is by far one of the most profound things anyone has ever taught me. I do hope I can learn it as best I can.I was stunned, humbled and in awe. With much gratitude -thank u, again. God bless. Do keep writing more of this light.

  27. Shawn Christenson says

    This is a masterfully epic post Tony.

    You covered so much ground, it seriously overwhelms me on how or what to comment on. I wanted to comment and say that I really dig your style and your outlook – I think we're similar and many respects there.

    I also like that you finish it up with a “Next Steps” list of action items. Some direction after such a long and thought-out piece of art.

  28. Tony Teegarden says

    Thanks brother. I appreciate the kind words.

    As far as I'm concerned you've said all that needs to be said and now it's just a matter of application if it so resonates with you. I believe you're right though that we're super close in our consciousness and what “feels” right to us.

    I believe the next steps are a good start but do intend on going much deeper with these exercises.

    I really do feel it's important to guide direction with actionable steps so that it starts a process of behavior change within a person.

    Too many times I've read a thoughtful post and said, “Oh that's nice” and it's forgotten an hour or two later simply because there wasn't any kind of call to action or actionable steps to take. It's not always required but I've just found it works for me right now.

    Piece of Art…I'm honored my friend! Thank you for your contribution as always.

    When are you unleashing “the secret project” by the way?! lol

  29. mattgeib says

    TONY:

    YOU SAID:…:-)

    I feel I’ve discovered buckets of creativity and potential lately.

    I’m having more amazing relationships that compliment my awareness come into my life than ever before.

    I am more present than ever. In these moments, like now as I write this, It feels as if boat loads of ideas flow effortlessly through me

    1st of all another 5 star Post…so much depth for me it will take another 2-3 reads to really 'milk' out all the honey in this one Bro.!,,,Then more Inspiration & comments:-),,,just to also say 'mere words' seem so inadequate to express all of how your prose is 'touching me'…This IS AWENESS(is that a word?!) ,,,,You are a true Mothpiece Bro.,,like the prophets of old(Now don't get too puffed up:-)

    2ndly….
    I can say 'DITTO' to this,,,,& you are one of the main folks I have to thank for this free flow of Inspiration….Brother you are using your Gift Well!!…You are touching many lives & lighting many candles/fires along the way!!

    The Journey has just begun!! How Exciting…I just gotta hold on To get all I can!!:-)

  30. Anonymous says

    Great post Tony. It’s amazing how many people will say “I would love to do X but I just can’t right now.” They are blocked by money worries, fear, other obligations. They don’t realize that they CAN do X. RIGHT NOW. It might be hard. They might be short of cash for a bit of time. They may need to move to a smaller house or not take that Hawaii vacation. But once you realize that you CAN live the life you desire, there’s really no going back. At least for me. One of my recent favorite books is The Four Agreements. Ruiz talks a lot about waking from the human dream and seeing “real” life with all its possibilities. Great stuff.

  31. Akemi Gaines says

    Hi, I saw you following me on Twitter and found this blog.
    Excellent find!

    Yes, stories are useful in marketing but disastrous spiritual awakening.

  32. Tony Teegarden says

    Thanks so much brother for the kind words.

    All I’d say is give more in order to get. That’s all I consider myself doing is giving giving giving!

    Rock on and give of yourself freely 🙂

    You’re awesome

  33. Tony Teegarden says

    I agree Jess. I don’t believe in problems only perceptions, want to do something, look at it from a different perception to find the how… 🙂

    Lots of Don Miquels work resonates for me. Most notably his Voice of Knowledge in the series.

    Thank you for your contribution here at the blog and for your light and wisdom!

  35. Uzma says

    Hi. Just read this and it reminded me of this post , of my story with trying to wake up and your story of awakening . Here goes

    “The breeze at dawn

    Has secrets to tell you

    Don’t go back to sleep

    You must ask

    For what you really want

    Don’t go back to sleep

    People are going back and forth

    Across the doorsill

    Where the two worlds touch

    The door is round and open

    Don’t go back to sleep

    Rumi

  37. Rusty Barrier says

    Hey Tony, I thought I’d add this from My friend Geoff Hoppe to the conversation. 🙂

    TWELVE SIGNS OF YOUR AWAKENING DIVINITY
    by Geoffrey Hoppe and Tobias

    1. Body aches and pains, especially in the neck, shoulder and back. This is the result of intense changes at your DNA level as the “Divine seed” awakens within. This too shall pass.

    2. Feeling of deep inner sadness for no apparent reason. You are releasing your past (this lifetime and others) and this causes the feeling of sadness. This is similar to the experience of moving from a house where you lived in for many, many years into a new house. As much as you want to move into the new house, there is a sadness of leaving behind the memories, energy and experiences of the old house. This too shall pass.

    3. Crying for no apparent reason. Similar to #2 above. It’s good and healthy to let the tears flow. It helps to release the old energy within. This too shall pass.

    4. Sudden change in job or career. A very common symptom. As you change, things around you will change as well. Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” job or career right now. This too shall pass. You’re in transition, and you may make several job changes before you settle into one that fits your passion.

    5. Withdrawal from family relationships. You are connected to your biological family via old karma. When you get off the karmic cycle, the bonds of the old relationships are released. It will appear as though you are drifting away from your family and friends. This too shall pass. After a period of time, you may develop a new relationship with them if it is appropriate. However, the relationship will be based in the new energy without the karmic attachments.

    6. Unusual sleep patterns. It’s likely that you’ll awaken many nights between 2:00 – 4:00 a.m. There’s a lot of work going on within you, and it often causes you to wake up for a “breather.” Not to worry. If you can’t go back to sleep, get up and do something rather than lie in bed and worry about humanly things. This too shall pass.

    7. Intense dreams. These might include war and battle dreams, chase dreams or monster dreams. You are literally releasing the old energy within, and these energies of the past are often symbolized as wars, running to escape and boogeyman. This too shall pass.

    8. Physical disorientation. At times you’ll feel very ungrounded. You’ll be “spatially challenged” with the feeling like you can’t put two feet on the ground or that you’re walking between two worlds. As your consciousness transitions into the new energy, your body sometimes lags behind. Spend more time in nature to help ground the new energy within. This too shall pass.

    9. Increased “self-talk.” You’ll find yourself talking to your Self more often. You’ll suddenly realize you’ve been chattering away with yourself for the past 30 minutes. There is a new level of communication taking place within your being, and you’re experiencing the tip of the iceberg with the self-talk. The conversations will increase, and they will become more fluid, more coherent and more insightful. You’re not going crazy, you’re just moving into the new energy.

    10. Feelings of loneliness, even when in the company of others. You may feel alone and removed from others. You may feel the desire to “flee” groups and crowds. You are walking a sacred and lonely path. As much as the feelings of loneliness cause you anxiety, it is difficult to relate to others at this time. The feelings of loneliness are also associated with the fact that your Guides have departed. They have been with you on all of your journeys in all of your lifetimes. It was time for them to back away so you could fill your space with your own divinity. This too shall pass. The void within will be filled with the love and energy of your own Divine consciousness.

    11. Loss of passion. You may feel totally disimpassioned, with little or no desire to do anything. That’s okay, and it’s just part of the process. Take this time to “do no-thing.” Don’t fight yourself on this, because this too shall pass. It’s similar to rebooting a computer. You need to shut down for a brief period of time in order to load the sophisticated new software, or in this case, the new Divine-seed energy.

    12. A deep longing to go Home. This is perhaps the most difficult and challenging of any of the conditions. You may experience a deep and overwhelming desire to leave the planet and return to Home. This is not a “suicidal” feeling. It is not based in anger or frustration. You don’t want to make a big deal of it or cause drama for yourself or other. There is a quiet part of you that wants to go Home. The root cause for this is quite simple. You have completed your karmic cycles. You have completed your contract for this lifetime. You are ready to begin a new lifetime while still in this physical body.

    Love & Light,
    Dr. Rusty Barrier

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Recent Posts