We are all in search of peace and happiness. However, we go about it seeking it in the external world, via thoughts, feelings, images, memories, perceptions, objects, purchases, and accolades. But that only brings temporary pleasure – never true happiness.

In this episode, Pat Croce, former president of the Philadelphia 76’ers, shares his wisdom and some practical tips to help you walk through life and enjoy this journey of life.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

  • The search for true happiness
  • From everything matters to nothing matters
  • Sharing happiness instead of seeking happiness
  • Overcoming fear and when grace is at work
  • Freedom from the ABCD’s
  • The five types of thoughts and the goal of meditation

Episode Highlights:

[07:28] The Search for True Happiness

Happiness is the absence of lack and the absence of desire. It’s not a pleasurable state of mind, but beyond any state of mind. It’s not something that can be described. Instead of seeking happiness, share happiness. The key is to not get attached to the outcome.

[09:55] From Everything Matters to Nothing Matters

For a lot of people, everything matters. We tend to worry about what other people think about us, and we end up suffering. We get angry and frustrated. We put the blame on others, we compare, and we expect. However, your thoughts, feelings, and sense perceptions come and go – and what’s left is you. That awareness of your presence never goes anywhere. And when you become that witness of this show called life, that witness will now go from everything matters to nothing absolutely matters. Then this witnessing presence of being aware has no borders.

[20:53] The Recipe for Success

Your to-do list should not be a means to an end. The means is the end. Every time you do an action step and you put a checkmark next to it – that’s a celebration.

The how in the now creates the wow. If you’re in the present moment, you’re not projecting to the future and you’re not pulling from the past. Light flows through you and there is no fear in the now.

[25:00] Overcoming Fear

FEAR is just False Expectations Appearing Real. It’s a negative condition mindset that pervades the human race. But you see it and you see what it does to you. They become beliefs and fear-based feelings. When that happens, you are emanating a low vibrational frequency and you’re attracting the same. Instead, if you emit a high vibrational frequency by being present, aware, compassionate, and kind, you attract a like frequency. Then things start to happen and come your way, and we call that serendipity. But serendipity on the spiritual path is a barometer to know you’re on the right path.

[50:34] The Goal of Meditation

The goal of meditation is – there is no goal. You just have to witness and welcome your present experience without any judgment. Whatever the thoughts and feelings are, nothing is wrong. You can use a mantra, transcendental meditation, a flame, or use your breath. It doesn’t matter what you do, you just have to feel comfortable doing it. You don’t have to do it, and so if you have to do it, then that’s ego hijacking your spiritual practice because it has taken effort. And how can effort take you to the effortless place of peace?

Resources Mentioned:

http://www.acshealed.org

The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

I Am That by Nisargadatta Manaharaj