Consciousness Now

In this brief talk, Sensei introduces a concept that he began developing several years ago and eventually implemented into his spiritual counseling sessions. This tool is an integral part of the methodology of Lotus Flower Dojo’s approach to healing racial trauma. There are several complimentary practices that help one along the way to effectively use Co-Presence that are taught through the Dojo’s offerings. Please listen to this discourse and leave comments or questions after you’ve had a moment to reflect on it. Feel free to share this with anyone you think may benefit from it. #mentalhealth #racialtrauma #consciousness #buddhism

What or who we believe we are directly impacts our moment to moment experience. The challenge is that our senses, habitual patterns and confusion about our "original face" make attachment to personhood and self identity an obsessive preoccupation. Here, Sensei Derek, leads a group through his Green Apple consciousness exercise to help reveal deeper insights and ways in which to undo the grip of ego and self absorption. #buddhism #consciousness #spirituality #racism

Founder Sensei Derek introduces Lotus Flower Dojo podcast and explains its unique approach to the problem of racial conflicts and the nonprofit's ultimate goal. Please subscribe to and follow @LotusFlower dojo on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

Sensei employs mental exercises (thought experiments and contemplations) to help make deepening of one's consciousness an experiential phenomenon. Here he uses his green apple mental exercise to help you strip away false senses of identity and personhood that routinely lead to suffering. #satsang #spirituality #consciousness #meditation #buddhism #meditate #selfhelp #selfcare

Sensei often speaks about what he calls Co-Presence. True to form, rather than merely giving definitions he prefers to give the experience of what he teaches. During this satsang, Sensei takes attendees through an exercise to put them in direct contact with that which does not suffer, feels no pain and is always Co-present no matter what we are presently experiencing. Listen and be changed...right now. #satsang #consciousness #spirituality #meditation #selfhelp #selfcare

During this satsang exchange, the questioner asks Sensei if there is a “contradiction” between treatment of childhood trauma that she is learning in sessions with a counselor and what she had just heard described during this satsang regarding “eliminating the I.” Sensei makes some important clarifications and distinctions that were quite insightful… #satsang #consciousness #spirituality #trauma #health

Here Sensei uses his singing bowl along with his guided meditation on the light within us. Many have said they’ve had an “out-of-body” experience during his meditation sessions or the feeling of “no body” as the vibration and guidance resonated inside. Try it for yourself and share your experience. #satsang #consciousness #spirituality #meditation #buddhism

In this satsang exchange, Sensei shares how he was able to overcome his deep disbelief and lack of understanding about the Buddha’s teaching that we literally do not have a “self.” Once understood on a experiential level, Sensei was able to see this deep teaching shift his consciousness so drastically that it transformed recurring encounters involving some police officers into entirely different experiences. This is real spiritual practice applied to actual living. #consciousness #spirituality #buddhism

In this excerpt from a recent Satsang With Sensei the issue of racism within our own social circles is addressed. The questioner dialogues with Sensei about this question: How do we address the subtle and unconscious continuance of racism with others who are well meaning and not racist without accusing them of ill intent or offending them? Sensei gives a real response and example of how to do it. #consciousness #spirituality #satsang #meditate #meditation #selfhelp #buddhism

In this excerpt from Satsang with Sensei we learn why we suffer from sensory data. Sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch present a lot of information to the mind, but that is not why we suffer. Listen now and take a major step towards real healing...forever.

If you are like most people, you have not actually completed a single thought from "A to Z." Opinions, projections and flimsy reasoning often masquerade as wisdom or depth because so many others have said the same thing. If you want to master your mind, this type of casual thinking will not suffice. When it comes to emotions it's much easier to speak about how one feels but to articulate and understand how emotions arise in your being is an entirely different matter. Take the first step by listening to this...

You've no doubt heard many things about what your mind "does" to you. However, there is something else you should know about your mind that could change your life as it did mine. #mindmaster #mindmastery #consciousness

The mind is beautiful. However, most don't experience it as such. In fact, most are troubled by their minds if not entirely conflicted by it. It does not have to be that way. Mastering our minds begins with an important single thought...

You’ve heard and learned many things about your negative thoughts. But, you’ve never heard what I’m about to say about them. Truly understand it then apply it. You’ll be forever changed. Listen closely…

Today, many will be celebrating the dream that Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of and gave his life for. His contribution to reducing the problem of racism in America was immense. However, I don't believe that political action, or activism, alone can ultimately eliminate this disease. It will require something radically deeper than what has been previously tried... #consciousness #spirituality #derekfletcher

When we're born we often have labels and identities heaped upon us. Then, unless we wake up, we spend a lifetime defending and managing these temporary states and experiences. This compounds our suffering. It's time to start letting Truth challenge these illusions. Over many years, I finally dismantled each identity with real irrefutable responses like these... #consciousness #spirituality #derekfletcher

So if you are on board with beginning to live divinely (i.e. as a god or goddess) then this is the first step in that direction. It's not "getting in shape", buying a new gadget or any other external action. It has to do with your voice! #consciousness #spirituality #derekfletcher

It's the end of the year but could be the beginning of your life if you choose to do something unprecedented in your life! I know what that is and am going to help you do it. Are you ready? Let's go!

Wisdom may be discovered among a variety of people. We often heed the advice and opinions of someone simply because they have a "public presence." But, you may be standing next to, or passing by, a wise individual today....how would you know? #consciousness #spirituality #community

What's familiar to us may be preferred even though that preference may be unhealthy. When given the choice between fresh flowers or stinky fish most people choose the stinky fish! Here's why...

Life has only one natural partner....death. So much anxiety, stress and depression results from thoughts around death. Here's a different tune...

Discontent about the present "state of humanity" is common today. Yet, those who despair about it may not fully understand their involvement in this phenomenon. Listen in for a meaningful reflection on the matter.

Happiness remains one of the most slippery goals we can aspire to obtain. Why is this? What's really going on? Let's take a look...

Hell is real. Many traditions speak of it. I've been there and this is what I can share...

Announcement! The second video in my "Emptiness & Suffering" video series has posted on my YouTube channel Plant Powered Buddhist. This video titled "What Is Suffering?" was posted Thursday December 27, 2018. Learn a few details about this specific video in this podcast episode...

Loneliness is something most people fear and avoid. This is a missed opportunity to become powerful beyond your imagination. If you can be with it the prize is yours. The question is...how do you do it?

So many people today have lost hope in humanity. There are many reasons for this. However, to lose hope in humanity says something even deeper than you think. Here's why...

All too often you own your challenges or hardships. Then they take ownership of you. This results in additional pain and suffering. This cycle, supported by the mind, can go on forever. How do you break this cycle? Here's the first step...

Happiness is something that so many people pursue. Unfortunately, pursuing happiness most often leads to suffering and here's why...

I have been asked to give a little more detail about how it is that I don't suffer. Though it seems unimaginable to most it's quite possible for you too. For more content on this please visit Patreon.com/ConsciousnessNow #consciousness #spirituality #senseiderekfletcher

Mindfulness has been a buzzword for several years now. While most people believe in its ability to achieve its ends, I totally disagree...

People often jump to the lesser issue of "how" they suffer. This focus will never relieve your suffering and often times will only increase it. The only question to ask is: "Why do I suffer?" The answer to this is not kind but nonetheless true...

Does enlightenment require religion or religious affiliation? Sensei offers his opinion. For more on this and related topics visit PlantPoweredBuddhist.com

Many people are struggling today with a question: "Shall I live a spiritual life or pursue material things?" This is problematic but not for the reasons that most people think. Sensei offers a subtle perspective about this challenge.

Freedom is a phenomenon that is of interest to everyone. It's life's most precious "currency." Yet, as life progresses we feel less and less of it. This does not have to be so and here's why...

Many of the challenges we encounter in romantic relationships are self produced. The source of this has to do with our orientation to love. Rare is the person who can love without poisoning the experience with this destructive element.

We miss the opportunity to experience and enjoy clearer Consciousness every day. So many people keep their living spaces dirty or cluttered. Then they wonder why depression, anxiety or negative thoughts haunt them. It boils down to a lack of discipline and understanding of our environment on our Consciousness. It's time to change this unhealthy habit... #consciousness #spirituality

The Four Noble Truths of the Buddha are essential to understanding and practicing Buddhism. If you are interested in eliminating your suffering you will benefit from understanding the Four Noble Truths. Here Sensei shares some thoughts on the Third.

Love is such a powerful force in our existence. It is responsible for many wonderful things. Yet, with all of its power and influence, it is no more permanent than a blade of grass and Sensei explains why...

Here Sensei shares one of the truths that has significantly impacted his personal life and heartfelt understanding of Consciousness. For extended content on Consciousness visit Patreon.com/ConsciousnessNow

Have you ever looked up the phrase "clinically depressed?" Do you know what depression really is? Often people seek a title and story to give to their sadness, grief or sorrow. One of those prematurely used is "I'm depressed" when really they are simply sad. Sensei offers a thought on this...

Some people may think highly of their professional skills or ability to perform a task. They may even be able to love others intensely. Yet, when it comes to loving themselves they are not able to do it. Are you one of these people? Sensei opens up this topic on why this is the case with many people.

As a child the game of tag was a favorite. Once someone was chased and touched by another we'd say "you're it!" Such a simple playful utterance which means so much more as an adult. (for more content on Consciousness visit Patreon.com/ ConsciousnessNow)

Children can develop in a natural way if given general proper guidance and protection. A problem arises though when adults begin layering identities on them. In this episode, Sensei gives some insight on this while walking through a park and observing parents and children interacting...

Scores of books have been written about the ego. Perhaps even more therapeutic theories have sprung from this idea. Likewise, dozens of human flaws and mental disturbances have been attributed to the notion of the ego. The ego and Santa Claus share one fundamental characteristic and here's what it is...

We do maintenance on our cars and other mechanical gadgetry. If you have the means, you see a doctor once a year for a "check up." Do you regularly do anything to maintain your spiritual health? Do you need a guru? Here's Sensei's thought on it. If you want to hear more on this and Consciousness visit www.PlantPoweredBuddhist.com ☀️

Fasting is an age old spiritual practice and one of my favorites. There are several types of fasting each with great benefits. I discuss a few of them here. If you'd like more information on this topic please visit patreon.com/ConsciousnessNow

Consciousness is all pervasive and not restricted by boundaries. It also expresses itself in groups, organizations and businesses. Listen in as Sensei gives a brief introduction to corporate conscience. If you want to hear more on this topic and consciousness, please go over to Patreon.com/ConsciousnessNow...

The pursuit of happiness has long been held as the ultimate good. This is particularly stressed in western philosophy/culture but is completely wrong. Here's why...

Suffering is a fact of life. But, it is also a major opportunity and here's why....

So much unnecessary effort is put into trying to become spiritual. That is not the best way to reach your destination and here's why.