Podcast "Pathways To Peace: A Conversation On Enlightenment"

Synopsis: In this episode of Pathways to Peace, The Hosts (Elena Sigwal and Jhon Terrance) engage in a deep conversation about The Blissful Observer, Pablo Arellano's transformative book. With its focus on practical enlightenment and inner stillness, the book offers listeners a guide to navigating the complexities of modern life while maintaining a state of peace and presence.

The hosts explore key concepts such as the "I Am" technique, which empowers individuals to detach from automatic thoughts and become mindful of the present moment. They also discuss "The BloB," a metaphor for the negative ego, and how recognizing and disengaging from this force can lead to profound personal transformation.

Transcript

Ever catch yourself daydreaming about life being,

I don't know,

Just easier,

Calmer,

Like you're plugged into some inner peace,

No matter what's going on.

That's what we're diving into today.

Enlightenment,

But not the robes and incense kind,

More like,

Can I get a little enlightenment before my next meeting kind of thing.

Absolutely,

Yeah.

We're talking about practical peace,

Really,

And lucky for us,

We have Pablo Arellano.

He's exploring this in his new book,

The Blissful Observer.

That's so good.

We got our hands on an early copy,

And it's,

Let me tell you,

It is chock full of relatable insights.

Sneak peek at a book in progress.

Always love it.

What's got me hooked is how Arellano,

He blends that,

Like traditional wisdom,

With his own just like experiences.

It's like he's saying,

Hey,

I tried this stuff out,

And here's what works.

It's that grounded approach that makes this book so refreshing.

One of the first things he tackles is that myth,

That enlightenment is this distant goal.

Something you achieve after years of intense meditation.

The whole gotta live in a cave thing,

Not really fitting into my schedule right now.

Arellano's point is enlightenment is about finding that place of peace within.

In the present moment,

No matter where you are or what you're doing,

It's about shifting your focus from constantly wanting things to be different to just finding that sense of contentment and peace right now.

Which when you really think about it,

Kind of a radical idea.

It is.

Right.

We're constantly chasing something.

A better job,

A bigger house.

More followers.

More followers,

Yes.

Yeah.

All of that.

And that's where Arellano introduces this idea,

This concept of the blob.

Okay.

The blob,

Yeah.

I like it already.

He describes it as this negative voice we have in our heads,

Fueled by fear,

Insecurity,

That need for external validation.

It tells us we're not good enough.

Oh,

Yeah.

Not successful enough.

Not lovable enough.

Oh,

The blob.

You know.

It really does paint a picture.

It does.

I think we've all encountered that voice.

Oh,

Absolutely.

At some point,

Right?

Yeah.

In our lives.

Yeah.

It's that voice that makes you question like every decision.

You know,

Compare yourself to others constantly seeking approval.

Yes.

And according to Arellano,

The blob is what keeps us trapped in this cycle of suffering because it's always focused on what we lack,

What's wrong,

What could be better.

Okay.

So if the blob is the problem,

What's the solution?

How do we quiet that voice and find that inner peace?

Right.

So that's where this concept of the I am comes in.

I am.

Yes.

Okay.

So this is our true self.

Okay.

The observer of our thoughts.

The silent witness to our experiences.

It's that part of us that's always at peace.

Always whole.

Always complete.

So it's like we have these two opposing forces within us.

Yes.

We've got the blob just stirring up chaos and the I am just like.

.

.

Just chilling out,

Waiting for us to tune in.

Chilling out.

Yeah.

Waiting for us to tune in.

Exactly.

I see.

And Arellano argues that through practices like meditation,

We can learn to quiet the blob and strengthen the I am.

Yeah.

And we're turning down the volume on that negative self-talk so we can finally hear the wisdom of our true selves.

That makes a lot of sense.

It's like trying to have a conversation with someone while your phone's blowing up.

Yes.

Right?

With notifications.

Yes.

You could barely hear yourself think,

Let alone have a meaningful exchange.

And just like silencing your phone can create space for a deeper conversation,

Quieting the blob can create that space for a deeper connection with ourselves and that inner peace Arellano talks about.

So it's not about like getting rid of the blob entirely.

Right.

Because let's be honest,

That thing's probably got a lease with an option to renew.

Right.

It's a lifelong companion.

Yes.

So it's about what?

Managing it.

Exactly.

It's about recognizing when the blob is in the driver's seat and gently redirecting our attention back to the present moment,

Back to the I am.

Which brings us back to that idea,

Enlightenment is an ongoing practice,

A destination.

It's about cultivating a new way of being in the world,

A way of being that's grounded in peace,

Presence,

Self-awareness.

I love that.

A new way of being.

That's really what it is.

Yeah.

Yeah.

It's a practice.

It's available to everyone.

Everyone.

Okay.

So let's say we are ready to embark on this journey of cultivating inner peace.

What's the first step?

Where do we even begin?

Well,

Arellano outlines a few key practices in the book.

One of the most powerful is meditation.

One thing I really appreciate about Arellano's approach to meditation is he completely demystifies it.

Oh,

Totally.

He even calls out those meditation myths that we often encounter,

Like needing perfect silence or twisting yourself into a pretzel.

Yes.

You have to be some kind of meditation master.

Arellano emphasizes that meditation is simply about creating space to observe your thoughts and connect with that inner stillness,

Even if it's just for a few minutes each day.

Okay.

So,

Like,

We don't have to quit our jobs and go live in a monastery.

No,

No.

This is about incorporating these practices into our everyday life.

And he actually walks you through a specific meditation exercise,

Right?

He does.

In the book.

I remember reading that.

Yes.

And he applies this practice to four pillars of enlightenment.

Okay.

I'm intrigued.

Yeah.

Four pillars.

Yeah.

Okay.

It sounds like a framework for inner growth.

Yeah.

Tell me more about these pillars.

So,

He describes them as interconnected and constantly building upon one another in this like endless spiral of growth.

Oh,

Wow.

Yeah.

And it all starts with peace,

Which is the foundation for everything else.

Makes sense.

Yeah.

You can't really,

Like,

Build anything substantial.

Right.

On a shaky foundation.

Exactly.

So,

How do we cultivate that sense of inner peace,

Like,

According to Arellano?

So,

He emphasizes the importance of becoming aware of our thoughts.

Okay.

And learning to observe them without judgment.

He calls it finding the seed of the thought.

Find the seed.

Finding the seed of the thought,

Like tracing a river back to its source.

So,

Instead of getting swept away by the current of our thoughts.

Exactly.

We're learning to kind of pause and ask,

Where is this coming from?

Right.

What's the source of this?

Yeah.

And often,

You know,

When we trace those thoughts back,

We realize they're rooted in fear.

Yeah.

Insecurity,

Past experiences that no longer serve us.

Right.

Right.

And that awareness is incredibly powerful because it allows us to choose a different response.

It's like we're taking back control,

Kind of,

Of the narrative.

Right?

Yes.

In our minds.

We're no longer at the mercy of those.

Exactly.

Those thoughts that can just,

Like,

Spiral out of control.

Exactly.

And that's where that second pillar comes in.

Stillness.

Okay.

As we become more aware of our thoughts and we learn to observe them without judgment,

A natural sense of stillness arises.

It's like the calm after the storm.

That quiet space where we can finally hear our own inner wisdom.

Yes.

Exactly.

And that's where that third pillar comes in.

Wisdom.

Wisdom.

Okay.

And it's not about,

You know,

Acquiring knowledge or information.

It's about tapping into that deep inner knowing.

Right.

That's always been within us.

Yeah.

You know,

It's so interesting how,

Like,

So often we look for answers,

But really what Aurelano is suggesting is that the greatest source of wisdom is already within us.

It's already there.

We just have to tap into it.

Exactly.

We just have to create that space.

Yeah.

To listen to it.

And it's from that place of inner peace,

Stillness,

And wisdom.

Okay.

And that fourth pillar,

Compassion,

Naturally arises.

So we cultivate inner peace,

And then that peace radiates outwards towards others.

Yes.

Okay.

It's like that idea you can't pour from an empty cup.

Right.

Exactly.

Right.

Fill your own cup first.

When our own cup is full,

When we're connected to that,

Like,

Wellspring of peace and wisdom within,

Compassion flows effortlessly.

I love that.

We become more understanding.

More forgiving,

Both of ourselves and others.

This whole concept of the four pillars is really resonating with me.

Yeah.

It's like a roadmap.

It is.

You know?

Yeah.

For cultivating a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Absolutely.

I'm curious,

Though,

Like,

How do these pillars actually show up in our everyday lives?

Yeah.

You know?

It's one thing to understand these concepts,

Like,

Intellectually,

But how do we actually embody them?

Well,

Aurelano provides some,

Like,

Really tangible examples in the book.

For instance,

Remember that negative self-talk we were talking about earlier?

Yeah.

That's,

Like,

A prime opportunity to practice this idea of finding the seed of the thought.

Okay.

So,

Let's say I'm feeling anxious about a big presentation at work.

Right.

That blob is,

Like,

Right here in my ear.

Right there.

Telling me I'm going to mess it up,

Everyone will think I'm incompetent.

Yep.

My career is over.

So,

Instead of getting caught up in that spiral of negativity,

You can pause,

Take a deep breath and ask yourself,

What is the seed of this thought?

What is the underlying fear or belief that's feeling this anxiety?

Interesting.

Right.

So,

I might realize that,

Like,

Fear of failure is a big trigger for me because of a past experience where I felt,

You know,

Humiliated after a presentation didn't go well.

Exactly.

So,

By taking that to the surface,

By acknowledging it.

Just acknowledging it.

Yeah.

You're already creating space.

Okay.

Between you and the thought.

You're no longer so entangled in it.

So,

I'm cultivating that sense of stillness.

That space between my thoughts and my reactions.

Exactly.

And from that place of stillness,

I can then start to access my inner wisdom.

Exactly.

You might ask yourself,

Like,

Is there another way to look at this situation?

Right.

What is my,

Like,

Wisest self say to me right now?

Oh,

I like that.

Yeah.

So,

That wise inner voice might remind me that,

Hey,

You know what?

You prepared for this.

Right.

You're passionate about this.

Yes.

And even if it doesn't go perfectly,

It's not the end of the world.

Right.

It's not a life or death situation.

Right.

Exactly.

It's a presentation.

And from that place of peace,

Stillness,

And wisdom.

This is so insightful.

It's like,

Arwanda is giving us,

Like,

A practical toolkit.

Yes.

For navigating life's challenges,

You know,

With more grace and ease.

Exactly.

And it all starts with cultivating that inner peace,

That unwavering foundation from which everything else can grow.

Okay.

So,

We've talked about the four pillars of enlightenment.

Peace,

Stillness,

Wisdom,

Compassion.

But I'm curious,

How does Oriana suggest we actually integrate these pillars into our daily lives?

Right.

It's one thing to understand these concepts intellectually,

But how do we actually embody them?

Right.

That's a great question.

That's where Oriana's concept of living from the inside out comes in.

Okay.

Living from the inside out.

That sounds intriguing.

Yes.

Tell me more.

So,

Oriana argues that most of us live from the outside in.

Outside in.

Meaning,

We look to external factors,

Like our jobs,

Our relationships,

Our possessions,

To bring us happiness and fulfillment.

Which,

As we all know,

Recipe for disaster.

Correct.

Because those things are constantly changing.

Exactly.

And that's why Oriana emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner peace and wholeness as the foundation for everything else.

So by prioritizing our own inner work,

We're not retreating from the world.

Right.

We're actually becoming more equipped to show up in a way that's more,

I don't know,

Authentic and beneficial.

Think of it like this.

When we're constantly looking for that external validation,

It's like we're building our house on someone else's land.

Okay.

But when we cultivate that inner peace,

That wholeness,

It's like we're creating our own strong foundation that can weather any storm.

That's a powerful analogy.

So,

How do we actually start to make that shift from outside in to inside out?

Well,

Oriana offers several practical tools in the book.

And one that really resonated with me is the use of mantras.

Mantras.

Yeah.

You mean those repetitive phrases,

Affirmations,

People using meditation and stuff.

Oriana describes mantras as like these powerful tools for shifting our mindset and connecting with our I am,

That place of inner peace and wisdom.

So it's not just about like repeating any random phrase.

It's about choosing words that actually like resonate with us,

Reflect our values,

Aspirations,

All that.

And that repetition,

It helps to quiet those racing thoughts and create space for that inner stillness to kind of emerge.

It's like creating a groove in your mind,

A pathway for those positive qualities to flow through.

That makes sense.

Do you have any examples of mantras that he recommends in the book?

He does.

I'm kind of curious what those sound like.

One of my favorites is,

I am a fountain of peace.

I am a fountain of peace.

Yeah.

I love that.

It's a beautiful reminder that peace isn't something we have to search for outside of ourselves.

It's something that flows from within.

It's simple,

But it's powerful.

It is.

I am a fountain of peace.

And another one he suggests is,

I am aware of true love with wisdom and compassion in my heart.

I am aware of true love with wisdom and compassion in my heart.

It speaks to that interconnectedness.

What you're talking about.

That recognition that our own well-being is linked to the well-being of others.

These mantras are so inspiring.

It's like they're planting these seeds of peace.

Yes.

They're planting these seeds of wisdom in our subconscious.

They are.

And the more we repeat them,

The more those seeds take root and begin to grow.

This has been such a good conversation.

It has.

I feel like Arianna has just given us so much to think about.

Yeah.

So many practical tools for cultivating this inner peace.

Yes.

Living a more fulfilling life.

Absolutely.

And if there's one thing I hope our listeners take away from this deep dive,

It's that enlightenment isn't some lofty,

Unattainable state reserved for monks or mystics.

Yeah.

It's for all of us.

It's available to all of us.

Right here,

Right now.

Right now.

I love that.

It's a journey of self-discovery.

A process of uncovering and embracing the peace,

The wisdom,

The compassion that's already within us.

Well said.

And on that note,

Thank you so much for joining us on this incredible,

Truly enlightening deep dive.

The pleasure was all mine.

And to our listeners,

May your journey towards inner peace and the blossoming of your own tree of beauty be filled with joy,

Meaning,

And wonder.

Reviews

Please let me know when your book is available. I would love to purchase a copy of The Blissful Observer.
Much loved be and gratitude
Tari

Thank you 💜🙏💜✨✨✨✨✨

I'm away to purchase your book 📖 wonderful and congratulations 🎊 👏