Denaturalization is when stuff that used to seem right and natural starts to feel odd and unnatural because you’re doing spiritual practice. Like finding a soulmate doesn’t seem as great anymore when compared to loving everyone. Denaturalization is the new natural. A podcast from Satsang with Shambhavi
Podcast First Words
I’ve talked about denaturalization before. Our normal ways of doing things and our normal patterns of body, energy, and mind have to become odd to us. That’s a good sign when things start to feel a little awkward. Things that felt normal, natural, and even somewhat unconsciously right start to seem like—Wait, why am I doing that? Why is everyone else saying that? Why am I feeling that?
This is from Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche: “Ordinary people do not question the commonly accepted version of reality. They conform to the standard values of subduing enemies and cherishing friends and family. Materialism, ambition, and mundane achievements are the worldly hallmarks of success. We experience the phenomenal world and our minds as solid and truly existent. Very few people doubt these assertions and question their validity. Yet the process of disbelief is the first step on the spiritual path.” I thought that was really beautiful.
I’ve often talked about how this path not only doesn’t require belief, but rejects belief. Especially believing, trusting or having faith in what the teacher is saying is actually an impediment. It means that you’re just kind of handing over your power. You’re already foreclosing on you doing the work to find out for yourself.
At the same time, there’s something outside of either belief or disbelief, and faith or skepticism. And that’s the answer that comes from your heart, from your own essence nature. When you hear something about yourself, about your reality, about The Reality that’s answered by something in you with a big Yes. So that’s beyond any idea of whether you believe in something or you don’t believe in something. Because you can experience that Yes even when your skeptical mind is going, No!
