UrbanMonk.Net Status Update

Jul 15, 2008

What’s been happening? As regular readers will know, I haven’t been posting much for the past few weeks. I just thought I’d give a bit of an update so nobody thinks that I’ve been kidnapped, or given up on blogging.

The Short Version

Regular updates resuming very, very, soon

The Long Version

For my new readers, UM.Net is slightly different than other blogs. It strongly parallels my own development. As I mentioned in my April Fool’s day joke, I was going to slow down on my posting because the blog had caught up to my own explorations. I was hitting a few roadblocks and needed to overcome them in order to have something to write about (plus I haven’t been keeping notes the past few months, so I can’t remember half the little “aha!” moments I get! ARGH!).

Then suddenly my workload tripled, exam period for my studies came, and my brain completely burnt out.

After the exams, I thought I would be back in force. But I didn’t. A few reasons:

Zen Sickness. I’ve spoken to a few people about this, and many agree that there comes a stage in meditation where everything just turns flat and lifeless. Reasons and explanations differ – “all attachments are gone”, “the ego is nearly dead” (whatever that means, I don’t know, since I thought the ego never existed in the first place), and so on. Wade from The Middle Way called it Zen Sickness, although I believe it can be explained by the ladder of emotions given in the Sedona Method.
The Sedona Method. The Method, which is my favourite and currently only tool of personal growth, gives a series of stages one progresses through. (Yeap, that square banner in my sidebar isn’t for the affiliate income – although it is nice – it’s because I use it for hours a day and never endorsed anything so heartily before.)
I didn’t believe in the ladder until one day I realised I had been progressing through those exact stages in the exact stated order. Recently I was squarely in a stage called Pride, which I call assholeness, because I turned into a complete arrogant $#%@^. Luckily I was more or less aware of it, and I didn’t want to write anything in that state of mind because it would permeate everything I write. I also cut all human contact to a minimum, and still managed to have a few fights over nothing with some of my closest friends.

Above Pride was an “unofficial” stage of flatness and indifference – the “Zen Sickness” I experienced. It was very weird, definitely. For a few weeks, nothing interested me any more or made me happy. Nothing pissed me off anymore, either. I didn’t want to meditate, blog, go out, or anything that used to light my fires. I ignored emails for days and weeks, I didn’t pick up phone calls from my friends. Thankfully, I think I’m nearly out of both Pride and “Flatness”, as I am starting to feel the passion and fun for my favourite activities (including blogging) returning.
No material. I was still out of material to write about. Writer’s block? Burnout? A mix, probably, but partly because of my strong focus on using the Method, I didn’t have anything new to share. Whatever I needed to work on, I just used the Method on it. In fact it is my often mentioned emotional meditation, except turbo-charged. I just didn’t want to push the Method too much because I wanted the blog to accessible to people without buying anything. Although, I’ll write a review on the product, if anyone is interested.
Just a rest. Lastly, I just needed a break to sit around and do completely nothing. I can’t remember the last time I had an extended period of rest. (Probably a year and a half ago) One of my favourite blog tips is from SkellieWag: take a break to prevent burnout, which is preferable to forcing yourself to churn out sub-standard posts.
Also, I took some time to quit smoking during this break, which was a plus. Smoking is bad, mmmkay?

Excuses Over

Anyways, excuses (and whining, hehehe) over. I am so relieved to see that readers have stuck by me during my extended absence. Thank you! I will be back very soon.

Please visit the Best Of or the Archives pages for more reading material.

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56 Comments , Comment or Ping

Irene | Light Beckons

Hi Albert, I”ve missed your writings … it’s really nice to have you back!

Jul 16th, 2008
Jarrod - Warrior Development

Just before coming across to this post I clicked through my history to one of your older posts on removing negative thoughts. Neat coincidence to find a new post.

Whenever I seem to get stuck in improving myself it always seems to be because there is some obstacle that I’m not seeing. I get through it by re-doubling my efforts to observe myself and I ask for guidance. Eventually I’ll spot something new, either in daily life or in some form in my dreams.

In regards to writing I went through a short period where I thought I could produce nothing new and useful (and I only started 2 months ago!). But as my work involves removing such thoughts I focused back on what I wanted to do, ’show others how to be happy’. So I scoured the forums and blogs trying to solve any problems I came across and eventually new ideas for posts spawned in my head. The world has infinite amount of problems and infinite different perspectives to view any solution from.

I agree it’s best not to put out sub-standard posts. When you write something you know if it is good enough or not (except it might only be good enough for the you of today, not the improved you in the future :(). Either way with your goal set in mind eventually something comes up.

Be aware or be square Rock on!

Jul 16th, 2008
suicidalsam

A post at last after a long time. I really missed ur writing. hope you dont go missing again.

Jul 16th, 2008
Paul Plamondon

I know the feeling when ideas have dried up like the Sarah desert. You mentioned writing a review of the Sedona Method. I’m interested. I’d also be interested in knowing if you attended a workshop, bought videos, and/or purchased the book…and which of these was sufficient for learning the Sedona Method. I have the Sedona Method book sitting on my bookshelf, unopened, waiting for a sign that it’s time to read it. Maybe now is the time.

Jul 16th, 2008
Albert

Thanks Everyone! That’s a lot of comments in a short period of time. Good to know I’m missed *blush*

Jarrod, those are some good tips. There are some nice things I’m starting to recall, and I have an idea for a “ask me” series where everyone asks me something and I will answer as best I can. Or something, heh.

Paul, the Sedona Method has completely changed my life and consciousness. I can’t say it any better than that. It is the only system of growth that produces long lasting change in almost anything.

Start out with the book, which is what I did. It teaches the basics of releasing and is actually quite indepth. I then moved onto the audio courses after a few months - by now I’ve bought almost all of them. They are quite costly but I got some of them second hand, so it’s not that bad. Definitely spend some time with the book. The audio courses really take it to the next level, though. Well, put it this way, if you liked the emotional mastery meditation, then definitely do try the Method.

Jul 16th, 2008
Shadowduck

I’m another one that was re-reading some of your old material just this morning! There’s enough stuff here already to keep me going a long time before I’ve fully taken it in, I seem to end up reading each post at least three or four times…

Good to know you’re ok, you take as long a break as you need. Far better to do that than turn out pieces you’re not happy with just to play the numbers game!

Jul 16th, 2008
DreamReality

I’ve done a bit of reading about the Sedona Method and I’m glad it’s working for you so well. But it’s a bit too close to The Secret and other mass marketed guru based self help for my tastes. I will probably not explore this method but I like your articles.

Jul 16th, 2008
Tom Stine | Living from Consciousness

Hey Alberto….. While it will be good to have you back, I must say that you have been a delight to have in my feed reader. Why? Because when you don’t write, I don’t have to read! Hahaha. I know, lame joke.

Any way, nice job kicking the smokes. See ya round!

Jul 16th, 2008
Josh from Be Normal Blog

Albert,
I totally hear ya. As they say, allow it to Be! This too shall pass. (There’s probably about another 50 Zen Cliches that are applicable here, but you get the idea!)

Glad you are back.

Jul 16th, 2008
Tina Su - Think Simple Now

Take a break my friend. And be sure to take a break guilt free. Your readers will be here waiting for you when you get back.

Warmly,
Tina

Jul 16th, 2008
Luciano Passuello

Hey Albert,

This only proves that your journey of self improvement is genuine. Plateaus and bumps are to be expected, my friend. Your openness with your readers is really something to be appreciated!

By the way, regarding the blog you don’t need to worry, I think. Your archives are so rich that one can come back over and over and still find precious stuff!

As a note, you definitely made me curious about the Sedona method. Maybe a review of the method could be a great comeback post…

Jul 16th, 2008
Wade M | The Middle Way

Hi Mate,

Great to hear you’re coming back out to play again. I know it’s been an interesting few weeks for you recently. I’ll be sticking around for the more Sedona related talk.

Keep writing what’s real, I’ll keep reading.

Peace,

Wade

Jul 16th, 2008
Evan

Hi Albert,

The dry times are strange aren’t they.

I’ll be interested to see how your writing has changed.

The Sedona method is too much in the emptiness tradition for me. Many a debate on this to be had.

Do you think I might be in the Pride stage? - thinking “Oh well, the Buddha got it partly right” might qualify me for this stage perhaps.

Looking forward to reading you again.

Jul 16th, 2008
Albert

Thanks everyone!

A review of the Sedona Method will definitely be in the works then. It seems you guys have touched perfectly on the things people dislike about the Method - the marketing (which I agree), and the tradition it seems to come from.

Tradition wise, you don’t have to believe anything or follow any tradition to use it - on the basic course you’re simply working with your emotions and beliefs.

The biases of the teachers will naturally influence the teachings although they try to avoid it - Hale who teaches it does sound very non-dual, for example. Larry Crane who is a competitor, is mostly focused on money. And so on.

Jul 16th, 2008
Ricardo Bueno

Nothing wrong with a short hiatus from it all. It’s in such moments that we’re apt to find our greatest inspiration! Don’t you think?

Sometimes all we need is that time to refocus and regain some clarity and sense of direction. I stopped blogging on an old blog of mine for about 2 months. I’ve since changed directions to this new blog…it’s a baby sure and it’s direction still needs to develop a little. But it’s a start and I’m pleased. And I’m hopeful of the progress to come.

Jul 16th, 2008
Tim Brownson

Brilliant to see you back Albert and Tom’s joke made me laugh if nobody else!

Along with Tom you’re now the second person that has espoused the virtues of the Sedona Method. I’m going to dig the book back out and this time actually FINISH IT!

Jul 16th, 2008
Evelyn Lim

Thanks for posting a comment on my site. It alerted me that I have subscribed to your posts via an old email address, which I no longer used.

I can totally relate to what you are going through. I laughed when I read your post. As of 2-3 weeks ago, I also entered a state of indifference and flatness. I’m not sure whether I even got stuck in “Pride” for a long time. I seemed to have sailed past it after clearing a whole load of negative emotions.

Amazingly while in this state of indifference, I did not get angry over issues which I normally would. It was just a totally flat feeling. No up; no down. Just flat. However, luckily for me, I was aware that I was at this state of consciousness and I could function as usual in my daily activities.

I’m so glad that you shared about what you went through. It also helps me in the understanding of my progress.

Thanks!
Evelyn

Jul 16th, 2008
Vitor - The Fractal Forest

Hey Albert,

It’s only natural to take a break once in a while and focus on other stuff. I’ve done the same thing, and it has been very refreshing.

The smell of a forced, joyless blog post usually makes me run away, never looking back. It’s just better to hold back when you have nothing to share.

Vitor

Jul 17th, 2008
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker

Albert, good to have you back. My flatness stage came out in my reading. My writing has been wonderful (my Pride speaking). I have a backlog of articles to read from over the past months from my favorite blogs. Yours are in that list. I am looking forward to reading what you write about The Sedona Method. If you don’t do blogging at your own pace, you can burn out and then we would all lose a valuable source of information and insights.

Jul 17th, 2008
BillSalem The Good/Bad Dichotomy… Hmmkay?

Albert, I was so with you, right up to where you said, “Smoking is bad.” Sheesh! Is that the enlightened position?

I know I know…you’re going to say ‘but I am not enlightened.’ Yeah, yeah…standard answer. But I had hoped for more from you. As it happens I stopped smoking 2 years ago after 56 years of a pack a day. But that is nothing to be proud of. I am not happy to defer to the anti-smoking Nazis.

I took the vows of a Buddhist monk, once. I enjoyed the contemplative life for a good while. Got a lot of solitary retreats done. But then, a few years later, I met the woman who would become my wife and was forced to relinquish my vows. The Vinaya is quite clear about what activities constitute destroyed vows.)

Anyways, one of my favorite brother monks was an obsessive chain smoker. There is, after all, no mention of cigarette smoking in the Vinaya. “If it isn’t mentioned,” he used to say,— “it’s up for grabs.” If I may pass along his thoughts on smoking: “There are times when life/samsara is too painful and smoking helps to alleviate the pain. Then, too, there are times when smoking becomes more painful than samsara. That is when I stop.”

None of this good/bad dichotomy stuff.

Thanks for listening.

Flatness can be a good thing. I am sure you are aware that it frequently presages a big breakthrough.

Jul 17th, 2008
Albert

Thanks again guys. Good to hear I got some people interested in the Method. Does anyone read Eckhart Tolle? Although they come from different traditions, it’s essentially the pain body we’re getting rid of, *I think*.

Bill, heh - it’s just a joke (then again, I just realised not everyone might get the reference - it was from South Park). I quit because it was costing me too much (financially), and my throat was starting to hurt. Plus all those cancer pics were starting to scare me. Nothing spiritual about stopping, just felt the time was right. I know what you mean, though, and fully appreciate what you’re saying.

I am looking forward to this breakthrough, I have been working on some very deep stuff, and perhaps this flatness is my resistance to it.

Jul 17th, 2008
Evan

What is it about smoking anyway.

I don’t smoke and never have but the anti-smoking nazis drive me nuts. Alochol does far more damage and if they’re worried about air quality I’d like to see them oppose cars.

Just a rant I know but yeesh they’re annoying.

I got the South Park reference by the way.

Jul 17th, 2008
Shadowduck

Could it be because smokers are one of the few minority groups it’s still socially acceptable to vilify? I gave up a couple of years ago (well done by the way, Albert!), but still find the open hatred sometimes directed at smokers quite horrifying.

The South Park reference went straight over my head, I’m afraid. I don’t watch much TV so I’m a little behind on popular culture…

Jul 17th, 2008
CG Walters

blessings and inspiration in the silence, Albert,
CG

Jul 17th, 2008
Barbara

Albert,

I might as well put in my take on the smoking. I think if you want to smoke or whatever other habit you choose, please do so. I have chosen my own.

But, if it directly affects me, a non-smoker, I have the right to say something and be free of it in publicly shared space. And certainly in my own space where I would expect my preference of no smoking to be respected. So at times I guess I sound like the anti-smoking nazi, only because I feel I have been directly affected and my rights at the polar opposite not considered.

But if you wanted to be free of smoking and you were able to do that, that is the ‘good’. The good or bad of smoking really having nothing at all to do with it. ‘Smoking is bad’ then just a common way of expression that is the more automatic and socially acceptable, since judgment of it seems to be rampant, I think. But I could be mistaken.

As to the open hatred toward smokers mentioned, how do you think the smokers generally respond? That’s somehow different?

Jul 18th, 2008
Albert

Hmm… if I am right, it’s not so much about smoking, but more about anti-smoking nazis. I didn’t know that smokers were hated, I’ve personally never met anyone who vilified smokers (granted I’ve been a spiritual hermit more or less for the past two years), so I wasn’t aware that I was adding to the discrimination smokers felt, and I didn’t mean that with my comment. I personally don’t care if people smoke around me.

Either way, I still do think smoking is bad simply because it is harmful to the health. My bro smokes a pack a day or more, and he can’t sleep at night because he can’t breathe, and many other conditions. And yet he can’t quit, his willpower isn’t strong enough. Plus we did some calculations of how much his smoking addiction has cost him over the years - he could probably have a new house by now if he never took up the habit.

So there’s nothing spiritual about my decision to quit - my lungs and throat were just hurting too much. I also saved quite a bit of cash. Plus I was slowly getting back into a regular exercise routine. Lastly, I found that I smoked because of my insecurities - as I released those insecurities (part of the attachment and desire series) the need for smoking went away. So that’s why I thought, hell, I got some free time, I’ll stay home and let the cravings hit me for a bit - better it be in the holidays than when I’m trying to study or work.

So that’s my opinion on the whole thing. I don’t discriminate against smokers, I wasn’t even aware that people hated smokers. I think smoking is bad for me because it hurts my health. Granted it does feel good, and in some way releases stress, which is why I took it up in the first place. It’s just a joke, guys, don’t stress too much about it.

Jul 18th, 2008
Shadowduck

@Barbara: I imagine they respond in as many different ways as there are smokers, from the saintly to the sinful and all the way inbetween! It’s never good to categorise based on one characteristic… I deliberately avoided the term “nazi”, by the way, I don’t think criticising someone’s lifestyle choices quite justifies the epithet.

@Albert: I doubt you need to worry about one jokey comment having much effect on things! I don’t know about the situation there but here in the UK there seems to be a significant subsection of society who regard smokers as a lower form of life, not fit for the most basic consideration. Fortunately it’s a minority, but often a vocal one. Personally I’d prefer to sit next to someone smoking than the same person talking on a mobile phone - though if they’re doing neither all the better.

Jul 18th, 2008
Anand Dhillon

I’ve been using the Sedona Method for a while now - it’s great. A nice complement to go with it is The Work of Byron Katie (thework.com)

Jul 19th, 2008
Albert

Heh, thanks a lot Shadowduck and Anand.

Jul 19th, 2008
graham

Great to see that you’re back in the swing of things. Urban Monk is one of my top 10 blogs, so I’ve been missing a major motivation not to do the work I really need to be doing!

Your reasons all make complete sense. And, as you note, it’s certainly better to take a break than churn out lousy posts.

Jul 20th, 2008
Albert

Heya Graham. That is a really big compliment. Thanks a lot

Jul 20th, 2008
Liara Covert

Everything happens at exactly the right moment. When you do ot hear from someone you expect at a certain time or regularlity, you assume the worst or the best. You can focus on fear or love and send parallel vibes. I sense all is well. It always has been and always will be. That’s how it is.

Jul 23rd, 2008
Albert

Hey Liara, I really appreciate your support. Thanks a lot.

Jul 23rd, 2008
uzma

Hey Albert..Good to see u around again. Would love to hear your new personal spiritual experience and learning . For as you are learning so are we. And strangely feel like am in a place of restlessness myself, hence your solution will be greatly appreciated.
Also if you can, do write about the stage that you’re talking about. Even if they are from the Sedona method you can give credit to the method and say you are writing about it , like Tom Stine does.(since u often worry of copyright).
Tremendously looking forward to your new writing and expereince. Don’t keep us waiting any longer, please.
Keep smiling. It all is. It all passes. It all smiles. It’s all , always fantastic, it’s called the Beauty of this World.

Jul 24th, 2008
Albert

Hey Uzma! I didn’t do anything special to move out of Pride or anything, I just kept releasing. It’s just a stage as we go up. Release on pride, release on flatness, or just release on whatever you’re normally working on. For me, I’m just aiming to love those who hurt me, so I just keep working on that. Progress has slowed though, as Pride makes me not want to love those people, and flatness just makes me not want to do anything.

Jul 24th, 2008
uzma

Yeah, I get. However i feel my flatness(if at all , it is flatness), is making me a little useless when it comes to action. TO explain more clearly, I am working on the inside yes, but the outside world, especially the profesional sees little growth or insight. I wonder why???

Jul 25th, 2008
Evan

Hi Uzma,

The inside and outside are different.

It is possible to pay close attention to where they meet and how they affect each other.

Jul 25th, 2008
Shadowduck

Wow, a lot of people with a case of the blehs.

I was trying to think what it is that usually gives me my enthusiasm back when I go “flat” for a while, and one thing that gets me going is a challenge. Or, more specifically, competition. If I’m out on the bike and I’m flagging a bit, nothing gets those cranks spinning like spotting a rival off ahead!

Of course that’s pretty much ego-driven behaviour… So I wonder if that’s why you guys are struggling? Where does your drive come from when the ego’s gone?

Jul 26th, 2008
Joey Martini

Well at least your back now, and I hope you get over whatever you are going through. I’m kind of a lurker here, and I don’t post comments alot. Anyway from now on as long as your posting, I will make a comment.
So get back in action already!

Jul 26th, 2008
Mike

Thanks so much for posting again! Sorry I haven’t visited your site for a while…I’ve been in Jamaica!

Jul 26th, 2008
Evan

Hi Shadowduck,

I wonder if “drive” is quite the right word (it has feelings of opposition about it for me). I can’t think of a better one though - “flow” doesn’t sound dynamic enough.

Jul 26th, 2008
Albert

@ Uzma: It is easy to fall into magical thinking - as Evan said it is possible to change your outside world by changing your internal world, but sometimes we do still need to take action. My current thinking (it will probably evolve) is that internal work is preparing you for a stress-free external life, and aids your external life but you still have to live an external life.

@ Shadowduck: Heh, no idea how to get out of flatness. The flatness I refer to here is hopefully a phase in a ladder of emotions and once I’m out of it I hopefully won’t come back to it. It’s just a phase that we grow out of as we keep using the method.

@ Joey: Thanks for your support

@ MIke: Good to have you back!

@ Evan: And thank you for your continued participation

Jul 26th, 2008
sunnyray

I just discovered your site, which I find a very good resource on personal development, and I am glad you plan to continue with updating it.

Jul 26th, 2008
Anthony

Cheers for the info dude, its really helpful!

Jul 27th, 2008
Glen Allsopp

I’m just new to your blog but hope that you start writing again soon, I love your writing style.

Comon, it has been 12 days already

Jul 28th, 2008
Albert

Thanks Sunnyray, Anthony, and Glen!

Jul 28th, 2008
uzma

Alberttttttttttt….write, its no pressure n all, but writeeeeeeeeee hahahah

Jul 29th, 2008
Albert

Uzma, I really do need a break and I do have a lot of work and study requirements, I really hope you understand.

Jul 29th, 2008
uzma

Awww…was only troubling you, sorry if that seemed like pressure. You take your time , days, weeks, months.

As long as what ever you’re doing ,you’re doing wholeheartedly,
then that is where you are meant to be.
Be.

Jul 30th, 2008
CK Reyes

Hey, Albert!
You’re back, I’m back. Done with my traveling and moving! I’ve missed talking to you and I really enjoy your writing. A post of the Sedona Method would be great. I know you use it, but I still haven’t a clear understanding of it.

Aug 1st, 2008
Albert

Thanks everyone. CK, good to hear from you again . Yeap, a review or maybe two (one on the product, one chronicling my experiences) is definitely in the works. Zen Sickness is still quite strong unfortunately.

Aug 3rd, 2008
Chris Edgar(new comment)

Nothing unfortunate about it from my perspective, man. It takes courage to be able to remain in that “flat” state, accept that nothing at this moment is lacking, and not be overcome by cravings. Best, Chris

Aug 4th, 2008
Albert

Cheers Chris

Aug 5th, 2008
Karl Staib - Your Work Happiness Matters

I am a little jealous of your ability to accept your needs and know your limits. I make the mistake of just pushing through.

I know that you’ll come back with some fresh ideas. I’m looking forward to reading your future blog posts.

Aug 7th, 2008
Albert

Hey Karl! Thanks for the support. Still in pride, although coming out of it, and clearing some workload. Should be ready to go soon. How have you been?

Aug 7th, 2008
Clyde Dennis

Just discovering you here Mr. Monk - Just wanted to say good works.

Sep 6th, 2008

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