The reason that we do what we do is because we are looking for the truth of ourselves. It doesn't matter - wanting to learn how to cook, wanting to start a new business, looking for a new relationship, wanting to learn how to write a book, surf, sumo wrestling - whatever it may be. And as many people as there are hearing or reading this... wherever you are, all over the world and in this room...

Life of Learning Foundation founder and director Guy Finley explains that the beginning of freedom is in the awareness of our inner captivity. The full replay of this class is available in Life of Learning Foundation's Online Wisdom School, GuyFinleyNow.org, where you can join other true aspirants from around the world as we work to invite higher understanding into our lives. Members of the on...

Without the soul there is no relationship to the Divine. Our relationship with the Divine occurs because of this tiny magnetic part within us that is capable of developing. We can't see leaves grow, and likewise we cannot directly see the soul grow. And yet, like a tree that opens its leaves when it gets what it needs from the sun, so does the nascent soul open up its sails when it receives th...

We tell ourselves that we want a new life; in our minds we see ourselves reclaiming our right to live without limitations. We see ourselves walking away from destructive relationships and letting go of negative thoughts and feelings. And this is the very problem. We talk to ourselves about a fresh start and even plan the path we will take when things get right... but that's it. We think, but...

Just as there must be a marriage between the aspiring soul and the timeless Spirit that gives it life, so must there be a union between spiritual sweat, sacrifice, and the fruit of what that interior work reveals.

There is no real reason why our lives should ever seem stale or feel futile because real life, of which we are a part, is always new right now.

The unimaginable reward of persisting through whatever stands in your way is the eventual and inevitable discovery that you are created to change.

The mind that wants to know the truth of something, and that's willing to do the work required for such a discovery, will inevitably find that for which it is searching.

Guy Finley explains that there is a nature inside of us that wants nothing to do with spiritual work and inner transformation. We must consciously meet this part of ourselves that is not interested in doing what is right, and work to develop the right kind of spiritual toughness so that we can be present to ourselves in every moment, in spite of what it seems to cost.

If we're fortunate, there comes a certain point when we just know that we can no longer afford to refuse what we know we see about ourselves.

True freedom is not an achievement; it is our awakened relationship and participation with the genesis of real life.

In order to have a sunny life on a moment-to-moment basis, you must be willing to let something new happen to you. No one sincerely asks for a new life until they are thoroughly dissatisfied with the old one. Letting go of the old ideas is the only way to really invite something new. Let's look at one example of how our new self-knowledge can turn a painful and repetitive unhappiness into a...