Q&A: A Single, Floating Leaf

Q: I'm really enjoying A Vastness All Around. I read how one of your readers purchased the paperback and the e-book, and I decided to do the same thing. That way, I can easily carry it around in my Kindle when I'm traveling. And when I'm at home, I can flip through the book itself, which I sort of prefer.

Rodney: Thank you!

Q: It's really easy to read your book over and over again, which definitely isn't the case with a lot of spiritual works I've bought. And I've got quite a library!

Rodney: I'm happy the book resonates with you.

Q: As I said, I'm just reading and re-reading, letting everything percolate. That seems to be the way it worked for you. So I'm hoping that that will happen here too, of course.

Rodney: It may, and it may not. There is really no predicting it. Yes, you may be reading one of the pointers or essays in the book, and the understanding will occur. Or you may put the book down, look into the distance at a single, floating autumn leaf--at which time your thinking might be momentarily paused enough (depth-wise, not length-wise) that presence reveals itself. But let's be clear, there is no action or movement from awareness. There is just a seeing or recognition of its existence. For the answer is in you, not the book.

Q: This is probably a silly question, but what do I do then?

Rodney: I wouldn't move, until you are confident of what you are seeing--or rather, of what is being seen.

Q: Just let it sink in, so to speak.

Rodney: Let the actuality of it "sink in." There is nothing that needs to be enhanced, integrated, or maintained. And it's there forever more. But then, it was there all the time, only now it is being finally apperceived--which is not just knowing something, but a total knowing, where previously held thoughts or beliefs are shown to be false or limited.

Q: Would it be okay if I jumped up and started dancing?

Rodney: Sure. Presence would be fine. But your body would be winded!

Q: And there is nothing I can do to speed this along?

Rodney: Who is asking the question? The imagined "I" that is raising the query is just that: A temporary practically--a thought. It won't and can't become self-realized in the least. And neither can your body, which is just a marvelous piece of intricate machinery. It, in itself, isn't sentient. So what is left? Your own state of natural awareness, of which you have taken insufficient notice. But the great news is that all it takes is a little direct attention or pondering of the issue to cognitize your innate clarity. That's all.

Q: And like you said in your blog, it can happen any time. I really laughed when you said that someone can even be eating a piece of pizza!

Rodney: Yes, but only if it's deep dish. Just kidding.

Q: Too late, I'm phoning in a 2-for-1, 16-inch right now!

Rodney: Hey, go for it.

Q: I really appreciate your help on this. And I love your blog--and the YouTube video! I definitely would like to see more of those.

Rodney: Thanks, and keep in touch, if you're moved to do so.

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News & Info

RECENTLY IN: Rodney on YouTube talking about "The Fundamental Thing."

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I am now scheduling teaching events. If you would like to arrange something in your area, you may email me at: writerguy@fastmail.fm

I am also doing one-to-one phone consultations for anyone who is vitally interested in self-knowledge. Each conversation will take an hour or so, and donations of around $25 will be greatly appreciated.

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Non-duality America published an excerpt from A Vastness All Around.

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Tami Brady reviewed Vastness on her TCM Reviews page.

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"A Vastness All Around is, hands down, one of the best books out there on nonduality. Thank you for all of your writing." --Alex Taylor

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Here's a review of the Kindle Edition of Vastness on Amazon.

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Nonduality Magazine has published a discussion with Rodney about his work and book. The extensive and wide-ranging interview was done by John LeKay, the magazine's editor.

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"Loved the book, Rodney. Enjoyed it as much as John Wheeler's first book, Awakening to the Natural State. My favourite quote of yours was "you are no more your personal history than you are your toothbrush." I like the fact that you included little tidbits of your life and surrounds. It felt more like reading a book on travel or history than some of the other textbook style books on nonduality. I think for anyone serious about a direct approach, your book and John Wheeler's are the two to have." -- Ian

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A Vastness All Around: Awakening to Your Natural State is Rodney's first collection of essays, discussions, interviews, and powerful pointers. It can be ordered directly from the publisher at Lulu Press.

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Vastness is now available for the Amazon Kindle! Order Here.

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And for the book's Press Release, click Here.

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This blog is generally updated every Sunday afternoon, Eastern Standard Time.