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Inq: At certain times, why do I feel disillusioned with my lack of spiritual progress?  

RW: It’s a normal part of the process and it happens to everyone at one time or another. All of a sudden, you become discouraged because you’re judging the expected results of your efforts. Instead of pressing forward or waiting for the right moment to continue your journey - you hesitate and become afraid. Then, you begin to doubt yourself, lose confidence and become disillusioned. When familiarity is gone, panic sets in and all you see is a deep, dark and impassable abyss. 

Inq: So, how can I recover from this type of setback?

RW: First, you need to rationalize the situation and become fully aware of it. You have to “map-out” your mental latitude and longitude and understand your psychological coordinates. When you detach yourself and observe your emotions, you’ll be on your way out of the psychological mess you’ve put yourself in. As you proceed on your journey, every once in awhile you may feel the old sense of panic, but the assurance of knowing there’s a way back to calmness, will re-adjust your mind to a state of equilibrium. You can never un-know the lessons you’ve painstakingly learned and you’ll never lose the spiritual knowledge you’ve gained.

Inq: How will I know when I’m being controlled by my ego?  

RW: First, you’ll become angry at the suggestion that anything is wrong. This is the most common symptom. Then, you’ll quickly point-out with precision, all the defects in others, institutions, situations and possessions. You’ll notice a constant dissatisfaction in your living situation and social status. You’ll often say, “if only my circumstances were different”, “others were born into a more fortunate lifestyle than I was”, “no one understands me”, “most people are so cold and unsocial toward me”, “why am I the only sincere one in this relationship?” or “my family makes my life so miserable.”  Do these phrases sound familiar?

Inq: Unfortunately, yes.  

RW: This mindset represents a few of the characteristics of disillusionment caused by the controlling ego. This chaotic maze of thought and resistance is certainly not the voice of the soul speaking. In fact, the soul is cringing as it listens to the whining and moaning of the ego. However, once AWE is ignited, you’ll be able to toss aside your false mask of doom and gloom.  When you reach this point of self-observation, you’ll be free from the lower desires of the ego, and you’ll actually laugh at it!

Inq: …and I bet it doesn’t like being laughed at.  

RW: That’s right, because it has been slain and AWE has prevailed.

Inq: …and what happens next?

RW: You’ll experience happiness – continuing happiness. You’ll feel a warm radiance filling you up from within. You’ll see your true path unfolding right in front of you. You’ll understand that AWE is inner Truth and you’ll be glad you listened to it. You’ll become busy studying and applying AWE to live a full, rich and interesting life. Your convictions will be filled with enthusiastic determination that will encourage others to move forward as well. You’ll become a constructive force of a higher consciousness, bringing joy to others and yourself.