Does Universe Understand Negation in Mantras?

Q: Dear Todd, does universe know a negation or a negative? If you say it does the universe hears the opposite? I really get so confused sometimes with all the spiritual understanding.TODD ANSWERS: That’s a great question. Negation only happens when there is suppression or repression of a concept. For example, don’t think of a monkey. The mantra, “I do not need to be perfect, I do not need a…

Why Does Life Always Seem to Be a Struggle?

Our mind is the determiner of whether we are happy and content, or longing and dissatisfied. We may think it is because of this situation or that one, but one way or another we find out that it always stems from our mind. The question is, will we learn to become the masters of our mind or not.Yes, we all wish for possessions, praise, friendships and a loving family. But,…

Can Spiritual Awakening Change Our Karmic Debt?

Q: Dear Todd, if you did immoral things before you were awakened to the universal truths will you be held accountable for those things in this life or future lives?TODD ANSWERS: Is a tiger responsible for killing a gazelle? I don’t think so. I think it is a creature living out its own nature based on its past karma/cause-and-effect. When we act with unawareness, we are not in control. Only…

How to Be Enlightened and a Millionaire

Money. We all need it, we all want more of it, and for most of us, there is no amount of it that will ever be enough. While providing for ourselves and our families is essential and noble, sometimes making money can come at the expense of ourselves, our fellow man, and the planet. So how can we earn money, get on that rat race, but maintain our ethics, continue…

Can Religion Help Us Reach Our Highest Potential?

What role do rituals, traditions and religious communities have in an individual's path to spiritual awakening? Can religion help us reach our ultimate potential? Or, are they nothing but superstitions and fairy tales? Do they create positive outlets for spiritual growth, or do they simply further divide our already divided planet? In this podcast episode, I explore the pros and cons of going to church, temple or mosque. I dive…

How Can We Escape the Illusion of Time?

Because we have clocks everywhere — our phones, microwaves, TVs, cars, etc… — we live in a mindset of time. I’ve seen people in the woods and for the first time in their lives they’ve actually not known the time. At first, they say, “I wonder what time it is.” Then later, “What time is it? Should we eat?”Soon they realize that their body will tell them when they’re hungry…

What’s the Best Way to Treat Your Enemies?

Q: Dear Todd, how can Ukrainians respond with love to their enemies?TODD ANSWERS: Someone recently asked me how I can suggest that even people in Ukraine respond with love when their lives are in danger. The person went on to tell me that they struggle with spirituality because "we have fear for a reason and if a bear is charging at you, it doesn't care if you respond with love…

How Can I Embrace Present Moment If It’s Bad?

The present moment is never bad. It just is. Life just happens. Our mind is what is doing all the suffering. It is our negative thoughts, our negative emotions (which we create negative thoughts about), and our desire to escape the present situation that make situations intolerable. When we are present, we are at peace, no matter what is happening around us. When we are thinking, especially when we are…

My Spiritual Journey Has Left Me Confused

Q: Dear Todd, I'm really going through a lot since I embarked on this spiritual journey. My life changed drastically. I have so many questions about what is going on with me. I do meditation but how can I turn this confusion around?Todd Answers: Luckily, only the mind creates confusion. When you let go of the desire for answers and clarity, not only do answers and clarity appear, but that…

Need Money for Financial Security – Is That Ego?

Q: I find meditation easier when I have the money to buy land away from people, know my bills are paid for life (yes I have anxiety), and have no chores to complete for the day. I don't want money to impress, I want money to RELAX - is that ego?Todd Answers: You are not wrong. Money is food, water, and security. The best thing we can do is recognize…