Here’s another installment in a series of emails that took place between Michael and one of his senior students beginning the Summer of 2009. May you find the exchange interesting and enriching.
September 16, 2010
Student: I keep thinking that the mental stories authored by my ego are kinda like bullfrogs in that theyre always puffing themselves up to look substantial. Plus they make a lot of noise. So my question is how these egoic stories, either personal or mythological, help someone if they offer so many distractions; so many things to grab onto?
Michael: First off, stories are only helpful if the distractions they offer inspire an examination of whats true. Second, stories always offer clinging, especially the ones that point to truth. Third, all stories point toward truth; even the ones that look like bullfrogs. Fourth, studying our clinging to truth is what lets us get beyond the false, thereby allowing the truth to radiate through us. An application of this kind of awareness allows for seekers to recognize bullfrogs as reflections of our selves which, in turn, allows for a downpour of bullfrogs to be met with wonder and curiosity. This is freeing. Make sense?
Student: Mostly. So everything points to truth?
Michael: If you look deeply enough at your experience, everything points to truth.