The Mastery of Self

1. Recognize the Dream and Your Role as the Dreamer

Imagine for a moment that you are in a dream.

The world is a dream. In the Toltec tradition, our reality is viewed as a collective dream, with each individual experiencing their own Personal Dream within it. This concept encourages us to see ourselves as both the dreamer and the dream, capable of shaping our reality.

We co-create reality. Our perceptions, beliefs, and actions contribute to the shared "Dream of the Planet." By recognizing this, we can take responsibility for our role in creating our experiences and interactions with others.

Awareness is key. The path to mastery begins with becoming aware that we are dreaming and that we have the power to influence our dream. This awareness allows us to navigate life with greater intention and freedom.

2. Understand and Break Free from Domestication and Attachments

Attachment is the action of taking something that is not a part of you and making it a part of you through an emotional or energetic investment.

Domestication shapes our beliefs. From childhood, we are conditioned to adopt certain beliefs and behaviors through a system of rewards and punishments. This domestication often leads us to give up our authentic selves in exchange for who we think we should be.

Attachments limit our freedom. We become attached to external objects, beliefs, and ideas, often making them part of our identity. These attachments can cause suffering when threatened and limit our ability to see things clearly.

Breaking free requires awareness. Recognizing our domestication and attachments is the first step to releasing them. This process allows us to reclaim our authentic selves and make choices based on our true preferences rather than conditioned responses.

3. Cultivate Unconditional Love for Yourself and Others

Unconditional love is recognizing the divinity in every human being we meet, regardless of his or her role in life or agreement with our particular way of thinking.

Self-love is foundational. Cultivating unconditional love for oneself is the cornerstone of personal freedom and healthy relationships. It means accepting and valuing yourself regardless of external circumstances or achievements.

Extend love to others. When we love others unconditionally, we see them as they truly are – expressions of the divine – without projecting our own expectations or judgments onto them.

Forgiveness is key. Practicing forgiveness, both for yourself and others, is essential in maintaining unconditional love. It frees you from being controlled by past events and allows you to engage with the present moment more fully.

4. Master Your Emotions and Navigate Conflict

No one else is responsible for your emotional reactions except you.

Emotions are teachers. Our emotions serve as valuable tools for self-discovery and growth. They can reveal our attachments, fears, and areas for personal development.

Awareness precedes mastery. Recognizing and accepting our emotions as they arise is the first step in managing them effectively. This awareness allows us to respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically.

Conflict as opportunity. Disagreements and conflicts can be viewed as chances for growth and deeper understanding. By approaching conflicts with respect and unconditional love, we can navigate them more effectively and maintain our personal integrity.

5. Break the Cycle of Automatic Responses

Without awareness, repetitive actions would limit the mind's ability to perceive all available options.

Autopilot limits growth. Many of our daily decisions and actions are made automatically, without conscious thought. This can lead to living life on autopilot, limiting our potential for growth and new experiences.

Cultivate awareness. Practicing mindfulness and conscious decision-making helps break the cycle of automatic responses. This involves pausing to consider our choices and their alignment with our authentic selves.

Embrace new possibilities. By breaking free from automatic responses, we open ourselves to a wider range of possibilities in every situation. This leads to more intentional and fulfilling experiences.

6. Wear and Remove Masks with Awareness

A Master of Self wears any mask with the full awareness that it's only a mask, a temporary identity to serve a function, and readily discards the mask when it is no longer needed.

Masks serve a purpose. We all wear different masks or roles in various situations. These can be helpful tools for navigating social interactions and relationships.

Avoid identification with masks. The danger lies in believing that these masks are our true selves. A Master of Self recognizes that masks are temporary and not reflective of their authentic identity.

Practice conscious shape-shifting. Use masks intentionally to engage effectively with others, but maintain awareness of your authentic self throughout. This allows for genuine connections while preserving personal integrity.

7. Set Goals from a Place of Self-Love

When you use unconditional self-love as the starting point when setting any goal, you remain aware that perfection is not tied to the end result, but rather the reality of the present moment.

Avoid conditional self-love. Many people set goals from a place of self-judgment or inadequacy, making their self-worth contingent on achieving specific outcomes. This approach often leads to suffering and self-doubt.

Love yourself throughout the process. Set goals from a foundation of unconditional self-love, recognizing your inherent worth regardless of outcomes. This approach fosters genuine motivation and resilience.

Enjoy the journey. When you set goals with self-love, you can enjoy the process of working towards them, regardless of the final result. This mindset leads to greater fulfillment and personal growth.

8. Embrace Abundance and Reject Scarcity Mindset

There is always enough of whatever you need in this moment.

Scarcity is a myth. The belief in scarcity often leads to fear, competition, and a sense of lack. Recognizing abundance allows for a more peaceful and cooperative approach to life.

Trust in life's provision. A Master of Self understands that life provides exactly what is needed in each moment, even if it doesn't match our wants or expectations.

Cultivate gratitude and trust. By embracing abundance and trusting in life's process, we can let go of the need to control outcomes and instead focus on making the most of each moment.

Last updated: August 19, 2024