Two nights ago, I had a deep conversation with my sisters about the “one spirit,” which is the essence of our existence. It began when my sister and I were sitting at the kitchen table, eating an afternoon cookie, and she asked me, “What is your next book going to be?”

My response was that I’ll probably write a leadership book sharing my military experiences and journey as a leader. But then I said, “I really want to write a book on philosophy. I’ve wanted to write it since before Alpha Couples. It’s the most important book I’ll ever write, but I’m not sure how to write it or if the world is ready for it.”

She asked me what it would be about, and I replied, “This is going to sound crazy, but here it goes…”

Over the next two days, my sisters and I had multiple two to three-hour-long conversations that lasted into the late evenings. They listened to me explain one spirit, time travel, individual consciousness, simulation theory, post-Catholicism, and more. They listened intently and offered constructive feedback and support. A few times, they made comments like, “Wow. That’s really interesting,” or “I’ve never heard anything like that.”

“And that’s just the beginning,” I told them, “There is a whole lot more…”

What Is “One Spirit”?

One of the fundamental beliefs of my philosophy is the belief that we are all “one spirit” living different human experiences. Or as Bill Hicks put it, “We are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves.”

This spiritual concept suggests that every individual is a unique expression of a single, interconnected, and divine energy or consciousness. According to this belief, while we may appear to be separate individuals on the surface, our true essence is unified and interconnected at a deeper level.

We are not merely a single part of a greater spirit. Instead, our spirit comprises the entire whole, residing within us as the one spirit. This all-encompassing spirit is not limited by the constraints of time or space, and thus inhabits all humans and elements of the universe. While our human body and mind develop a sense of individual consciousness and ego, these traits are only superficial, as our true essence lies within the one spirit. Though our ego helps us experience our individual lives subjectively, our spirit transcends our bodily experiences.

This perspective encourages us to see beyond superficial differences and recognize the shared essence that unites all living beings. It fosters a sense of empathy, compassion, and understanding, as we appreciate that others are simply experiencing different aspects of the same universal consciousness.

With this belief, the Golden Rule takes on even greater significance. Of course you should treat others the way you would want to be treated, and you should love others as you would want to be loved, because they are in essence the same spirit as you.

Embracing this belief can lead to personal growth, stronger connections with others, and a deeper sense of purpose and belonging in the world.

What Is Universal Intelligence?

This One Spirit that resides within us, is the same spirit that resides in all elements of the universe. This connection allows us to access the vast, interconnected pool of knowledge and wisdom that exists beyond our individual minds. The collective “universal consciousness” is the source of “universal intelligence.” It encompasses the insight, experiences, and discoveries of countless people, cultures, and even nature itself.

In this concept, each of us has the potential to tap into this universal intelligence to gain insights, find solutions to our challenges, and make better decisions. Accessing this collective wisdom may come in the form of intuition, inspiration, or even learning from the experiences of others.

One Spirit and the Christian Tradition

The concept of the one spirit and universal consciousness is not a replacement of Christian philosophy but rather an evolution of it. This belief is similar to the Christian concept of the Holy Spirit, which is the presence of God within each person. Both beliefs recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of empathy, compassion, and love.

Furthermore, this concept does not reject the idea of individuality or personal identity, but rather emphasizes the unity that underlies our differences. It encourages us to see beyond the superficial and recognize the shared essence that unites all living beings, which is in line with Christian teachings of love and unity. Embracing this belief can deepen your connection with God and each other, leading to personal growth and a greater sense of purpose in the world. Therefore, the belief in one spirit and universal consciousness can be seen as a natural evolution of Christian philosophy, building upon its core values and expanding our understanding of the divine.

By being open to the idea of one spirit and universal intelligence, we can broaden our perspectives, deepen our understanding, and make more informed choices in our lives. It encourages us to trust our instincts, learn from others, and stay curious about the world around us. Most importantly, it encourages us to love ourselves unconditionally and approach every relationship with a sense of overwhelming love, generosity, and curiosity.

How This Belief Changes a Life

These beliefs can lead to greater personal happiness, joy, prosperity, and life satisfaction in many ways. First, it fosters a sense of empathy, compassion, and understanding towards others, leading to deeper and more meaningful relationships. It encourages us to treat others with kindness and respect, as we recognize that we are all interconnected expressions of the same divine energy.

Secondly, this belief can lead to personal growth and a deeper sense of purpose and belonging in the world. By recognizing that we are all part of a larger whole, we can tap into our inner potential and access the collective wisdom and knowledge that exists beyond our individual minds. This can lead to greater creativity, innovation, and personal fulfillment.

Thirdly, the belief in one spirit and universal consciousness can lead to a greater sense of peace and inner harmony. It encourages us to let go of negative emotions, such as fear, anger, and judgment, and embrace love, generosity, and curiosity. By living in alignment with our true essence, we can experience a deeper sense of joy, contentment, and gratitude.

Finally, this belief can lead to greater prosperity, though not always the kind we expect. Understanding our unity is the path to reducing human suffering, not only within ourselves but within others. When we see ourselves in everyone, we often redefine what success and prosperity mean. We find them within, even when they also show up in the traditional sense. And by tapping into the collective intelligence and wisdom of the universe, we learn to trust our instincts and follow our passions.

We Are All One

In conclusion, it is understandable that the concepts of one spirit and universal consciousness may be challenging for some people to comprehend, particularly for those who were raised in the Christian faith. However, it is essential to recognize that these beliefs are more aligned with many religious teachings than initially perceived. The ideas of empathy, compassion, and love towards others are central to many faiths and spiritual practices. Moreover, the recognition of our shared essence and connection to the universe can lead to personal growth, fulfillment, and prosperity in life. These concepts are incredibly powerful forces in the universe, and developing the ability to recognize our interconnectedness and tap into universal intelligence can be the key to achieving our most important goals and living a meaningful life.

The belief in one spirit and universal consciousness leads us to understand that everything in this world is created by this one spirit, and that you and I are the creators.

I explore these ideas more deeply, through my own spiritual journey, in The Universal Mind and The Illusion of Individuality, chapters of Book of the Maze.