A Course Outline for God State

My Outline For a Course on The God-State:

Expanding the waking state concept into a video course could be really impactful, especially given our audience’s depth of experience. Here’s a structured approach to help our work community to get this project off the ground:

Concept Development

Define the Core Theme: Since our focus is on the waking state and empathy, we can start by defining what this course aims to achieve. For example, is it about deepening awareness, enhancing empathy in daily interactions, or something more specific?
Target Audience: The content is tailored quite intentionally toward those who are already experienced in meditation but might need new insights or a different angle. This aligns well with our community but could also attract new people who are ready for advanced work.

Course Structure

Module Breakdown:
- Module 1: Introduction to the Waking State: Define what the waking state is, why it’s essential, and its benefits.
- Module 2: Techniques to Stay Awake: Include practical exercises, meditations, or daily practices to help participants live in the waking state.
- Module 3: Empathy as a Gateway: How empathy connects to waking consciousness and practical ways to cultivate it.
- Module 4: Common Pitfalls and Misunderstandings: Address potential roadblocks and how to overcome them.
- Module 5: Living the Waking State: Applying the concepts in everyday life, integrating them into work, relationships, and personal growth.
Interactive Elements: We can add exercises, reflections, and maybe even small challenges for participants to try between modules. This could be as simple as a daily practice or a journaling prompt.
Q&A or Live Sessions: We will integrate live elements where participants can ask questions, share their experiences, or engage in group practices. This could add a communal aspect to the course, plus give me some ideas for better application.

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Module 1: Introduction to the Waking State

“Hello, and welcome. Today, we begin our journey into understanding and experiencing the waking state—a state of being that’s not just about opening our eyes in the morning, but truly waking up to the fullness of life in every moment. This course is designed to guide you into a deeper level of awareness, one that goes beyond the surface of everyday experience.”

“The waking state is about living consciously, rather than being caught in the habitual loops of thought and routine. Imagine moving through your day with a heightened sense of presence, clarity, and empathy—where every interaction, every sight, sound, and sensation feels more alive and real.”

“Throughout history, many spiritual traditions have pointed to this state—Buddhism calls it mindfulness, Sufism refers to it as being awake to the divine presence, and modern psychology often speaks of flow states. But at its core, the waking state is universal. It’s accessible to everyone, regardless of background or belief.”

“This course will give you tools and practices to cultivate this state in your own life. We’ll explore practical techniques, common challenges, and ways to sustain this awareness long-term. But first, let’s look at why this matters.”

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Benefits of the Waking State

“When we live in the waking state, everything changes. Relationships deepen, our creativity flows more freely, and challenges that once felt insurmountable become opportunities for growth. Here are two comments from participants:”

“I used to rush through my days without really noticing anything. Now, even the simplest moments—like watching my kids play or drinking my morning coffee—feel rich and meaningful.”

“Since practicing awareness, I’ve found myself more patient, more connected to others, and surprisingly, a lot more joyful.”

“The waking state also enhances empathy. When we’re truly present, we don’t just hear words—we feel the unspoken emotions behind them. This opens the door to deeper connections with others and with ourselves.”

“In this course, you’ll not only learn to enter the waking state but to live from it, making it a natural part of your everyday life. You’ll discover the difference between simply existing and truly living.”

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Module 2: Techniques to Stay Awake

“Now that we’ve explored what the waking state is, it’s time to dive into some practical ways to stay awake. One of the simplest yet most powerful techniques is grounding—a practice that anchors you in the present moment, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.”

“Grounding is about bringing your awareness back to your body and your immediate surroundings. It’s a way of reconnecting to the here and now when your mind starts to drift into thoughts of the past or future.”

“Let’s try a basic grounding practice together. You can do this sitting or standing. Close your eyes if you’re comfortable, and take a deep breath in through your nose… and slowly exhale through your mouth.”

“Feel your feet on the ground. Notice the sensation of contact—the weight of your body pressing down, connecting you to the earth. Now, bring your attention to the sounds around you. What do you hear? Birds, the hum of a fan, distant voices? Just notice, without judgment.”

“This simple practice can be done anytime, anywhere. When you feel scattered or disconnected, take a moment to ground yourself. It’s a powerful way to return to the waking state.”

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Micro-Meditations

“Micro-meditations are brief moments of mindfulness sprinkled throughout your day. They’re like mini resets, helping you stay connected to the waking state without needing to carve out large blocks of time.”

“Think of these micro-meditations as tiny islands of awareness in the sea of daily life. They can be as short as 30 seconds to a minute, where you simply stop, take a breath, and tune in.”

“Let’s try one now. Wherever you are, pause. Feel your breath moving in and out. Notice the air on your skin, the temperature, the texture of the chair beneath you. Just for a moment, be fully here.”

“That’s it. You’ve just taken a micro-meditation. These moments are easy to incorporate into your day—between meetings, while you’re washing your hands, or even during a quick walk outside.”

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Anchors of Awareness

“Anchors of awareness are personal reminders that bring you back to the waking state. These can be physical objects, like a stone you keep in your pocket, or simple cues you set up for yourself—like every time you hear a bird chirp, you take a mindful breath.”

“Think of these anchors as gentle nudges back to presence. They’re not there to disrupt your day but to subtly remind you to wake up, even for a brief moment.”

“Find something that resonates with you. It could be a word you write on your mirror, a song that grounds you, or even a particular time of day when you set the intention to check in with yourself. Experiment with different anchors and notice which ones feel most effective.”

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Exercise: Daily Wakefulness Journal

“To reinforce your practice, I encourage you to keep a Daily Wakefulness Journal. Each day, jot down moments when you felt fully awake, as well as times when you caught yourself drifting. Note what helped you return to presence.”

“What was I doing when I felt most awake today?”
“What triggered my autopilot, and how did I bring myself back?”
“Which grounding or anchoring technique worked best for me today?”

“This isn’t about judgment or getting it right. It’s about building awareness. By noting your experiences, you’ll start to see patterns and discover what truly keeps you connected to the waking state.”

“Remember, these techniques are simple but powerful. The more you practice, the more natural they will become, and soon, they’ll be woven into the fabric of your everyday life. Keep exploring, keep noticing, and most importantly, keep waking up.”

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Module 3: Empathy as a Gateway

“We will now explore a powerful gateway to the waking state—empathy. Empathy is often thought of as simply feeling for others, but it’s much deeper than that. When we truly empathize, we’re not just connected to another person—we’re fully present in the moment, alive to the shared human experience.”

“Empathy pulls us out of our own mental chatter and into the present. It’s a bridge that connects us to others, but also a mirror reflecting our own awareness. When you truly listen to another, you are simultaneously waking up to yourself.”

“In this module, we’ll look at how empathy functions as a pathway to deeper presence. We’ll practice tuning into others without losing ourselves, learning to navigate the delicate balance of connection and self-awareness.”

“Empathy doesn’t just make us better listeners; it helps us stay awake to the world around us. Let’s try this experiment.”

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Empathy Practices

“Empathy practices are exercises that help you tune into the emotional state of others while maintaining your own center. One of the simplest and most effective methods is empathetic listening—really hearing what someone else is saying without immediately jumping to your own thoughts, judgments, or responses.”

“Let’s break it down. Empathetic listening is about giving your full attention—both to the words and the emotional undertones behind them. It’s about being curious, staying open, and allowing space for the other person to be fully seen and heard.”

“Try this the next time you’re in a conversation: focus completely on the other person. Notice the tone of their voice, their body language, and what isn’t being said. Resist the urge to interrupt or plan your response while they’re talking. Just be there, fully present.”

“This simple shift transforms everyday conversations into profound moments of connection, where you are both fully awake.”

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Active Listening as a Waking State Tool

“Active listening is more than just a technique—it’s a practice of mindfulness. When you engage in active listening, you’re not just connecting with another person; you’re practicing presence. You’re training yourself to be in the now, fully engaged with the world around you.”

“Listening is a physical, mental, and emotional act. It’s about receiving the energy of another person and letting it resonate within you without losing your own sense of self. This balance is key to staying in the waking state.”

“When you listen actively, you’re practicing non-reactivity. You’re training yourself to hold space, not just for others but for your own awareness. This opens up a deeper experience of the waking state, where you are both an observer and a participant in the flow of life.”

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Empathy in Action

“Let’s put empathy into action. Your exercise for this module is to engage in a conversation with someone close to you—a friend, a family member, or even a colleague. This time, approach the conversation with the intent to listen deeply.”

Step 1: Set the intention to listen without judgment or the need to respond.
Step 2: Focus entirely on the speaker—notice their words, tone, and emotions.
Step 3: Reflect back what you heard without adding your own interpretation. Use phrases like, ‘What I’m hearing is…’ or ‘It sounds like you feel…’
Step 4: After the conversation, take a moment to reflect. How did staying present affect your connection? Did you notice moments of waking awareness?

“This exercise is a practice in presence and connection. Notice how the act of deep listening shifts your experience and brings you into the waking state. You might find that these moments of empathy open doors to new levels of awareness.”

“Empathy is a powerful gateway to the waking state. It pulls us out of our own heads and into the hearts of others, creating a shared space of presence. Keep practicing, keep listening, and keep waking up.”

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Module 4: The Ego-Trap

“By now, you’ve begun exploring the waking state through grounding, micro-meditations, and empathy practices. But as you’ve likely experienced, staying awake isn’t always easy. One of the most common obstacles is what I call ‘the ego trap.’”

“The ego trap occurs when our sense of self hijacks the waking state. It often shows up as pride in our awareness, judgment of others, or a feeling of superiority because we’re ‘more awake.’ The irony is that in these moments, we’re actually drifting back into unconsciousness.”

“The ego loves to take credit for being present, but true awareness is humble. It doesn’t need to announce itself. In this video, we’ll explore how to recognize the ego trap and gently bring ourselves back to genuine presence.”

“Awareness isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being honest with yourself. Let’s look at some ways to catch the ego in action and steer back to the heart of the waking state.”

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Mistaking Intellectual Understanding for True Experience

“Another common pitfall is confusing intellectual understanding with true experience. You might know all the right words, the theories, and the practices—but that doesn’t mean you’re living them. It’s easy to get stuck in the head, thinking that understanding is enough.”

“The waking state is an embodied experience. It’s about feeling the breeze on your skin, hearing the subtleties in a conversation, or simply being aware of your own breath. Intellectual understanding is a doorway, but it’s the lived experience that brings the waking state to life.”

“Don’t get discouraged if you find yourself knowing but not fully experiencing. Awareness grows through practice, not just theory. In this video, we’ll explore ways to bridge the gap between the mind and the heart, moving from knowing to truly being.”

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Dealing with Relapses into Autopilot

“Let’s talk about relapses—those moments when you find yourself back on autopilot, going through the motions without being fully present. It happens to everyone, even those with decades of practice. The key is not to judge yourself but to use these moments as opportunities to wake up again.”

“Autopilot is sneaky; it creeps in during the most mundane moments—brushing your teeth, driving, scrolling through your phone. Recognizing these relapses is actually a sign of progress. It means your awareness is working.”

“When you catch yourself on autopilot, simply pause, take a breath, and gently bring your attention back to the present. You’re not starting over; you’re continuing the practice. Each relapse is an invitation to return, and with each return, your waking state grows stronger.”

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Exercise: Awareness Reset Practice

“To help you navigate these common pitfalls, I’d like to share an Awareness Reset Practice. This is a quick reset you can use anytime you feel lost in thought, distracted, or caught in the ego trap.”

Step 1: Pause Whatever You’re Doing.
Stop immediately, even if it’s just for a few seconds.
Step 2: Take a Conscious Breath.
Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and then exhale slowly. Feel the breath fully.
Step 3: Engage Your Senses.
Notice three things you can see, hear, and feel in this moment.
Step 4: Repeat a Grounding Phrase.
Use a simple phrase like, “I am here now, only more so,” or “This is my moment of presence.”

“This Awareness Reset Practice is your tool for those moments when you feel you’ve drifted. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it works. With each reset, you’re reinforcing your commitment to the waking state.”

“Remember, awareness isn’t about being perfect or always present. It’s about coming back, again and again, with kindness and curiosity. Keep resetting, keep observing, and keep waking up.”

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Module 5: Living the Waking State

“Welcome to our final module. We’ve covered a lot—what the waking state is, techniques to maintain it, empathy as a gateway, and navigating the common pitfalls. Now it’s time to bring all of this into your everyday life. The waking state isn’t just something you visit occasionally; it’s a way of living, accessible in every moment.”

“Living the waking state means integrating awareness into all aspects of life, from the mundane to the extraordinary. It’s about bringing presence to every interaction, every task, and every breath.”

“You don’t need special conditions to stay awake. Whether you’re sitting in meditation or stuck in traffic, you have the opportunity to practice. In this video, we’ll explore how to weave awareness into your daily routine, making it as natural as brushing your teeth.”

“Let’s look at some practical tips and habits that can help make the waking state a permanent part of your life.”

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Sustaining the Waking State Long-Term

“Sustaining the waking state isn’t about constant vigilance; it’s about creating gentle, consistent reminders that keep you connected to your intention. It’s normal for awareness to ebb and flow, but with the right practices, you can maintain a steady presence.”

“Think of these reminders as nudges that help you recalibrate. A note on your mirror that says ‘be here now,’ a daily alarm that invites you to pause and breathe, or a recurring gratitude practice—these are all ways to anchor your waking state.”

“It’s also important to have a community or accountability partner. Sharing your experiences with others keeps the practice fresh and provides support when you feel disconnected. We’re all in this journey of waking up together.”

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Community and Support

“Living in the waking state doesn’t mean going it alone. In fact, our practice deepens when we connect with others on the same path. Sharing insights, challenges, and moments of presence strengthens our commitment and expands our awareness.”

“Community offers a mirror, reflecting our growth and encouraging us when we falter. It’s a space where we can be real, vulnerable, and celebrate each small step toward presence.”

“Stay connected. Join a group, attend live sessions, or simply find a friend to share your journey with. The waking state isn’t just an individual experience—it’s a shared awakening that ripples out into the world.”

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Exercise: Designing Your Personal Waking State Routine

“For our final exercise, I invite you to design your own waking state routine. This is your personal roadmap—a blend of all the practices, tips, and techniques that resonate most with you.”

Step 1: Reflect on What Resonates
Look back on the course and identify which practices felt most natural and impactful.
Step 2: Map Out Your Day
Identify key moments where you can integrate presence—waking up, meals, work, breaks, and bedtime.
Step 3: Choose Your Reminders
Select subtle cues that will help you stay connected—notes, alarms, anchors, or specific actions.
Step 4: Commit to One Daily Practice
Choose one foundational practice you’ll do every day, no matter what, such as a morning grounding exercise or a nightly reflection.

“This is your time to get creative. Make your routine something you look forward to, a set of gentle reminders that keep you engaged without feeling pressured. And remember, it’s okay to adjust and evolve as you go.”

“Living the waking state is a lifelong practice. It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence. Keep showing up, keep exploring, and keep waking up. Thank you for joining me on this journey—I’m honored to walk this path with you.”

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Additional Elements for Module 5

Downloadable Routine Builder: A PDF template that guides participants in creating their personal waking state routine.
Reflection Prompts: Questions to help participants fine-tune their routines over time.
Final Live Session: A live Q&A or community share to celebrate completing the course and discuss how participants plan to continue their practice.

This final module ties everything together, emphasizing the integration of the waking state into everyday life. It’s about empowering participants to take what they’ve learned and make it a lasting part of who they are. Let me know what you think!

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Now it’s time to board the bus and take the tour of beautiful downtown Bardotown again, to make your day just a little brighter!