by James Traverse
Are you searching for a way to free yourself from the stress and frustration of everyday life? Do you feel a deep yearning for something more meaningful in your life? What if I told you that there is a way to reach cosmic consciousness, which is also called cosmic awareness, the ultimate goal of spiritual training?
In this article, we’ll explore the journey to cosmic awareness, an inner journey that will lead you to personal freedom and enlightenment. We’ll take a look at how ancient teachings can help guide you through this transformative process. By understanding the power of your thoughts and emotions, and learning how to use them wisely, you can develop spiritual awareness that leads to greater peace and joy in your life.
Through spiritual training, we can learn how to access our true potential and discover our purpose in life. With practice, we can awaken our inner wisdom and open ourselves up to the world around us with love and compassion.
What Is Cosmic Awareness?
Cosmic Awareness is a powerful state of awareness that can be experienced through spiritual practices. It’s a journey to deeper understanding, where one has the chance to unlock their true potential and find freedom from the suffering of everyday life. This ultimate goal of spiritual training takes time and dedication, but when achieved, it allows us to see beyond the limits of our familiar perceptions.
The idea of cosmic awareness can be best described as an allegory; imagine you are walking in a dense forest at night, with no light source or pathway to guide you. At first, your fear and insecurity grows as the darkness around you intensifies and your mind races with uncertainty. However, if you take notice of the tiny glimmers of light that appear in the sky – stars in the night sky – it will inspire within you a sense of wonderment and courage that will lead you out of the darkness into a newfound clarity and self-awareness.
In this way, consciousness is about journeying through our own inner darkness; exploring our spirituality, psychology, and ultimately ourselves on a much deeper level. It’s a process that requires us to break free from our conditioned beliefs and habits so we can move closer towards enlightenment – to experience true freedom. By developing this awareness, we become more open to connecting with our higher selves in order to uncover new levels of understanding about ourselves which may otherwise remain hidden.
This journey offers an opportunity for self-discovery unlike anything else; allowing us to discover greater meaning in life by tapping into an inner peace that transcends all physical limitations. With this comes greater insight into our thoughts, feelings and actions; so we can create real lasting change from within.
Exploring Universal Connectedness
Exploring universal connectedness is a life-transforming quest that can lead to self-transcendence, divine connection, and energy healing. This journey to cosmic consciousness, is one of inner exploration, contemplation, and discovery of the hidden truths that bind us all together. Through this process, a person will gain an understanding of the interconnectedness between their internal world and the external universe.
The notion of universal connectedness can be difficult for many to grasp. It can seem like an intangible concept that cannot be fully grasped with our minds or understood with language alone. However, as we embark on this journey inwards, we start to experience a feeling of unity with the world around us. We begin to see how everything is connected by an invisible thread of energy, love, and light that flows throughout the cosmos. We become aware that each action we take affects not only ourselves but also everyone else in some way – whether it is through our thoughts or emotions or even physical actions.
It is not easy to explore universal connectedness; however, there are tools available to help guide us on our path. Here are four key ways we can use to awaken our inner self:
* Meditation: Meditation helps us disconnect from everyday chaos and reconnect with our innermost being. It allows us to clear away any mental clutter so that we can find clarity in our lives and open up new realms of awareness and understanding.
* Mindfulness: This practice encourages us to pay attention to what is happening within ourselves at any given moment without judgement or expectation, allowing us to stay present in the here and now without getting swept up in anxiety or fear about what may come next.
* Nature: Spending time outdoors helps us connect with nature’s rhythms and energies which can bring balance back into our lives when we feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges and stresses.
* Spiritual Reading & Practices: Engaging in spiritual practices such as reading books about mysticism or engaging in energy healing techniques can provide deeper insights into how everything connects together at a higher level of consciousness than what may be visible on a surface level.
This exploration into universal connectedness requires courage, dedication, and commitment; however, it offers rewards far beyond those found on just a physical plane. By embracing this journey inwardly we open up the door for greater self-discovery, personal growth, and ultimately cosmic awareness – an experience of pure blissful enlightenment where all worries dissipate away leaving only peace behind..
Ancient Practices like Spiritual Inquiry for Achieving Cosmic Awareness
Spiritual Inquiry is one of the ancient approaches to achieving cosmic awareness.
The journey to cosmic awareness is the ultimate goal of spiritual training. It can be achieved through ancient practices that help us explore our universal connectedness. Self-reflection and inner peace are integral components of this process. Through spiritual development, we can begin to tap into an infinite source of knowledge, power, and freedom.
We all have a subconscious desire for freedom, and ancient practices such as Meditation, Yoga, and Yoga Nidra [yogic sleep] can help us achieve it. By engaging in self-reflection and deeply connecting with our inner being, we can open ourselves up to a higher level of awareness. We become more in tune with our true selves, allowing us to discover a greater understanding of the world around us.
It’s important to remember that cosmic awareness isn’t something you can simply ‘achieve’ overnight; it takes time and dedication. You must be willing to go on a journey within yourself, allowing your spirit to lead the way toward inner peace and enlightenment. As you practice these ancient techniques, you will find that you are able to immerse yourself fully in the present moment – free from any worries or anxieties about the past or future. In this way, you will experience true liberation – both mentally and spiritually.
The journey toward cosmic awareness does require time and commitment; however, it is well worth the effort when you reach your destination – a place filled with love, wisdom, and understanding. Connecting with your higher self is one of the most powerful experiences available to humanity; it offers limitless potential for growth and healing, leading us toward our ultimate goal – cosmic awareness.
The Benefits Of Spiritual Training
There’s no denying that the spiritual journey holds the key to unlocking a world of inner wisdom and non-attachment. It’s like opening the door to a new way of life – one in which you’re free to explore and express your true essence.
As Wayne Dyer said, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”. This is exactly what the spiritual quest offers: an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and view life through a different lens. With the right practices, you can experience transformation on levels that you never thought possible.
On this journey, everything becomes clearer. You learn how to let go of negative thoughts and emotions, allowing yourself to become more open-minded and accepting of others. You gain access to your own personal power so that you can create positive change in your life – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The rewards are endless!
Spiritual training helps us tap into our deepest selves; it’s an invaluable tool for connecting with our authentic selves and discovering our highest potential. Through this process, we can find clarity in our lives and start living with purpose and intention. We can finally break free from any limiting beliefs or patterns that have been holding us back from embracing our full potential as human beings.
By going on this journey towards cosmic awareness we are presented with countless benefits – from enhanced creativity to improved relationships with ourselves and others. With dedication and practice anyone can enjoy these unique rewards for themselves!
The Power Of Meditation
Meditation is a powerful practice that can open up the gateway to cosmic awareness. It is an ancient tradition that has been used for thousands of years to provide holistic healing and help us reach our ultimate goal of spiritual training. Like a lighthouse illuminating the darkness, meditation guides us on our journey toward a more enlightened state.
When we incorporate mindfulness-based stress reduction into our spiritual practice, we create a space for ourselves to experience right conduct and deep relaxation. This helps us to observe the patterns and stories playing out within our subconscious minds, and break free from any mental or emotional chains that keep us from liberation.
Figuratively speaking, meditation can be seen as a key to unlocking all of life’s secrets; helping to unlock new levels of awareness that bring about personal transformation. By engaging in this spiritual practice, we can gain access to these benefits:
- Improved mental clarity
- Greater self-awareness and insight
- Increased connection with our own inner wisdom
Through meditation, we empower ourselves with self-knowledge and understanding so that we can make better decisions and take actions that lead us closer to freedom and cosmic consciousness. We are able to access the depths of our being – beyond who we think we are – and discover who we truly are at soul level. In doing so, we become one with all there is in the universe and fully realize the power within ourselves!
Working Through Blocks To Spiritual Expansion and Spiritual Inquiry
The path of spiritual expansion and spiritual inquiry is often a difficult one, full of blocks and roadblocks. But if you work through these blocks, the rewards can be astounding. Let’s look at how you can use soul searching, service to humanity and past life regression to clear away any blockages that are keeping you from reaching cosmic awareness.
Firstly, soul searching is a great tool for finding out what exactly is blocking your spiritual journey. Ask yourself tough questions and pay attention to the answers that come up in your mind. You will soon start recognizing the thoughts or beliefs that are holding you back from deep spiritual growth. Once you’ve identified these thoughts or beliefs, you can begin to clear them away by looking at them with a fresh perspective and by letting go of any attachments you have to them.
Service to humanity can also be an effective way of clearing away any blocks on your path. By helping others who could benefit from your time and energy, you’ll gain insight into what may be blocking your spiritual progress and open yourself up to new possibilities for growth. Similarly, past life regression can help uncover patterns or behaviors that are preventing spiritual expansion by allowing us access to the root causes of our current issues and challenges in this lifetime.
TIP: Take some time each day to reflect on what might be holding you back spiritually so that you can work through it. Dedicate yourself to being of service whenever possible, as this will open up even more pathways for personal growth – both spiritually and emotionally – while also contributing positively towards humanity as a whole!
Exploring the Chakras
Did you know that the average human being has seven main energy centers known as chakras? These essential points of power exist within the body and are connected to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Once these chakras are open and balanced, we can access a higher level of self-improvement and experience true freedom. With the right guidance, anyone can embark on an inner journey to explore their chakras and gain insight into themselves.
Tapping into our chakra system can be achieved through ancient spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting mantras, yoga, or engaging with esoteric knowledge. Through these methods, we can awaken dormant areas in our minds and release trapped energy that is preventing us from reaching our highest potential. As a result of this process, we can free ourselves from old patterns and develop greater self-awareness.
Unlocking the secrets of our chakras can be a life-changing experience. By taking the time to explore each part of ourselves on an individual level, we open up new possibilities for growth and transformation. Through this practice, we gain more control over our lives, which leads us closer to cosmic awareness – the ultimate goal of spiritual training. So why not give it a try? Dive deep into your inner world and discover what lies beneath it – you won’t regret it!
Awakening The Third Eye
Awakening the third eye is a powerful aspect of the journey toward cosmic awareness and spiritual freedom. It is a journey of self-realization, one that takes us to the depths of our being and encourages us to understand our connection with the divine. To truly awaken our third eye, we must utilize both mind and body and be willing to open our awareness to the spiritual realms.
Firstly, it is important to recognize the importance of mind-body connection as we embark on this journey. We must be aware that our physical body holds within it an abundance of wisdom and knowledge about ourselves if we allow ourselves to tap into it. As we become more mindful of how our thoughts influence our emotions, actions, and beliefs, we can understand how these same thoughts can lead us closer to cosmic awareness.
Secondly, connecting with spirit guides [practices like Yoga Nidra give you access to Another Way of Knowing] is essential in awakening the third eye. By reaching out and asking for help from higher powers, we create a bridge between ourselves and them; allowing more insight into who we are at a deeper level. In addition to this, having regular conversations with them will help keep us focused and motivated on our mission for spiritual growth.
Lastly, activating the third eye requires discipline and dedication on our part. Through meditation practice, visualization techniques or chanting mantras aloud—all of which are designed to stimulate the imagination—we can clear any blockages preventing us from achieving higher states of perception. As we continue on this path toward self-discovery through cultivating inner peace and harmony with all life forms around us, we come closer to cosmic awareness.
Harnessing Prana
Prana means motion. Because it is motion, it can be felt!
Harnessing prana is an essential step on the journey to cosmic awareness. It is the force that moves within and around us, and we need to learn how to tap into it in order to take our spiritual growth further. Prana is life energy, a subtle power that can be used for transformation, healing, and enlightenment.
When we learn how to access and use this energy, our spiritual lives become empowered and enriched. We can experience greater harmony with ourselves and the world around us. The practice of harnessing prana involves:
1) Deepening our awareness of ourselves through meditation and yoga;
2) Learning to recognize prana’s presence in all aspects of life;
3) Connecting with the energy through breathwork exercises;
4) Using visualization techniques to channel the energy.
By mastering these four steps, we open up a door to healing, creativity, joy, and higher consciousness. We gain insight into our true nature and potential, allowing us to cultivate inner peace and foster a sense of freedom from limiting beliefs about ourselves.
Prana helps us release physical tension, mental blocks, and emotional pain – all of which impede our spiritual growth – so that we may move closer toward cosmic awareness. When we allow ourselves to let go of these hindrances, we open up space for new possibilities in our lives. With practice, we begin to feel more connected with Source energy and live each moment more fully conscious of its divine presence.
Connecting With Your Higher Self
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to truly connect with your higher self? To reach beyond the ethers and tap into cosmic awareness, one that will lift us up and give us a sense of freedom from the mundane world? Masters of wisdom dedicate their lives to this very pursuit – understanding how to access the power of our collective spirit.
This journey of connecting with our higher selves requires consistent focus and an open heart. We must be willing to let go of anything blocking our path toward enlightenment, including negative thoughts, fears, and doubts.
In order to make this connection, we must first learn how to feel and harness prana – the vital energy within us – so that we can rise above the physical realm into a state of cosmic awareness.
The process starts by getting in touch with our innermost core. Through meditation, yoga, yoga nidra, spiritual inquiry, contemplation, and prayer we can open ourselves up to receive insight from our higher selves. It is here where we can transcend our egos and limitations, allowing us to experience pure joy and unity with the universe around us. The ultimate reward is discovering true peace within ourselves that will lead us down a path of infinite possibilities.
We may never know exactly what cosmic awareness holds for us, but it is ours for the taking if we are willing to put in the effort required for such a powerful journey. There are no limits to what we can achieve when we reach out beyond ourselves and discover who we really are at our deepest level. With dedication, faith, and openness we can unlock the door to true liberation!
Engaging In Service Work
Engaging in service work is an essential part of achieving cosmic awareness, and it’s estimated that 85% of people who reach that point have incorporated service into their spiritual training. It’s a crucial step to take if you’re looking to connect with your higher self.
When we take on a role of service, our perspective shifts from what we can get out of life to what we can give back. We become more aware of how our actions impact the world around us and how our decisions affect others. This shift in perspective allows us to develop a greater appreciation for life and all its wonders.
Service work helps us become more compassionate and understanding toward ourselves and others; it builds courage within us and gives us a sense of purpose. We are able to see life through another’s eyes, understand their struggles, and accept one another regardless of race or religion.
Service has the power to bring about positive change in the world, for both ourselves and those around us. When we act out of love instead of fear, our hearts expand and open up so that we can truly experience the beauty of life.
Our journey to cosmic awareness starts with engaging in service work—it’s an invaluable tool for connecting with ourselves on a deeper level and discovering who we truly are beneath all the layers. As we learn to be more open-hearted and loving towards each other, transformation takes place within us which leads to true freedom from our own limitations.
Practicing Gratitude And Compassion
Gratitude and compassion are two of the most powerful forces for recognizing our connection to the divine within. It is through expressions of gratitude and compassion that we can open our hearts and minds to a higher level of awareness. Our journey to cosmic awareness begins with a sincere practice of these two virtues.
When we open ourselves up to giving and receiving gratitude and compassion, we experience profound shifts in our perception and relationship to the world around us. By showing appreciation for all that is, we start to feel an inner peace that often leads us closer to spiritual liberation. We become more aware of how much we have, rather than focusing on what we don’t have.
Compassion allows us to see beyond our own needs, wants, desires, and perspectives and embrace other people’s struggles as if they were our own. We come to understand them better, develop empathy, generate understanding, and have genuine compassion for their situation. This helps us let go of judgement, criticism, or any other negative energy so that we can move forward with a sense of love and acceptance instead.
Being able to give and receive both gratitude and compassion puts us in tune with the cosmic frequencies available to us when we focus on this higher level of awareness. As we continue along our spiritual path, it is important that these two practices remain at the forefront so that we can keep growing toward the ultimate goal of cosmic awareness!
Reaching The Ultimate Goal of Cosmic Awareness
The journey to cosmic awareness is an ancient quest, one that has been sought by spiritual seekers since the dawn of time. It is a path of transformation and spiritual awakening, one that requires dedication and practice in order to reach its ultimate goal. By studying the wisdom teachings of great spiritual masters and texts we can gain insight into how to embark on this journey and reach the ultimate goal of cosmic awareness.
At its heart, reaching cosmic awareness involves cultivating gratitude and compassion for both ourselves and others. Through practices such as meditation, yoga, yoga nidra, and mindfulness we can begin to open our hearts to the beauty and mystery of life. This allows us to move beyond limited thinking and experience inner peace, joy, and love. We learn to be more aware of our connection with the divine intelligence that permeates all things. We become part of something larger than ourselves.
Living in alignment with cosmic awareness means living with greater purpose and intention in our lives. This includes being mindful of our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions as they shape our reality.
As we align ourselves with this higher vibration, we are able to transcend our ego-driven desires and focus on what truly matters:
- living a life filled with unconditional love for ourselves and others;
- creating meaningful relationships;
- exploring new avenues;
- helping those in need;
- expressing creativity;
- embracing change;
- acting in accordance with our values;
- living according to universal laws;
- pursuing enlightenment;
- having faith in the unknown;
- honoring nature’s sacredness
These are just some of the ways we can live a life filled with harmony and oneness with all that is.
When we make conscious choices from this higher perspective it helps us break through old patterns of limitation so that we may experience true freedom from within – freedom from fear, doubt, or judgment – allowing us to live a life guided by love rather than fear.
In essence, this is what it means to reach cosmic awareness – it is a state where we have achieved true inner peace through self-awareness, and understanding our connection with all things great and small.
“We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.”
~ T S Eliot
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Effective Way To Access Cosmic Awareness?
Spiritual Inquiry is highly recommended by sages like Ramana Maharshi and Yoga Nidra is akin to what he describes as his death experience that changed his life. In short, when he was just 16 years old he experienced a great fear of death and instead of running away from it he simulated death using the yoga corpse, Savasana, which is the same pose we explore in Yoga Nidra Yoga practise.
After that life-changing death exploration experience, Ramana Maharshi directed people to take up what he called Nan Yar, which is Spiritual inquiry based on the question, ‘Who am I?’
The journey to cosmic awareness is a spiritual journey that has been sought after for thousands of years. It is a state of awareness and unity with the universe, transcending our individual physical boundaries to experience a higher level of connection. But how can we access this divine energy?
Imagining ourselves in a vast ocean, we sense the power of the infinite cosmos pulsing through us. All around us are stars, planets, and galaxies, each one connected to us in an indescribable way. Feeling the peaceful vibrations emanating from within and without, we can feel an inner knowing that it is indeed possible to reach cosmic awareness by opening our hearts and minds to the infinite possibilities available to us.
To access cosmic awareness, we must be willing to let go of all preconceived notions about our place in the world and surrender ourselves to a higher power. This means being open-minded and accepting of all things that come your way in life – even those that may at first seem insurmountable or overwhelming. We need to trust that as we journey down this path, there will be moments when we experience an overwhelming sense of peace that comes with understanding our true purpose in life.
My hope is that you will come away from this exploration feeling inspired and empowered to unlock your highest potential by connecting deeply with yourself and allowing yourself to be guided by your intuition. You have within you all the answers you seek; they simply need to be revealed through your own personal journey into cosmic awareness.
Yoga Nidra is a time-tested way to explore this journey and destination.
Is It Possible To Access Cosmic Awareness Without Spiritual Training?
As we all set out on the path to spiritual growth, we often find ourselves asking: Is it possible to access cosmic awareness without a spiritual teacher? The answer is yes! Spiritual teachers and their trainings are very helpful for the journey of cosmic awareness yet, this isn’t the only way.
You can open yourself up to this new level of awareness and understanding through several alternative methods. One way is by connecting with nature and its natural rhythms. When you take time to sit in nature and observe the beauty that surrounds you, you can experience a sense of inner peace and connection with something greater than yourself. It’s in these moments that we begin to tap into cosmic awareness without any formal training.
Another effective method is meditation. Meditation allows us to clear away the mental clutter that often keeps us from experiencing transcendence. Through deep introspection and reflection, we can observe the flow of energy within ourselves and our connection with the universe at large. This gives us a glimpse into the infinite possibilities available if we choose to go further down this path. It’s possible for anyone who wishes to access this level of understanding without having taken any formal courses or undergone a specific type of spiritual training.
The journey towards cosmic awareness is one that each individual must decide for themselves whether they wish to pursue or not. We all have an innate desire for freedom, which can be accessed through various means outside of traditional spiritual practices. With some effort and dedication, anyone can make great strides towards reaching their highest potential and finding true liberation both within themselves and in life at large.
How Long Does It Typically Take To Reach Cosmic Awareness?
The journey toward cosmic awareness is an exciting adventure of exploration and discovery. It is a process that requires dedication and commitment, but it can be immensely rewarding. The question then arises: how long does it typically take to reach cosmic awareness?
The answer to this question depends on the individual embarking on the spiritual journey. Each person’s path will differ, depending on their own unique background and experiences. The length of time needed to achieve cosmic awareness could range from several months to many years, depending on one’s dedication and willingness to open their heart and mind to the profound transformation that awaits them – and life-changing events like a near-death experience, an accident or the birth of a child are significant factors.
One thing is certain – those who are willing to put in the effort will be rewarded with a newfound understanding of life’s purpose, and a deep connection with the divine forces that govern our universe. With patience, determination, and openness to new ways of thinking, anyone can make progress toward unlocking the doorway to cosmic awareness.
Ultimately, each person must decide for themselves if embarking on this journey is right for them. Each person has their own unique path before them – some may choose to take the road less traveled and seek out a more direct route toward enlightenment. No matter what path one chooses, they are sure to be met with profound rewards along their journey of self-discovery.
What Physical And Mental Effects Come With Cosmic Awareness?
It’s easy to think of cosmic awareness as a purely spiritual experience, but what about the physical and mental effects? After all, this is the ultimate goal of spiritual training. While it may seem too good to be true, I’m here to tell you that cosmic awareness can bring profound physical and mental changes. Here are four ways that cosmic awareness will affect your body and mind:
- Increased energy levels – Cosmic Awareness has been described as an intense wave of energy that can help recharge your internal batteries. In fact, many people who have achieved this level of awareness report feeling much more vibrant and energized throughout their day-to-day life.
- Improved mental clarity – By experiencing the higher vibrational energies associated with cosmic awareness, many people feel more clear-headed than they ever have before. They report having enhanced cognitive abilities and better problem-solving skills.
- Improved emotional stability – As we reach higher states of consciousness, our emotional reactions become balanced and we’re better able to handle stressors without becoming overwhelmed or anxious.
- Improved physical health – This wave of energy helps us balance our hormones and boosts our immune system, which leads to improved physical health overall. Additionally, some people also report being able to heal faster from illnesses or injuries after reaching this level of awareness.
Clearly, there are numerous physical and mental benefits associated with achieving cosmic awareness – benefits that go beyond just spiritual fulfillment! The key is to stay dedicated on your journey toward this higher state of being in order to truly reap its rewards – both spiritually and physically!
How Can I Tell If I Am Making Progress Toward Cosmic Awareness?
It is always a beautiful thing when one’s spiritual journey begins to unfold. The journey to cosmic awareness can be a rewarding, life-altering experience that brings about physical, mental, and spiritual growth. So how can you tell if you are making progress toward your ultimate goal?
Whenever we embark on a spiritual path of awakening, we must learn to pay attention to the subtle signs of transformation. When one consciously shifts towards greater awareness, it can manifest in many ways. We may start to notice increased energy levels, an expanded sense of joy or peace, and a newfound clarity of thought. These signs indicate that we are beginning to open up to the divine within us and our connection with the Universe.
It is also important to recognize what makes us feel stuck or stagnant in our development. This could include negative thoughts or feelings of fear or doubt. If these emotions arise during our spiritual quest, it is important to face them head-on by recognizing their presence and using practices like meditation, yoga or journaling to help process them. It may also be beneficial to seek out support from a trusted mentor or teacher who can offer insight into our own unique journey.
The most important factor for gauging progress towards cosmic awareness is our own intuition—listening carefully for its promptings and following them with faith and trust. As we step more fully into alignment with ourselves and the Universe around us, we become empowered by this knowing that resides deep within each of us!
In The End…
The journey to cosmic awareness is a powerful one. It’s a path that leads us to the ultimate goal of spiritual training and can give us deeply meaningful experiences.
This journey isn’t for the faint of heart, but I believe that anyone can reach cosmic awareness with dedication and perseverance. It may take some time, but with the right guidance and practice, we can all achieve this enlightening state of being.
My advice is to focus on your inner work – be mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors – and trust in yourself and the universe. This will help you make steady progress toward cosmic awareness. As the saying goes, “slow and steady wins the race”. Don’t be discouraged if it takes longer than expected; just stay focused on your goal and keep going!
