Embracing Allowance: Unlocking Consciousness and Personal Empowerment

Special Guest Gary Douglas www.GaryMDouglas.com or  www.accessconsciousness.co

Haider’s free workbook at https://soulful-awakening.com/free 

In this episode of the Human Potential Podcast, I, welcome Gary Douglas, founder of Access Consciousness and international bestselling author. We delve into Gary's book, "The Gift of Allowance," and explore the transformative concept of allowance—a state of being where everything is seen as just a point of view, free from judgment.

Gary's journey began in a middle-class family in San Diego, with a childhood marked by simplicity and stability. His fascination with Shakespeare set him apart from his peers, reflecting his lifelong quest for deeper understanding. This pursuit led him to develop Access Consciousness, a movement aimed at expanding consciousness and empowering individuals to live more fulfilling lives.

A significant moment in Gary's adolescence—a confrontation with a friend—exposed his father's rigid expectations and revealed Gary's resilience. This incident, combined with his father's difficult upbringing during the Great Depression, shaped Gary's perspective on life and relationships. Despite their differences, Gary learned to view his father's actions through the lens of allowance, seeing them as neither right nor wrong, but simply as his father's point of view.

Gary introduces the concept of allowance as a tool to navigate life's challenges without being swayed by others' viewpoints. He shares practical techniques, such as asking "Who does this belong to?" to identify and release beliefs that don't serve us. By adopting this approach, Gary transformed his own life, moving from rigidity to a state of fluidity and openness.

Through personal anecdotes, Gary illustrates the power of allowance in everyday situations, like overcoming inherited biases or making intuitive decisions about investments. His method encourages us to see all perspectives as interesting points of view, fostering a sense of freedom and possibility.

Our conversation explores the transformative potential of allowance, emphasizing its role in reducing self-judgment and enhancing personal empowerment. Gary's wisdom invites us to embrace our unique paths, trust our inner knowing, and live with greater ease and joy.

Listeners are encouraged to practice these principles, using tools like asking "What's right about this that I'm not getting?" to shift their mindset and create more positive outcomes. Gary's message is clear: by cultivating allowance, we can unlock our true potential and navigate life with grace and clarity.

We delve into the complex themes of allowance and sex, examining the dynamics between personal pleasure and relational expectations. A story about a former partner highlights the tension when one person's approach to sexual satisfaction clashes with another's desires and needs, contributing to the breakdown of their marriage. This sets the stage for a broader discussion on 'interesting point of view' and how differing perspectives on sex and relationships shape experiences.

Gary shares reflections on relationships, emphasizing how differing viewpoints and unmet expectations can lead to discontent and separation. He reveals his journey from a romantic idealist to a realist, underscoring the importance of gratitude and acceptance in sustaining long-term partnerships. This segues into a conversation about the distinction between romance, relationship, and sex, where romance is described as the joy derived from seducing oneself and others, often leading to a utopian ideal that love will conquer all.

Further into the discussion, we shift to the psychological and emotional aspects of relationships. Gary highlights societal pressures and gender norms that shape behaviour and expectations, particularly how men and women handle downtime and responsibilities differently. He offers practical advice for improving marital satisfaction, stressing the importance of understanding and accommodating each other's needs.

The episode also touches on my evolving perspective on consciousness, energy, and the potential for creating lasting love through aligned beliefs and intentions. We explore the idea that belief systems and points of view create one's reality, and the importance of being aware of these in relationships. This leads to a debate on the feasibility of sustaining lifelong romantic love and the role of personal and mutual growth.

In a lighter vein, Gary shares his love for horses, linking past life connections and the deep bond humans share with these majestic animals. The conversation transitions to the significance of historical artefacts, with Gary sharing his passion for collecting and preserving antiques, and his desire to donate them to educational institutions for future generations.

Towards the end, we return to the core theme of allowance and judgment, particularly in relation to the body. Gary challenges common perceptions about body image and health, encouraging listeners to question where these judgments originate and to adopt a more accepting and holistic view of their bodies.

This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of personal beliefs, relationships, and the broader human experience, offering valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the complexities of love, sex, and personal growth.