Total Acceptance by Timothy Victor
Some would suggest that from a spiritual perspective, there is a downward spiral in our society, with many choosing the power of ego, or evil, over good. It is a world in upheaval, with people becoming more self-centered, more narcissistic, and caring less about family, friends and neighbors.
One person holding to this belief is Timothy Victor, a modern-day mystic who, by studying Christianity, Tibetan Buddhism, Hatha and Raja Yoga, has attained a unique understanding of ego, self-worth and our higher self.
“In the midst of this confusion,” Victor also believes, “are those caring more, people not deceived by their ego, taking part in a spiritual revolution.”
Victor’s thoughts and ideas are laid out in his new book, Total Acceptance: Choosing the Power of Love Over the Power of Ego (Gatekeeper Press). He says the book is a compass for anyone heading in that direction.
More specifically, the book is targeted to “those who see evil in the world and wonder why. To those who see people committing unspeakable brutality, often with no remorse, and to those who want to express love in their life and want to contribute to the good in the world.”
We spoke with the author himself about what sent him on this journey for enlightenment and how different spiritual paths can lead to the same place.
Q: What compelled you to write this book?
A: I wrote this book to share ancient knowledge regarding ego and our higher self — where our intuition, conscience and mental telepathy come from. Also, to share something called auto-suggestion, a method of self-hypnotism used to reprogram your subconscious, building positive traits while tearing down negative habits.
Originally, it was written as a quest to answer my own questions. Later, I realized many others had similar questions, especially regarding the duality of good and evil. There are many helpful essays in this book. The main message is that ego is a substitute for self-worth. This book explores this statement in full, with a logic that is difficult to deny. Low self-worth can cause pain, can cause a feeling of being lost or empty. Elevating your self-worth will ease this feeling. Total Acceptance offers a solution: to gain spiritual self-worth instead of being ruled by our ego.
Q: What first drew you to seeking out spiritual truths?
A: Conflict. As a child I had two loving parents. They could not explain the cruelty, violence or the self-serving attitude in our society. The choice to seek spiritual truths was no choice. It was either living in depression or finding answers. Reading the Bible was comforting but not the answer to the conflict.
Tibetan Buddhism offered wisdom and curious thought. It said people are asleep even though they are awake. This describes living in a low consciousness. This led to studying Hatha Yoga and ancient India, which eventually led to Raja Yoga, describing our true identity. This was the last piece of the puzzle. All of this was the birth of Total Acceptance — a spiritual method of understanding and easing the conflict of living in this duality.
Q: You’ve studied texts from several religions, such as Christianity, Tibetan Buddhism, Hatha and Raja Yoga. Do you find that these religious teachings contradict each other, or support each other, or some of both?
A: There is no contradiction. In fact, there is agreement on the most important issues. The power of love is at the core of the New Testament of the Bible. The power of spiritual love is also at the core of Tibetan Buddhism, Hatha and Raja Yoga. All of these ancient belief systems are written in different books, on the same paper.
Belief systems are a reflection of those who have created them. The absolute truth is we humans are more similar than different. It is true we, in the west, envision a personal God. Eastern thinking envisions universal love as the closeness. All of these belief systems have a plan for salvation. Different spiritual paths that lead to the same place.
Q: What do you think is your target audience for this book?
A: People of all nationalities begin their spiritual journeys at all ages. This book is for anyone living in confusion — those feeling empty, not knowing why. It is for anyone who sees the duality in our world, in us, between good and evil — those with a casual interest in a spiritual understanding or those with a need to know what being spiritual means or what ego is all about.
Q: What is one small change you would suggest for anyone looking to break away from being caught up in material elements of our current world?
A: A small change would be to take your thoughts away from materialism once in a while and focus on connecting with yourself and others. Imagine a small circle around you. In this circle is patience, compassion, and kindness you give to yourself. Then, widen the circle to others you know, then to those you do not know. Also, practice the candlelight meditation and the ocean meditation in the back of this book as you live these three attributes in your life.
To those addicted to materialism, ponder these two quotes:
“What good is it to profit the world if you lose your soul?” (from The Bible)
“Attachment to material goods kills the soul.” (from Tibetan Buddhism)
Q: What do you hope readers take away from Total Acceptance?
A: Greater self-awareness of how ego influences us in destructive ways when we have poor self-worth. Along with a willingness, a choice to follow the suggestions in Total Acceptance to reduce ego and elevate our spiritual self-worth. My hope is that readers will develop a choice to forgive themselves and others, without blaming or placing guilt or shame — where we choose to resolve instead without judging, as outlined in this book.
There are also six meditations to calm your mind and help you focus. This is a self-help book. A manual to help you understand yourself and others. Hopefully, these suggestions will improve your life.
Hopefully people will also take away and practice the exercise to connect with others. That reminds us we are all angelic, immortal souls.
