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C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 97 ENERGY WORK greater than anything in the mere physical realm. 2 This is the reality that holds all our answers, as well as the willpower and wisdom needed to fulfill our destiny. The turiya is where our body, mind, and soul intertwine and create our truth. How do we help our clients access this higher consciousness? We assist them in shifting into the bardo state, a space devoid of worldly clutter. The bardo is a subtle and sacred space that has been known to cultures around the world and across time. It is a sort of in-between place or state in which we can examine what's really important to us and why. The bardo is a familiar concept among many Buddhist, Chinese, Egyptian, Hindu, and Tibetan cultures. Basically, a bardo space exists between any measurable state of existence. Another way to describe it is as a transition space in which we can perceive what suits our "turiya consciousness" or higher self, free ourselves from limiting programs, gain insight that will guarantee the highest outcomes, and perceive goals that are wholesome or holistic. There are many depictions of these bardo or "gap" states. Some consider the bardo a series of psychospiritual states. Each of these is like a separate room that allows us to open to what the Tibetans call the "Clear Light," which is similar to what the Hindus call the turiya. The classical bardo states are the space in which the soul pauses before incarnating and the space available after dying. But bardo spaces exist at every level of existence. They include the moments between the in and out breaths, the lapse between heartbeats, and the pause between decision and action. In other words, a bardo space exists between any transition. 3 Esoteric experts including Buddhist educator Chogyam Trungpa recommend accessing the bardo state as a way to get out of the confusion that typically muddles decision making and goal setting. As he explained, trying to think our way into a decision immediately paralyzes us, forcing us to analyze what we should versus shouldn't do. A bardo state, on the other hand, is a sort of no-man's-land that allows us to perceive what is continuous and true. 4 SETTING GOALS IN A BARDO STATE When helping clients arrive at goals that integrate their souls, everyday lives, and healing endeavors, I help them enter a bardo state in simple ways. Following are a few easy ways to help clients establish goals through this transitory space. 1. Pause the breath. When helping clients create goals, ask them to pause slightly at the top or bottom of their breaths. They can continue to breathe cyclically, but should briefly think about their main issue on either side of a breath. They can conduct this activity for a minute or two. Also ask them to sense the feeling, awareness, image, or message that comes to them through this process. Then have them take a couple of additional deep breaths and begin to set AIM-full goals. 2. Picture a clear light. As stated, the turiya state is accompanied by the clear light of consciousness. Ask your client to picture or sense a clean white light and to bask in it when goal setting. They can embrace whatever appears and you can then help them package their awareness in AIM terms. 3. Linger in the inner chamber of the heart. The very center of the heart is often identified as a void or bardo space. Ask your client to focus on their heart and think about their current bodywork or healing goals. In this space, they can perceive additional ideas and action steps that might be helpful. 4. Go for a quality. Ask your client what quality they are truly seeking in their life and healing work. Will the AIM-oriented goals and steps needed ultimately result in faith, hope, truth, love, compassion, or some other virtue? Concentrating on that quality will assist your client in staying on track. Remember also to access your own bardo spaces when working with a client. Take a moment between breaths and connect with your essential self. Clear yourself of negativity by sensing the space between your heartbeats. And when setting your own goals, make sure to AIM high. Focus on that which is achievable, important, and measurable, but also vital to every level of your being. This luminous space that will enable clarity and empowerment exists everywhere, all the time, linking you to all things sacred. Notes 1. C. Gazoulas et al., "Psychological Aspects of Rehabilitation Following Serious Athletic Injuries with Special Reference to Goal Setting: A Review Study," Physical Training (2007), accessed November 2016, www.ejmas.com/ pt/2007pt/ptart_galazoulas_0707.html. 2. E. Thompson, Waking, Dreaming, Being: Self and Consciousness in Neuroscience, Meditation, and Philosophy (New York: Columbia University Press, 2015): 10, 86. 3. MeditationExpert.com, "All About Bardo Practices and How to Cultivate Them," accessed November 2016, www.meditationexpert.com/meditation- techniques/m_Bardo_practices.html. 4. C. Trungpa, The Collected Works, Volume Six (Boston: Shambhala Publications, 2004): 95–6. Cyndi Dale is an internationally renowned author, speaker, and intuitive consultant. Her books include the bestselling The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy (Sounds True, 2009), The Complete Book of Chakra Healing (Llewellyn Publications, 2009), and Advanced Chakra Healing (Crossing Press, 2005). To learn more about Dale and her products, services, and classes, please visit www.cyndidale.com.