By A.H. Almaas - The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature Through the Practice of Presence

by A.H. Almaas

In his most accessible work to date, contemporary mystic A. H. Almaas shows readers how being present and aware in the moment leads to the discovery of our True Nature. This relaxed condition of simply “being yourself ” allows us to be free from worries, attachments, feelings of inadequacy, preoccupation with goals, and efforts to eliminate experiences we don’t want. As we begin to embrace the truth of the moment, we feel more like ourselves, and this leads to greater self-acceptance, contentment, and harmony.Almaas brings clarity and understanding to the intimate details of this inner work, which makes use of self-observation and the contemplative method he calls inquiry. Each chapter includes an “exploration session” with questions for the reader’s practice of self-inquiry.

Genres: Spirituality, Psychology, Buddhism, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Religion

Paperback

First published June 10, 2008

About the author

A.H. Almaas is the pen name of A. Hameed Ali, the creator of the Diamond Approach to Self Realization. The Diamond Approach is a contemporary teaching that developed within the context of awareness of both ancient spiritual teachings & modern depth psychological theories.

Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually had the intention of reading Eating The Dinosaur as my next book, so I grabbed it off the shelf and left it sitting on my table. When I came back to it a few minutes later my boyfriend had discritely slipped The Unfolding Now on top of my other book. Out of curiousity I picked it up and began to read the first few pages; I shortly found myself glued for the next two days. I have always felt that all my troubles in life stem from the fact that my expectations are just way to high for me to ever enjoy my life as it is. The Unfolding Now explores concepts of how to be in the present moment and to simply just be and this book is exactly what I had been looking for. Normally this book would not be my style, but it is well written and allows inquiry into the self and the true nature which is the essence of everything. The Unfolding Now provides insight into letting things be as they are and I would highly recommend it to everyone interested in truth and the meaning of life.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

How does it feel to live life, from the inside? Ouchie? Or expansive, spacious? Why? This is a gentle but sophisticated book that helps me explore myself, even my least loved places. I think Almaas is a boldly-going traveler of inner space, and my fellow Trekkies will be pleased in this serious work to learn where resistance truly *is* futile…A nice way to read this book is with a friend, a chapter or two at a time, stopping to explore the exercises. Wanting to know what it really is to be human, I’m pretty sure Data would get Geordi to read The Unfolding Now with him, most profitably….

[Justin Heath · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning of the book offered some interesting insights into how we hinder ourselves from being present and various means of overcoming this obstacle. However, I found that as the book progressed, it became more of an exercise in intellectual masturbation - and that's when it lost me. Kind of hard to be present when you're over-analyzing things. In my view, being present is more about willingness than understanding and simplicity rather than complexity.

Or maybe I just struggle to be present, so my mind created a reason to judge the book and stop reading it. Hmmm....

[Tony Bertauski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read concerning spiritual practice. Almaas has several great books, in particular the Diamond Heart series, but The Unfolding Now is his best. I've read this book many times and always find it applicable as I get older and my practice matures.

I've never had the privilege to work with one of his groups, but I found the reading to be indispensable. I don't how accessible it is if you have had no prior experience with mediation or Zen practice since I was fortunate enough to work with Joko Beck (formerly of the San Diego Zen Center) before reading it. Many of Almaas's lectures seem to build on some of this prior experience and learning.

[Khalisa Kitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will probably use this book until it's dog eared. I am deeply drawn to the work and practice of self inquiry as taught by Almaas, and this gem is like a companion manual for use when one decides to commit to being present to the self with curiosity, openness, loving kindness, boldness, courage and honesty. Almaas writing is very practical and offers clear guidance for being simply where one is.

[Luke Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I'll be digesting and coming back to this book for a very long time. Originally recommended by a meditation teacher, I shelved this book as I couldn't get into its style (or wasn't ready for it at the time). I'm glad I revisited it. This book unpacks what it's like to sit, meditate, and be aware, but does so in incredible detail. Each chapter is a lesson unto itself, finishing with an exercise at the end. The book progresses in profundity as it goes on, leading you into lessons that continue to unlock more reality. Advocating a method of meditation called 'inquiry', this book has opened my eyes up to just how deep meditation can go. A compelling read for anybody looking to build on the mindfulness practice.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two-thirds of this book seem quite useful, offering an exploration of reality and how we create stories around it that hide the truth of our selves. The last third is too "woo-woo" for me, too metaphysical; he may be describing reality, but it's too different from my experience for me to appreciate.

[Patricia Joynton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have misplaced this book, but I'm quite sure it will show up when I'm finished unpacking and going through my vacation things.

[Lanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 1/4 of way though and I already know I will read this over and over. Helping me so much. I've got a hard copy and kindle copy and it's worth every penny.

[mrs rhys · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Compassion is necessary, but it needs to be balanced with a strength in the form of an adventurous spirit, a spirit that wants to experience the unknown. We're talking about a sense of vitality & strength that is not passively waiting for things to happen, but is dynamic & interested in what might arise at any moment. We're talking about being ready to go - although we don't go anywhere, really. We just keep being where we are in every moment."

An excellent spiritual exploration into the importance & value of presence. Only reason it wasn't a 5-star was because I wanted more practical exploration sessions to dig deeper.

[Ara]

I read this on a whim because I remembered someone wise had read it once. It was hard to put down because it was putting into words the connection I was struggling to make between western and eastern thought. Mainly IFS and Buddhism, however, it leaves room to be desired around practice, maybe its towards the end but I read a decent chunk and didn't get much besides the connection I mentioned earlier, which I think I will re-visit in the future when I have more energy.

[Wazee Walks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ON point 10/10

[Ad Huikeshoven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be in the here and now. Be yourself.

[Fluencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book from Almaas. Almaas is an underrated author in the spirituality genre. Throughout this book, Almaas discusses something that is outside the mechanism of words and the mind, to "give a hint" as to what awaits beyond the realms of the mind. His ability to explain difficult ideas that are inherently hard to explain, is astounding. This is a very accessible book with exploratory session prompts at the end of each chapter. there are 18 chapters with 18 prompts. I recommend this book highly to anyone who is interested in doing inner work.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almaas makes more sense in person than he does on paper, at least to me. However, I embrace the idea that we are static, changing, active beings and in that we oftentimes forget to stand back and observe our experiences in order to profit more from them. Lately I am able to achieve this with my children, just gazing at them and watching them and sensing my personal reaction knowing they are a part of me.

[Niklas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Diamond Heart student, I find this one of Hameed's most accessible books on the nature of Inquiry and the journey to oneself.

[Kipbob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked getting another view, another angle on shifting from the chattering monkey to enlightenment. Something we can do before traveling to the other side.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walks you step by step through becoming present in your life; in this moment. Great aid with meditation, yoga, and nature walks. My highest recommendation!

[Elizabeth Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very much appreciating Almaas's unique application of psychological insights on spiritual growth. I'm learning a lot. But man, are his books grueling to read!

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just do it NOW! Read this book.