Welcome to Headless Thoughts
This is a newsletter about the spiritual journey, explored through philosophy, religion, and science. My intent is never to persuade you of my position. Only to share it.
Where I’m coming from
I’m not an academic. And I don’t hold credentials in philosophy or science. But I’ve spent a lot of time with philosophy, religious texts, and scientific papers. And along the way, I’ve come to some conclusions about the nature of the self.
The name of this publication comes from Douglas Harding’s On Having No Head. More than any other book I’ve read, it fundamentally changed the way I see the world.
You never enjoy the world aright, till the sea itself floweth in your veins, till you are clothed with the heavens, and crowned with the stars. — Thomas Traherne
Wanting to reform the world without discovering one’s true self is like trying to cover the world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes.
— Ramana Maharshi
I spend much of my time studying and practicing Buddhism, Taoism, Advaita Vedanta, Christian mysticism, and Harding’s Headless Way. I don’t approach any of them as a matter of belief or revelation. They all point toward direct experience. Which is what interests me most.
Our minds are all we have. They are all we have ever had. And they are all we can offer others. Every experience you have ever had has been shaped by your mind. Every relationship is as good or as bad as it is because of the minds involved. — Sam Harris
What to expect
Two articles a week, plus an open invitation: if something here sparks a thought or a question, reply anytime. I’d love to hear from you.
I’m glad you’re here.
— Collin
