We all know those fleeting moments of joy, but what if this joy isn’t just an occasional state but your true essence? What if, deep within, you already are the joy you seek? What if you could experience this joy permanently in your life—regardless of external circumstances?
This article explores how you can discover and experience this true joy within yourself—using the Feel-Flow-Fade Method.
Let’s start from the beginning.
A Timeless Question: Where Do We Find True Happiness?
The Feel-Flow-Fade Method is more than just a tool—it is the result of a long journey of insights spanning thousands of years. Its roots lie in traditions focused on liberating humans from suffering. Centuries ago, people faced existential struggles: fear, worries, sorrow, and an ongoing inner unrest.
Today, in our modern world, it seems as though we’ve overcome many external challenges. We live in an era of technological progress and material abundance. Yet, even though many of us appear to live in prosperity, a deeper question remains:
Are we truly happier? Have these developments brought us closer to love, peace, and gratitude, or has true inner happiness remained untouched?
The Roots of the Feel-Flow-Fade Method
The answer to this question can be found in ancient wisdom teachings, rooted in philosophies like those of Buddha and classical yoga scriptures. Especially in tantric philosophy, this practice was described explicitly and profoundly. These teachings invite us to explore the nature of our inner world, detach from emotional bonds, and immerse ourselves in the true essence of our being.
For centuries, this knowledge was passed from teacher to student and was a cornerstone of spiritual traditions.
Despite its profound wisdom, the method remained largely inaccessible to the general public, often cloaked in cryptic language and reserved for “initiates.” Today, however, this ancient wisdom is surfacing as a powerful tool for achieving inner peace.
Through my study of the Pratyabhijñā-hṛdaya, a text from Kashmiri Shaivism, and its translation by Christopher Wallis (The Recognition Sutras), I rediscovered detailed instructions for this practice. Conversations with my teachers led me to the decision to make this precious teaching practical, applicable, and accessible for today’s world.
A Modern Synthesis
I realized that I wanted to summarize this teaching in a clear form and make it accessible to modern life.
The method I now call Feel-Flow-Fade is a synthesis of everything I’ve learned over the years through studying these ancient texts and my personal experiences.
By combining the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern insights, I developed a simple structure divided into three clear steps: Feel, Flow, Fade.
These steps provide not only practical guidance but also the key to recognizing and experiencing the true essence of humanity—an essence deeply rooted in all of us and described in classical tantric philosophy as pure joy.
Why the Feel-Flow-Fade Method is So Effective
Many of us engage deeply with our emotions: we explore inherited traits, work with our inner child, or reflect on our past. While these approaches are valuable, they often have limitations.
Some emotions remain deeply entrenched, even after years of reflection.
This is where the Feel-Flow-Fade Method comes in. It goes beyond mere acceptance and awareness of emotional causes by focusing on the energy underlying each emotion.
This method shows that it’s not the thoughts or stories surrounding a feeling that matter most, but the physical sensations accompanying it.
When these physical sensations dissolve through gentle observation, the emotional charge also disappears. A state of inner calm emerges—deeper than anything achieved through mere acceptance.
The Three Steps of the Feel-Flow-Fade Method
Feel:Focus on the physical sensations accompanying an emotion. The goal is not to analyze or label the emotion but to perceive the underlying sensations without judgment or resistance.
Flow:In this step, the energy of these sensations begins to flow. All that’s required is gentle attention. There’s no need to force or control anything. Relaxing and observing allow the energy to flow through the body until it naturally dissolves, like mist.
Fade:Once the physical sensations have dissolved, the emotional charge is gone. The emotion dissipates, leaving behind inner calm and a wonderful sense of relaxation. The mind becomes free, quiet, and clear.
A Personal Example of Facing Anxiety
To illustrate the method’s power, let me share a personal example.
Recently, on a busy day filled with retreat preparations, I overheard my husband and son planning a weekend ultralight flight while I’d be away. I felt calm and happy for them as they rarely had time together.
But later that night, as I lay in bed, my imagination ran wild. I pictured all the things that could go wrong, and sleep became impossible.
Amid these loud thoughts, a familiar inner voice reminded me:“This is a chance to practice. Shift your focus to your physical sensations. Step out of your thoughts and observe your body.”
So, I redirected my attention to the sensations in my body. This time, I didn’t feel familiar sensations like pressure or heat. Instead, there was a hollow tube on the left side between my throat and heart, pulsating. My fascination with this unusual experience held my attention, and soon, I checked back in with my feelings of worry and anxiety.
They were gone.“It worked again—how brilliant this little intervention is,” I thought, and drifted off to sleep.
The True Essence of Humanity: Joy
The Feel-Flow-Fade Method shows that emotio
ns don’t just have to be accepted—they can be entirely dissolved. This leads to a sense of freedom. More than that, it reveals the truth: people are already free. Free from the mind’s stories and emotional patterns that have long held them captive.
This method unlocks access to the true essence of humanity, described in classical tantric philosophy as joy.
The Benefits of the Feel-Flow-Fade Method
This method allows you to:
Attain profound emotional freedom by dissolving the energetic basis of emotions.
Cultivate inner calm and composure, regardless of external circumstances.
Access your true essence—characterized by joy, love, and contentment.
Conclusion: The Journey to Inner Joy
The Feel-Flow-Fade Method is far more than a tool for processing emotions. It opens a pathway to experiencing the true essence of humanity—an essence marked by joy, love, and deep inner peace.
What you truly are is joy. The Feel-Flow-Fade Method makes this state accessible to you.
Ready to Practice?
On my channel, SELF&CALM – Meditations for Serenity and Self-Development, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Audible, you’ll find a meditation designed to help you observe your physical sensations. It’s simple, beautiful, and deeply relaxing.
Click here to access the meditation on your favorite platform: Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Recommended Reading and Videos
For those who want to dive deeper into the topic:
Christopher D. Wallis:
Licht auf Tantra (Book)
Near Enemies of the Truth (Book)
Being with Intense Emotion (YouTube)
Lisa Feldman Barrett:
How Emotions Are Made (Book)
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