Bartholomew opened this session by addressing the physical manifestations many students are experiencing as part of an unprecedented planetary acceleration. He described increased energy voltage in bodies - sometimes pleasant, sometimes uncomfortable - manifesting as sensations of ants crawling on limbs, heat in hands and feet, and overall physical intensity. This personal acceleration mirrors global changes including increased wind velocity worldwide and the phenomenon of people "cramming multiple lifetimes into one life" through rapid job changes, relationship transitions, geographical moves, and cycles of health and illness.

The teaching this time emphasized that this is a magnificent experiment and heroic journey occurring both individually and planetarily. Bartholomew categorically stated that no energy - including himself - is present to keep anyone safe from life's exciting possibilities, as this would minimize the mystery and wonder of the adventure. He stressed that while he will assist during difficulties, the intention is never to prevent the natural unfolding of transformative experiences. This experimental nature requires embracing uncertainty while trusting that whatever occurs serves maximum awakening.

Central to the discussion is the acceleration of consciousness work happening globally. Bartholomew pointed out that 500 years ago, virtually no one sought enlightenment, whereas today millions are actively pursuing awakening. This represents an influx of transformative energy with the specific intention of bringing enlightenment to embodied beings in this lifetime. He predicted that more people will achieve full human enlightenment in the next ten years than in the previous 10,000 years, making this the optimal time for transformation.

The teaching addressed students' discouragement about their spiritual progress by explaining that the acceleration naturally brings shadow material to consciousness. Rather than indicating failure, this represents successful self-observation leading to awareness of humanity's inherent selfishness and dual nature. Bartholomew guided students to observe the tidal flow between praise and blame, like and dislike, without trying to force themselves into permanent positivity - comparing this futile effort to forcing the ocean to move in only one direction.

The core instruction focused on developing moment-to-moment awareness through watching thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. This creates spaciousness in consciousness, contrasting with the "packed" mental state of those experiencing psychological imbalance. The practice involves grounding in the physical body, maintaining present-moment awareness, and observing the natural rise and fall of all experiences rather than getting lost in future projections or past regrets.

The session culminated in exploring authentic trust - not as demanding others never cause discomfort, but as recognizing one's own fundamental trustworthiness and resilience. Bartholomew emphasized that everyone possesses an unshakeable power center that never leaves the body and requires no external validation. This intrinsic matrix of awareness remains intact even during the most challenging experiences, eliminating the need for pity and enabling genuine compassion based on recognizing others' inherent strength and wisdom.

This teaching concluded with powerful encouragement about the unprecedented opportunity available now. With transformative energy intensifying and multiple lifetimes of karma resolving rapidly, this represents an optimal moment for awakening. The path requires simply watching awareness itself - noticing the unchanging witnessing presence that observes all thoughts, emotions, and experiences while remaining eternally present and untouched by the content of experience.