This session focused on fear as a pathway to bliss, addressing how the infinite changes occurring both personally and globally are generating widespread fear unless one remains centered in the Self. Bartholomew distinguishes between two approaches to working with fear: the unsuccessful method involves struggling like a fish caught in a net, desperately seeking mental escape routes and pseudo-solutions, while the successful approach requires complete surrender to the uncomfortable feeling without running away through mental excuses, future hopes, or physical distractions.

This teaching extended this principle to physical pain, introducing the revolutionary concept of experiencing "pain present in a body" rather than "my pain." This subtle shift creates gentle distancing that allows one to remain present with even excruciating sensations without the compulsive, terrifying edge that typically accompanies pain. Bartholomew drew parallels to childbirth, where women willingly accept intense sensations because of the anticipated result, suggesting that all pain can be approached as a teacher and gift when one stops fighting and remains present in the moment with the Self.

A central theme here emphasized that in the presence of the Self, "all needs are met absolutely in the moment." Using examples of martyrs and Christ's crucifixion, Bartholomew illustrated how the Self provides everything genuinely needed - not necessarily removing physical discomfort, but offering the grace, ease, and softness to handle any circumstance. The key insight is that trials and tribulations are not hurdles to overcome before reaching God, but the very locations where freedom lies. This challenges the common spiritual misconception of needing to "get through" difficulties to find peace on the other side.

The session addressed the ego's addiction to drama and problem-solving conversations, revealing how constantly discussing difficulties creates a "humming" vibrational frequency that affects everyone in one's presence. Bartholomew suggested a radical alternative: more silence. He challenged the assumption that external stimulation is more interesting than inner silence, pointing out that the very external world causing pain through its constant rising and falling could be replaced by trusting the "undescribable awareness" that contains everything genuinely sought.

Bartholomew encouraged honest examination of whether external acquisitions actually provide lasting happiness, noting that even desired outcomes like being loved or having money quickly generate new anxieties about loss or duration. True happiness was described as something that "bubbles up from the heart of being" and remains present even during breakdowns, losses, and physical pain - not merely the temporary relief between problems that most people mistake for contentment.

The practical instruction involves identifying one's primary fear (whatever one spends most time worrying about) and recognizing this as one's specific "path to God." Rather than trying to solve or escape these recurring concerns, the practice requires catching the mind when it picks up these familiar "bones" of worry and simply saying "Stop it" before dropping into silence. Bartholomew promised that the "absolute bliss of being" experienced even momentarily is far more satisfying than anything achievable externally, making this the most compelling and practical approach to living. The session concluded with the assurance that in the formless silence of being, all the great awakened ones are accessible, and their essence continues to manifest healing and hope through those who stop running from their own inner light and safety.