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Although no one was listening except me. Actually, of course, there’s room for a whole spectrum of approaches to waking up. Spirituality, like music, is a matter of taste. Some people like classical spirituality and others like pop. I get impatient with both, because I want things to be accessible without sacrificing depth. But it’s no good just carping on about what I don’t like. I need to offer my own idiosyncratic approach as another option. That’s what I’ll do in my new book. And if spirituality were music, I’d like it to combine the irreverent iconoclasm of rock ’n’ roll, the sophistication of acid jazz, the clarity of minimalist glitch, the big heart of old-school soul, the infectious drive of funky breakbeat .

If I did let go of my story, I’d be an amnesiac, for goodness’ sake. I wouldn’t know where I am or how to get home. ” I feel resistance to his comment in the room because we’ve been playing in the mystery for some time, and most people are reluctant to go back to critical thinking quite yet. But I’m happy for him to push me, because doubt makes us more conscious, so I reply: “Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying that we should abandon our stories about life because, as you say, this would leave us utterly disoriented.

I continue, “So here’s the thing. We don’t need to have a breakdown to have a breakthrough. We don’t need to wait until we’re so entrenched in our story that the only way out is through some sort of violent psychological revolution. We can be conscious of the mystery right now, without dismantling our story. ” Now he’s looking more relaxed and his tone of voice softens, “I can see that. My story has evolved listening to you this evening. And it’s been a painless experience . . ” We both laugh, and so does the audience.