While in LA, I’ve had Uber drivers from Armenia and Iran.

Both men asked me if I was visiting, which opened the door to beautiful conversations.

I asked the Armenian driver what he missed most about home.

I asked him to describe the food.

When he found out I was a dentist, his face lit up—he shared that he was a chiropractor in his home country and is now in the process of getting licensed here.

At some point, our conversation turned to the state of the world. I said something like,

"I experience spirituality outside the context of religion and aim to model radical humility."

He nodded. He, too, was not religious but believed in a unified source.

I told him that one of my intentions is to help others—especially those with rigid views—feel truly seen. To create a space where questioning one's beliefs feels safe, not shameful.

Because I don’t believe we can heal as a country until enough people, regardless of religion, surrender the idea that their group alone holds the truth.

Because that belief isn’t rooted in a universally abundant and benevolent source.

That belief is ego. That belief is Edging God Out.

And when we surrender the tiny, fleeting payoff of ego—the part of us that clings to being right or special—something incredible happens.

Radical freedom lies on the other side.

A freedom that releases perfectionism. That loosens the patterns and unconscious fears that control us when we’re locked in an ego-driven state.

Later, another Uber ride. This time, an Iranian driver.

He overheard a video I was watching—our president speaking—and asked about it.

I apologized immediately. “I’m sorry. I know even hearing his voice can be uncomfortable.”

That small acknowledgement led to the most beautiful conversation about his past—moving to America almost 50 years ago, what he missed about home, and his fears about our current administration.

Before I got out of the car, I asked him:

"As a privileged white woman born in this country, what advice do you have for me? In what ways do I still have blinders?"

He paused. He smiled. He met my eyes.

And though he never answered directly, he said he felt hopeful—hopeful that a radical shift in consciousness is already happening.

A tipping point.

One we will reach faster when we each take the brave step to look within.

Further reading:

“A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle (my all-time favorite book)

Blog posts related to his work:

Awaken to the Infinite Possibilities of the Present

Finding Unity in Spiritual Wisdom

Recognizing the Human Condition: Insights from Ancient Religious Teachings

The Ego and the Higher Self

The Transformative Power of Recognizing Our Pain-Body

Unlocking Presence

“Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender” by Dr. David Hawkins

Blog posts related to his work:

A Framework for Everything

The Map of Consciousness

The Map of Human Consciousness and Humanity’s Tipping Point: An Optimistic Lens

Biblical Mistranslations, Spiritual Unity, and Our Modern Understanding of Healing

Dr. David Hawkins' Journey

Written by Dr. Jen Johannsen