Lived Experience of the Toltec Path to Personal Freedom

Abstract

Lived Experience of the Toltec Path to Personal Freedom examines the experiences of seven individuals who choose to follow the Toltec path to personal freedom, working together as a group. A single research question was posed: “What is the lived experience of following the Toltec path?” Interviews were conducted in two sessions and resulted in two themes that are central to the work of these individuals: the development of awareness and the central aspect of energy in the work they do. The group mostly viewed Toltec as a set of tools and a perception which guided them, and acknowledge that anyone practicing this work will interpret it differently. There is no describable outcome, but the outcome experienced is to live from a place of awareness in each moment. It was also established that using words to describe this work was extremely difficult. The researcher’s enquiry was also to establish whether Toltec work has a place in psychotherapy or spirituality or both. Various other philosophies are compared to Toltec philosophy and practice. This study provided an opportunity to gather information about a modern practice of an ancient shamanic path towards personal freedom that has not been studied in the scholarly literature to date. It sheds light on the ancient path of Toltec priests and how their practices are translated into everyday practice in modern western culture through the wisdom and insight of present day Naguals, specifically don Miguel Ruiz. It also shows how this practice can provide deep healing and self-awareness for those who follow it.