Ever wondered what it means to surrender to life's flow, and how it can lead to profound growth and unexpected blessings? Want to know how the simple act of letting go can transform your life? Curious about the journey of Michael Alan Singer, from profound spiritual awakening to leading a successful software company, all while maintaining a commitment to inner peace and service? Dive in to discover how his life became a 'Surrender Experiment', full of serendipitous moments, miraculous events, and transformative experiences.

The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life's Perfection

Michael Singer, the author, spent the last forty years of his life letting life guide him, rather than trying to control it. His journey was beyond anything he could have imagined. Things didn't fall apart; they came together in a phenomenal way. This book shares that journey, showing what happens when one aligns their will with life's natural flow.

His full name is Michael Alan Singer, but everyone calls him Mickey. Born on May 6, 1947, his life changed profoundly in the winter of 1970. Life-changing events can be dramatic, but his transformation began subtly. It was a quiet moment on a couch in Gainesville, Florida, talking to his brother-in-law, Ronnie. Suddenly, Singer realized he was separate from his thoughts and emotions. He was the observer, not the thinker. This shift changed everything.

After that moment, he couldn't ignore the constant chatter in his head. He desired inner silence and began searching for ways to quiet his mind. His journey led him to Zen meditation, introduced to him by a book called "Three Pillars of Zen." This book offered a method to quiet the mind through meditation, which resonated deeply with Singer.

He committed to Zen meditation, starting with short sessions and gradually increasing the duration. On a camping trip in Ocala National Forest, he experienced a profound meditation session. He sat under a tree, determined to reach enlightenment. As he concentrated on his breath and the sound "Mu," he entered a deep, peaceful state. He felt energy flows and absolute silence, free from the mental chatter.

This state lasted for weeks, transforming his daily life. He experienced grace and peace in every movement. However, this peace began to fade, and the mental chatter returned. Despite the inner turmoil, he continued meditating, driven by the desire to return to that peaceful state.

His outer life also changed. His marriage ended, and he moved to a friend's house, then to a secluded spot in the woods. His life became focused on meditation and inner peace. He had no possessions or attachments, living simply in his van. This solitude allowed him to delve deeper into his inner world.

The summer of 1971 brought a new adventure. Signs led him to Mexico, where he continued his meditation journey. He let life unfold, trusting the flow and finding peace in the unknown. This journey taught him that aligning with life's natural flow leads to powerful, transformative experiences.

Can Singer's Journey to Inner Peace Through Zen Meditation Inspire Your Life Transformation?

Singer found himself on a grassy pasture, surrounded by nature's tranquility. No fences, no houses, just Singer under the open sky. The morning mist hovered over the fields, painting a serene backdrop for yoga and meditation. As days turned into weeks, his heart began to breathe again in this peaceful isolation.

One morning, a knock on his van door startled Singer. It was a young boy with milk. An act of kindness in the middle of nowhere showed Singer that life wasn't as fragile as his fears made it out to be. He learned to credit life for its gifts, realizing he had only to follow the flow.

Afterwards, his journey north led him to a small lake where a unique encounter with ranch hands on horseback tested his resolve against fear. Their kindness and the subsequent visit to their humble village left a profound impact on him. Singer even galloped across a field on a horse, experiencing a joy he would have missed had he listened to his scared self. He shared his food supplies with the villagers, learning the joy of helping others.

Back in Gainesville, Singer sought solitude to deepen his meditation, realizing his academic pursuits were losing relevance. The chairman of his department, Dr. Goffman, encouraged him to finish his degree, but his heart yearned for deeper exploration.

One night, inspiration struck while Singer was writing a final paper. The thoughts flowed effortlessly, resulting in a masterpiece that earned him an 'A' and an invitation to do his dissertation. This experience taught him the difference between logical thought and creative inspiration.

Eventually, he found a secluded piece of land perfect for his meditative practices. With the help of friends, they built a unique hut. The Griffis family, who owned the local sawmill, warmly welcomed them despite their differences. Their acceptance was another beautiful, unexpected gift from life.

Moving into his new home, Singer embraced a monastic lifestyle, dedicating himself to intense meditation. His diet became sparse, and his daily routine strict. Despite the discipline, he realized that simply pushing away his lower self wouldn't lead to true peace.

A transformative moment came when a friend gave Singer "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda. The teachings resonated deeply, introducing him to concepts of God and Spirit in a way that aligned with his experiences. He signed up for lessons from Yogananda's Self-Realization Fellowship, finding guidance in his journey toward self-realization.

These experiences taught Singer to embrace life as it unfolds, to see every moment as an opportunity for growth. The seeds of a great experiment were planted, showing him that life has more to give than they could ever take for themselves.

Finding Inner Peace: From Gainesville to Yogananda's Enlightening Path

Singer was on a journey to inner freedom and realized he couldn't walk the path alone. Meditation brought him peace, but he couldn't break through to where he longed to go. Then, a flash of realization hit Singer: instead of quieting his mind, he should explore why it was so active. The answer lay in his likes and dislikes. Singer decided to accept life as it unfolded, starting with something simple, like the weather.

His experiment with surrender began, treating life events as opportunities to let go of his personal preferences. It wasn’t easy. In graduate school, Singer maintained a strict meditation routine and even taught economics, once giving a lecture shirtless because he forgot to put on a shirt. Despite distractions, his focus was unwavering.

Then, a surprising turn of events: the university chose Singer to help a banker earn his Ph.D., which he reluctantly accepted in the spirit of surrender. They became friends, and the banker's encouragement led Singer to sit for his doctoral exams, even facing his fear of failing. Miraculously, he aced the exams, including one he hadn't prepared for.

Singer's surrender experiment continued. He followed life’s guidance to a spiritual community in California, where a profound dream showed him he needed to use his personal struggles for growth. Returning home, Singer found a friend building a house on his land without permission. Instead of resisting, he helped build it, turning the experience into an offering to the Universal Force guiding him.

Teaching at Santa Fe Community College, Singer let inspiration guide his lectures, blending science, religion, and introspection. The classes were a hit, and his dissertation on these teachings was published. Life’s flow led Singer to unexpected roles—carpenter, teacher, author—showing him there was no difference between spiritual and worldly pursuits.

A neighbor’s request led Singer to visit an inmate, Jerry, in a maximum-security prison. Their meditation sessions grew into a Buddhist group, offering profound spiritual experiences. Despite the surreal setting, these visits uplifted Singer deeply, reinforcing that surrendering to life’s flow brought unexpected and transformative rewards.

His journey taught Singer to let go of personal preferences and trust life’s guidance, leading to profound growth and unexpected blessings.

Can Surrendering to Life's Flow Lead to Unexpected Rewards?

In 1973, Singer's journey into spiritual growth took an unexpected turn. He had been content living in solitude in Florida, but a request from his neighbor Bob Tilchin to lead prison groups transformed his life. These sessions, inspired by his unplanned classes at Santa Fe, resonated deeply with the inmates, fostering a sincere pursuit of spiritual growth that deeply moved Singer. This work expanded over thirty years, becoming a profoundly rewarding chapter of his life.

One summer, Singer visited his ex-wife Shelly at a yoga center in San Francisco. There, he encountered mesmerizing photographs of Baba Muktananda, an Indian yoga master. Meditating in that room, he experienced an overwhelming peace, sparking a spiritual awakening. Back in Florida, he met Rama Malone, a fervent devotee of Baba, who insisted Singer invite him to Gainesville. Despite his doubts, Singer sent the invitation.

Preparations for Baba's visit were intense. Singer secured a retreat site in the Ocala National Forest and a large house for his staff. Promoting the event required hundreds of calls and letters. Singer embraced this shift from solitude to service, feeling more connected and open than ever before. Baba's visit in January 1975 was transformative. His powerful presence and the deep meditations he led left a lasting impact on everyone, including a memorable visit to a maximum-security prison.

The events led to the construction of the Temple of the Universe on Singer's land, fulfilling a prophecy by another visiting teacher, Ma Yogashakti. The temple, with its unique butterfly roof, became a spiritual hub, symbolizing unity and embracing all religions. Regular retreats and visits from teachers like Amrit Desai further deepened Singer's spiritual journey. Amrit's touch opened his heart chakra, leaving a permanent flow of warm energy.

As the Temple of the Universe grew, so did Singer's responsibilities and connections. Donna Wagner, who became an integral part of his life both spiritually and personally, joined him in this journey. They married in 1976, and their community continued to expand, welcoming sincere seekers into their fold.

Reflecting on these years, Singer realized that life had guided him from solitude to service, creating a vibrant spiritual community. This journey was not planned; it emerged from Singer's commitment to surrender to life's flow, leading him to a path of selfless service and profound spiritual fulfillment.

From Solitude to Service: Baba Muktananda's Transformative Visit and the Birth of a Spiritual Hub

Four decades ago, Singer realized that serving others is far more fulfilling than serving oneself. The inception of the Temple community wasn't Singer's doing—it was the result of letting go and allowing life to unfold.

One memorable evening in the 1980s, a Zen teacher visited, and Singer found himself dining with Philip Kapleau, author of "Three Pillars of Zen." It was a serendipitous moment to express his gratitude for Kapleau's influence on his spiritual journey.

In December 1976, a pivotal event epitomized Singer's surrender experiment. After returning from teaching, he encountered a sheriff's deputy who admired the Temple's rustic cedar look and asked if Singer would build an addition to his house. Though initially hesitant, Singer's vow of surrender led him to agree. This unexpected job marked the birth of his construction company, Built with Love. The deputy's satisfaction and referrals quickly grew his business, allowing Singer to serve others through home improvement projects.

Radha, a Temple resident, became Singer's assistant, and Built with Love flourished. They reinvested earnings into the Temple, expanding their spiritual community. Each job was an opportunity to bring joy and serve others, aligning with Singer's spiritual practices.

Remarkably, a man at a Temple gathering offered Singer his builder's license, enabling them to take on larger projects. The Universal Flow seemed to guide everything, even providing funds to expand the Temple property for their growing community.

One day, Singer met Jim Owens, a bank president who approved a critical construction loan for Built with Love, despite their modest financial history. Owens' support allowed them to build custom homes and grow the business. Years later, fate led Singer to repay Owens's kindness when he needed a loan for his video store.

By 1978, Built with Love was thriving, and they expanded the Temple property as funds allowed. Their community grew, and new members arrived at the perfect time, enhancing their spiritual journey.

Singer's work extended to prison visits, where he taught meditation and self-awareness. One inmate, David, a former gang leader, deeply embraced spiritual growth. His sincere transformation and dedication to meditation were inspiring. When David faced new charges, his acceptance of karma and inner peace were profound.

David's dedication moved Amrit, a visiting yogi, to meet him in prison. Despite the grim surroundings, their meeting was a powerful testament to surrender and spiritual connection.

These experiences taught Singer that surrendering to life's flow brings unimaginable growth and fulfillment. The journey was just beginning, and the foundation laid by these early stages would launch them toward even greater heights.

Did Surrender and Zen Master Philip Kapleau Spark the Birth of 'Built with Love'?

Fast forward to the fall of 1978, a seemingly insignificant visit to a Radio Shack store changed the course of Singer's life. He stumbled upon a TRS-80 computer and was instantly captivated. Despite never having touched a computer before, Singer felt an inexplicable connection. This discovery led him to late-night programming sessions, where he taught himself how to write code. His first project was an accounting system for his business, Built with Love. Soon, word spread, and Singer found himself with a budding business, Personalized Programming.

As fate would have it, in 1980, two inquiries for a medical billing system led Singer to embark on creating The Medical Manager. With no formal training, he relied on pure inspiration and dedication. In the midst of this journey, Barbara Duncan, a shy but brilliant programmer, joined Singer, and together they crafted a system that would revolutionize medical practice management.

The flow of life continued to work its magic. Systems Plus, a leading software distributor, discovered Singer's program and decided to launch it at the prestigious COMDEX trade show in 1982. This serendipitous series of events, guided by an unwavering commitment to surrender and service, led to the creation of a multimillion-dollar software company, all while Singer remained devoted to his spiritual practices in the woods of Alachua.

This journey, marked by unexpected turns and divine timing, exemplifies how surrendering to life's flow can lead to unimaginable success and fulfillment.

From Spiritual Awakening to Software Success

The journey of launching The Medical Manager software was nothing short of miraculous. From its conception, it seemed destined for greatness, attracting the right people and opportunities to become a leader in medical billing software. The Las Vegas trade show debut was a spectacular success, drawing immense interest and leading to rapid growth.

Despite no formal training in medical software design, the team, driven by inspiration and intuition, quickly adapted to the demands for new features and customizations. This approach, combined with the spiritual practice of meditation, allowed for continuous innovation and industry leadership.

A pivotal moment came with the transition to electronic billing. Larry Horwitz, a serendipitous arrival, ingeniously designed a template system that handled the entire country's insurance companies, solidifying The Medical Manager's dominance in the field.

The company’s growth was organic and unplanned, driven by life’s flow rather than traditional business strategies. Miraculous events continued to guide its path, such as securing crucial partnerships with major insurance providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield. These partnerships were secured through a series of fortuitous encounters and a surrender to life’s flow.

The Temple, intertwined with the business, provided a spiritual foundation, offering peace and perspective amidst rapid growth. An example of life’s perfection was the preservation of a beautiful piece of land through a lease agreement, which later became strategically valuable. These experiences, from business triumphs to spiritual growth, illustrate the power of surrender and the incredible journey of The Medical Manager.

Can Surrender and Serendipity Propel a Software Giant to Industry Stardom?

In the early 1990s, Singer believed the rapid growth of his business, Personalized Programming, was over. With 20 employees and generating millions annually, Singer continued living modestly, focusing on building an endowment for the Temple and supporting charities. His life involved a simple commute across a wooden boardwalk through wetlands to his office, maintaining a stable routine and the Temple’s activities.

Surprisingly, life had more in store. In October 1990, a Realtor called about a beautiful 85-acre property that unexpectedly bordered the Temple’s leased land. It felt like a gift from the universe, and Singer acquired it effortlessly. Three months later, another opportunity arose to buy a neighboring property, expanding their land to 170 acres. The universe seemed to align everything perfectly, leading to more land acquisitions and, eventually, a beautiful chalet-style home that became Singer's residence.

In 1991, a zoning inspector’s visit threatened Personalized Programming’s location, prompting a search for a new business site. After months of searching, the perfect solution emerged unexpectedly: a 185-acre property that could be zoned for business. This miraculous turn of events allowed them to build a new office, accommodating their growing needs.

As the company expanded, managing the increasing workload became challenging. Tim Staley, a highly skilled IT developer, joined them, bringing the expertise needed to reengineer their product, The Medical Manager. His arrival was another serendipitous moment, aligning perfectly with their needs.

While the business flourished, the Temple community faced challenges when Amrit, a respected teacher, encountered personal difficulties. Inviting him to stay with them during his tough times, they witnessed his profound surrender and spiritual transformation. Life eventually led him to a beautiful new home, marking another chapter in their journey.

Throughout these experiences, Singer learned to trust life’s flow, embracing its unexpected twists and turns. Each event, whether a property acquisition or meeting Tim, demonstrated the perfection of life’s unfolding, reinforcing his commitment to surrender and trust in the journey.

From Business to Spiritual Bliss: The Serendipitous Journey of Personalized Programming

By 1995, Singer's company, Personalized Programming, had grown beyond expectations, thriving in the industry with seventy-five employees and annual revenues of ten million dollars. Life's flow had led him to a state of inner peace and excitement for the future. 

Unexpected changes were on the horizon, as dealers discussed merging into a single company. John Kang, a major dealer, proposed consolidating Personalized Programming and others into one entity, a move that initially met resistance but ultimately aligned with his philosophy of surrender.

The merger led to the creation of Medical Manager Corporation, with him as CEO and John as president. The company went public, and his world expanded rapidly. Despite the challenges, he remained committed to the task, driven by a vision of transforming healthcare through electronic connectivity.

He navigated corporate growth, acquiring dealers, and launching successful initiatives like Medical Manager Network Services. The company thrived, but the rise of the Internet posed new challenges. A potential merger with Synetic, a healthcare Internet portal, tested his resolve. Meeting Synetic's chairman, Marty Wygod, he realized the potential for further growth and agreed to the merger, becoming co-CEO of the combined company.

The merger faced obstacles, including competition from Healtheon & WebMD. When Healtheon & WebMD acquired Envoy, it prompted another merger. Despite the bursting Internet bubble, they pushed through, restructuring the company and overcoming immense challenges. His division, Medical Manager Practice Services, emerged stronger, generating significant revenue.

Recognition followed, with invitations to prestigious events and accolades. He represented the company at the Smithsonian Institution and navigated antitrust concerns with the Department of Justice. Throughout these experiences, he continued to surrender to life's flow, using every challenge for personal and professional growth.

Singer's journey showcased the power of surrender, leading to unexpected success and inner peace. He learned that by letting go, aligning with life's flow, and embracing challenges, profound transformation and growth were possible.

How Did Surrender Lead to the Birth of Medical Manager Corporation and Transform Healthcare?

Back in 2003, Singer was leading a practice management vendor and developing a computerized electronic health record. Unexpectedly, his life took a dramatic turn. On September 3rd, 2003, after a routine health check-up, Singer received an urgent call from Lisa, their in-house attorney. The FBI had raided their facilities in Florida, Tampa, and New Jersey, with helicopters, armed agents, and a search warrant. The raid seemed surreal, like a scene from a movie. 

Singer returned to find their R&D facility swarming with law enforcement. They took control, seizing all documents and making copies of their computer drives. This upheaval stemmed from an investigation into Bobby Davids, their VP of acquisitions, who was involved in a kickback scheme. Although they had already been investigating Bobby and others, the government chose a dramatic raid instead of a straightforward inquiry.

As the investigation continued, they realized the extent of Bobby's deception. He had approached the U.S. Attorney's Office, posing as a whistleblower and implicating their entire executive team to save himself. This led to a complex legal battle, requiring the representation of numerous attorneys. Despite their innocence, the sheer volume of materials seized and the convoluted nature of Bobby's accusations meant a protracted defense.

During this challenging time, Singer found solace in writing. He began working on two books: "The Untethered Soul" and "The Surrender Experiment," detailing his journey and spiritual insights. The writing process, along with support from his legal team led by Randy Turk, became a source of strength.

Years passed, with numerous pretrial hearings and motions. Despite the overwhelming evidence of their innocence, the government's case persisted. Eventually, the trial date was set, but Randy's health took a turn, and their judge stepped down, adding to the uncertainty. 

Miraculously, just before the trial, the government dropped all charges against Singer. Truth triumphed, albeit late, and he was free. However, his colleagues John Kang and John Sessions faced trial, were wrongfully convicted, but later had their charges dismissed by Judge Norton, who recognized the lack of evidence.

Reflecting on this ordeal, Singer realized that surrendering to life's flow had transformed him. Despite the chaos, his core remained untouched, and he emerged freer and more resilient. The legal battle, though harrowing, was a profound part of his journey, teaching him the power of acceptance and inner peace.

From FBI Raid to Inner Peace: Singer's Journey of Triumph and Transformation

Michael Singer, or Mickey as his friends call him, spent forty years allowing life to guide him instead of trying to control it. His journey began in 1970 on a couch in Gainesville, Florida, when he realized he was separate from his thoughts and emotions. This profound shift led him on a quest for inner peace, starting with Zen meditation.

In a significant moment during a camping trip in Ocala National Forest, he reached a deep state of peace and silence through meditation. Despite facing inner turmoil later, he continued his practice, leading to transformative experiences and a life focused on inner peace. His marriage ended, and he moved to a secluded spot in the woods, living simply and meditating.

A trip to Mexico in 1971 reinforced his belief in aligning with life's natural flow. He embraced solitude and trusted the unknown, learning valuable lessons from simple acts of kindness and unexpected encounters. Back in Gainesville, his academic pursuits faded as he sought deeper spiritual understanding, eventually leading to profound realizations and the construction of a unique hut with friends.

Singer's spiritual journey intensified with the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, which resonated deeply with him. These experiences taught him to embrace life's unfolding moments as opportunities for growth. He decided to accept life as it came, starting with small things like the weather.

His surrender experiment led to surprising events, like teaching economics shirtless and helping a banker earn his Ph.D. His path took him to a spiritual community in California, where a dream showed him the value of personal struggles. Returning home, he found a friend building a house on his land and turned the experience into an offering to the Universal Force.

Teaching at Santa Fe Community College, he blended science, religion, and introspection, creating a popular class and publishing his dissertation. His journey led him to visit an inmate in a maximum-security prison, where meditation sessions grew into a Buddhist group, offering profound spiritual experiences.

Singer's journey was marked by unexpected turns, like transforming his business into a multimillion-dollar software company, The Medical Manager, while remaining devoted to his spiritual practices. His surrender to life's flow led to unimaginable success and fulfillment, even amidst challenges like a dramatic FBI raid in 2003. Despite the ordeal, he found peace in writing and emerged from the legal battle more resilient and free.

Singer's story exemplifies the power of surrender and trust in life's guidance, leading to profound growth, success, and inner peace.

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The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life's Perfection

Michael A. Singer

Ever wondered what it means to surrender to life's flow, and how it can lead to profound growth and unexpected blessings?

Want to know how the simple act of letting go can transform your life?

Curious about the journey of Michael Alan Singer, from profound spiritual awakening to leading a successful software company, all while maintaining a commitment to inner peace and service?

Dive in to discover how his life became a 'Surrender Experiment', full of serendipitous moments, miraculous events, and transformative experiences.

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