Tim Z. Brooks On Nonduality: Presence, Practice, Paradox

Why I Prefer “Philosophy of Life” Over the Term “Spirituality”

By Tim Z. Brooks
December 1, 2024
4 Min read
2,050 comments

As someone deeply immersed in the study and practice of nondual philosophy, I’ve come to recognize the limitations of the word “spirituality” in capturing the depth of my perspective. Nonduality—whether expressed through the Advaita Vedanta of the East, the mystical traditions of the West, or the holistic inquiries of modern thought—has long been my guiding framework, whether I knew it at the time or not. While I still draw on Integral Metatheory to help frame the gestalt of my life, I don’t see “Integral” as an adequate description of my philosophy of life, let alone my spirituality.

Of course, I do have a spiritual perspective—but it shifts fluidly. On some days, I speak the language of Christian mysticism. On others, I lean into the wisdom of Buddhism. And on weekends, I let it all dissolve into a Nondual Holistic Integralist lens (yes, I structure my week that way—why not?). What underlies all of these perspectives is not a belief in separate traditions but an abiding recognition that reality is one, seamless, and ever-present. But this blog post isn’t really about my spirituality, it’s about my getting frustrated with the impracticality of connecting with other people around the idea of “let’s be spiritual together” as if that meant anything useful.

The Challenges of “Spirituality”

The term “spirituality” carries a sense of depth and transformation, but it also comes with baggage. In many circles, it evokes associations with religious dogma, supernatural beliefs, or systems that divide rather than unify. Spirituality often implies a dualistic search—a journey from illusion to truth, from self to God, from the material to the sacred. But for those of us grounded in nondual understanding, this framework is fundamentally limited.

Reality is not something to “reach” or “attain”—it is already present, always unfolding. The idea of a spiritual path, while useful in some contexts, can obscure the simple and direct recognition that what we are seeking is what we already are. Instead of reinforcing a search for transcendence, I prefer a lens that begins with wholeness itself.

Why “Philosophy of Life” Appeals to Me

“Philosophy of life” feels like a more precise and inclusive term. It sidesteps the religious baggage of spirituality and invites a broader conversation—one that includes reason, direct experience, and the vast traditions of wisdom available to us. Philosophy encourages inquiry rather than belief, exploration rather than adherence. It provides a way to engage deeply with questions of existence without getting caught in the trappings of religious identity.

More importantly, philosophy of life is lived—it is not just an intellectual pursuit but an embodied realization. Whether we seek meaning through art, relationships, ethical living, or even recovery from suffering, all of it can be part of a holistic, nondual practice. This isn’t about choosing one spiritual path over another but recognizing that every perspective, when seen deeply, is an expression of the same undivided reality.

Nonduality as Inquiry, Not Dogma

For me, nonduality is not just an insight—it is a continuous inquiry. Even though I draw from Integral Metatheory as a framework, I do not see it as an “identity” or fixed system of belief. I do not subscribe to an “Integral Spirituality” in the sense of adopting a structured worldview. Instead, I approach these ideas as tools—useful for framing certain truths but never final.

To call myself a seeker would be misleading, as there is no ultimate destination to reach. But neither do I reject the value of discovery. Realization unfolds endlessly, and any insight, no matter how profound, must remain open to further deepening. To see the world nondually is to embrace paradox: I find, and yet I keep looking. I rest in wholeness, yet I remain engaged in the unfolding dance of life.

This is why I choose to speak of a philosophy of life rather than a spirituality. It allows for depth without dogma, wisdom without the need for a rigid path, and an inquiry that never has to close itself off in final answers.

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About the author

Tim Z. Brooks

"Tim Z. Brooks" is the pen name for the anonymous author of Nondual Recovery.

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By Tim Z. Brooks December 1, 2024
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Tim Z. Brooks On Nonduality: Presence, Practice, Paradox

Tim Z. Brooks is a site with blog posts and drafts of several books-in-progress on the topics of spirituality, integrative metatheory, and Sacred Words. You can also subscribe to Tim's newsletter and follow him on Facebook to read daily notes on his Integral Life Practice.