For me, this journey began in the most unexpected place—a Norwegian prison. Amidst the chaos and confinement, I discovered myself, and a path within me, that would redefine my existence.

Born in November 1966, my early life was a tapestry of complexity and challenge. My parents, both young and unprepared, married due to societal pressures. This unstable foundation led to a turbulent childhood, marked by power struggles within the family and a controlling grandmother. Despite attending kindergarten and early elementary school, my memories from these years are sparse and fragmented.

Between the second and third grades, I spent what was meant to be a summer at a respite home on a small farm, which extended into a three-year stay. This period exposed me to love, adversity, death, and power struggles. Despite the horror and joy, the end of my foster care was traumatic, caught in a loyalty conflict between my biological and foster families.

Returning to regular school was challenging. I felt restless and was often bullied by peers and teachers alike. My teenage years were rife with social harassment, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and family divisions. I found some solace in self-defense classes, for a short period of time, and involvement with an organization teaching first aid and rescue service, which significantly influenced my life.

After a brief stint in culinary school, my restlessness led me to various short-lived jobs. I struggled with substance abuse, starting with alcohol and later party drugs, which escalated over the years. This cycle of addiction highlighted the depth of my unresolved issues and internal conflicts.

In 2001, my path culminated in incarceration. Facing the reality of my life choices behind bars, I embarked on a journey of intense self-reflection and transformation. Through 360 hours of group therapy based on cognitive and schema therapy principles, I began dismantling the darkness within me, piece by piece. This period was not about survival; it was about a complete metamorphosis—an awakening to a new way of being that integrated the deepest wounds and personal wrongdoings into the fabric of my strength and wisdom.

During my imprisonment, I devoured over 100 books on subjects ranging from history to psychology to spirituality. Writing over 1200 pages of reflective texts, including diaries and poetry, I processed my learnings and applied them to my life. This immersion in literature and introspection led to a deep personal and spiritual awakening, gradually realizing the power to rewrite my life’s narrative and take full responsibility for my past actions.

The profound shift in perspective during my incarceration became the cornerstone of my new life and the basis for the TULWA Philosophy. TULWA, which stands for “The Unified Light Warrior Archetype,” is a system of personal and spiritual growth encapsulated in the mantra: “Go Below To Rise Above.” This philosophy emphasizes the need to confront and understand our inner darkness to transform it into light, enabling us to rise to our highest potential.

I believe that everyone is born as light. This innate light represents our purest, most authentic selves—free from the burdens of trauma and societal conditioning.

However, as we grow, we become enslaved by the same forces that have trapped those before us. Society, with its unresolved traumas and historical wrongdoings, perpetuates a cycle of enslavement that dims our inner light. My journey has been about reclaiming that light, peeling back the layers of darkness to reveal the original brightness within. “If you peel back your sh*t, there will be light.” – Frank-Thomas.

My approach to spirituality is pragmatic, non-religious, and deeply grounded in reality. I don’t subscribe to any specific religious or spiritual doctrines. Instead, my spirituality is rooted in the here and now, informed by my experiences as an ex-army man and the many challenges I’ve faced. This grounded perspective allows me to engage with profound existential concepts without losing touch with the practical realities of life or getting entangled in someone else definitions and understandings of existence.

Being a light warrior, in my context, means fighting for the right to shine my own light without the shadow of others. It’s about reclaiming my authenticity and inner brightness, not by waging external battles, but by overcoming the internal shadows that have been cast upon me.

This path is not about adhering to a set of dogmas or fighting against external darkness but about ensuring that my light remains unshackled by the past and the societal norms that seek to constrain it.

The light warrior path, as conceptualized in TULWA, is often misunderstood. One common misconception is that it involves a literal battle against external forces of darkness. However, the true essence of this path is about fighting for the right to shine one’s own light, free from the shadows cast by internal struggles, external entities and societal expectations.

Another misconception is equating the light warrior path with traditional spiritual or religious practices. Unlike these paths, the TULWA Light Warrior journey is grounded, pragmatic, and focused on personal transformation through confronting and understanding one’s inner darkness. The challenges of walking the light warrior path are numerous and profound. Maintaining discipline is paramount, as the journey requires constant vigilance and commitment.

Confronting inner darkness is a grueling task that demands honesty, courage, and relentless self-examination. This path is not about quick fixes or superficial positivity; it involves deep, often painful introspection and the willingness to face the parts of oneself that are most difficult to accept.

Avoiding complacency is another significant challenge. The journey of transformation is ongoing, and it is easy to fall into patterns of comfort and avoidance. Society at large often resents the approach of dealing with darkness, as it contrasts sharply with more popular methods of self-improvement and spirituality.

While many systems advocate for engaging with life through blissful meditation, yoga and mindfulness, angels and celestial beings, eating raw-food and a focus on positivity and a spiritual community, the light warrior path demands a more grounded, solitary, introspective approach. This can lead to resistance and misunderstanding from those who prefer the comfort of collective, feel-good practices.

The light warrior path is not about rejecting these practices but recognizing that true transformation requires going beyond surface-level engagement. It requires a willingness to delve into the depths of one’s being, confront the shadows, and emerge with a light that is authentically one’s own. The TULWA path is demanding and often lonely, but it offers the profound reward of genuine self-discovery and transformation.

In embarking on the TULWA journey, one must acknowledge the inherent value of the path itself. This philosophy is designed to foster profound personal transformation through deep introspection, confronting inner darkness, and striving for enlightenment. Regardless of one’s beliefs about the metaphysical aspects—whether interdimensional entities exist, reincarnation is real, or there are realms beyond our earthly existence—the benefits of following the TULWA path are undeniable.

The tools and techniques advocated in TULWA Philosophy are universally applicable. Individuals who engage in rigorous self-examination, cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and inner strength are guaranteed to experience personal growth. This journey ensures that they become better, more aware, and empathetic individuals. This transformation is the “failsafe” of the philosophy, providing tangible benefits irrespective of the ultimate truth of its metaphysical claims. But remember this: “There is no try in personal deep-transformation. You either do it or you don’t.” – Frank-Thomas

By embracing the TULWA path, one commits to a process that is beneficial regardless of external beliefs. This inclusivity makes the philosophy accessible and relevant to a broader audience, reassuring practitioners that their efforts and growth are worthwhile. The journey inward and downward, using the tools provided, leads to guaranteed success in personal development and self-awareness.

Embark from the Start: Begin the journey from the very first page, continuing at least until the pivotal “Point of No Return” chapter. This segment lays the groundwork for the subsequent material, equipping you with the necessary context for the profound realizations to come.

Ponder as You Peruse: Engage with the material at a reflective pace; there’s no rush to the finish line. Contemplate the ideas presented, allowing them to resonate within your thoughts. The intent of this book is to stimulate contemplation and self-examination, rather than passive consumption.

Absorb and Reflect: Embrace the principles and ideas presented, letting them infuse your consciousness. Revisit passages that resonate with you, as well as those that don’t initially strike a chord. Often, the most significant revelations are hidden in the least expected places.

Confront Resistance: Be mindful of any reluctance or opposition you encounter, whether internally or externally, as you engage with the material or certain subjects. Such resistance can be enlightening, uncovering personal obstacles and guiding you towards new avenues of personal development.

Surrender to the Stream: Allow the book’s content and its underlying currents of thought to collaborate with your personal growth. Forcing comprehension or advancement can hinder progress. Have faith in the journey and let the book’s philosophy reveal itself to you organically.

Embrace Inquiry: This book’s purpose is not to dictate answers but to empower the art of questioning. My shared insights and convictions are uniquely my own. Authentic self-discovery is invaluable only when it stems from your introspection. Let this book be a catalyst for your inquiries, not a manual for my conclusions.

This book is designed to be used, not merely displayed. Take notes in the margins, underline passages that resonate, and engage with the content deeply. Whether you’re reading the physical book or the eBook, keep notes and reflections handy. This book is a tool for active engagement and personal growth, not a static ornament on your shelf. Make it a living document of your journey and discoveries.

By sharing my journey and the principles of the TULWA Philosophy, I hope to inspire others to embark on their paths of transformation. This ongoing journey is about lighting the way for others while continuing to navigate my own.

If I believe in the concept of reincarnation, and I do, how can I not go all in this lifetime? I have been fortunate enough to not only grasp the right stick but also hold the right end of that stick, according to myself. Therefore, I strive to pave the way for a life with less darkness and struggles the next time around.

Together, we can create a community of light warriors, each committed to personal and collective growth, transforming darkness into light.

Let’s go for it…!