The Importance of Self-Observation

In the 1970's Werner Erhard's seminars were intended to bring individuals from self-awareness to Self-Awareness: eliminating the identification with ego in daily life. For me, there was one concept that made a deep impression, and one exercise that I have used successfully on both self and others.

The concept states that the primary function of what we call the 'mind' is to perpetuate its own existence. Thus, spiritual practice (without the self-observation that facilitates the dissolution of the false identity) only serves to intensify the phenomenon, as the mind, believing it 'knows' something, now shows up as spiritual ego—a much more insidious creature. One has convinced oneself that one is now a 'spiritual' being—and while one has the intellectual understanding of something greater, and is able to talk the talk, the walk is often lacking, as self-identification is still running the show.

The exercise—based on the principle 'what one resists persists'—is a simple one utilized to eliminate a headache. One focuses attention on the headache, which actually dissolves in the Light of that attention. That act, of looking at the pain in one's head unflinchingly, is similar to the exercise of self-observation. By the diligent practice of observing one's thoughts, speaking and behavior, one begins the process of separating oneself from the identification with the personality.

As this separation begins to occur, a space is created that allows the Self to arise; bringing the Awareness that is its essential Nature. This Awareness, the presence of Consciousness, is expanding Itself on the planet via the Evolution Revolution. What is most remarkable is that it is happening in so-called ordinary people—usually those without great investment in self – the so-called 'meek'.

Along with the presence of Consciousness comes Love and Compassion, and a sensitivity to one's environment. One notices both the flock of birds wheeling in the sky, and the person in one's vicinity who might need a helping hand or a kind word. One recognizes one's own Self everywhere, and the Oneness that is the Truth of existence.

As a well known Master has stated: True spiritual life is that which teaches unity or Oneness, and makes us selfless and full of Love.


www.Evolution-Revolution-Handbook.com

On Gratitude/The Evolution Revolution

Gratitude is an attitude we can use to enhance our lives.

There seems to be a law that says: whatever we focus our attention upon we expand in our experience. It has to do with the principle that like attracts like. This occurs at an energy level, and means that the frequency of energy at which we vibrate is the frequency of energy we attract into our experience.

Is it any wonder then that the one who is constantly moaning and groaning always has something to moan and groan about? Or the one who delights in goodness and wonder has a continual flow of wonderful stories to tell?

Most of us in the West have never experienced at first hand the kind of deprivation that a majority of humanity live with on a daily basis. We take the fact of a warm, furnished home (with comfortable bed and pillows), decent weather-appropriate clothes and shoes, not to mention three meals a day plus all the snacks we can cram, completely for granted: not a privilege but a right.

But do we ever experience gratitude that we are so well provided?

The prevailing attitude seems to be: “I’ve worked damned hard all my life for these things.”

But are we ever grateful that we have two working legs, feet, arms, hands, eyes, ears, and the mental health that allows us to work at all? Not to mention the opportunity to get a job.

Do we ever feel grateful for the fact that we live in a country where we have freedom of movement and speech, where there is plenty, and where with determination and a modicum of luck we can earn a decent living?

Do we ever look around at what we have, whether lavish or humble, and experience (never mind express) gratitude?

Try it. In the morning when you awaken feel grateful to be alive—healthy, warm and sheltered. Before you put a single morsel of food in your mouth—stop—give thanks for the bounty bestown, thanks for all those who toil endlessly to provide the abundance of foodstuffs we take so for granted, feel grateful you have food to eat in such variety and quantity, and after you have eaten feel grateful there is food in your belly.

When you get in your car, or ride public transport, feel grateful you are riding and don’t have to walk. And if you have to walk, feel grateful you have two legs to carry you and be grateful for the exercise.

The mere feeling of gratitude promotes harmony and well-being in body and mind. And the more harmony we establish within ourselves, the greater the harmony we will create in our life and in the world.

So expand your vision from the narrowness of your own daily concerns to embrace the rest of the world and its suffering. In the light of that deprivation, understand the privileged existence you have been granted and fill your Heart with gratitude as a regular practice.

Like patience, gratitude is its own reward. Treat yourself to a hefty dose every day.