"THERE DO EXIST ENQUIRING MINDS, which long for the truth of the heart, seek it, strive to solve the problems set by life, try to penetrate to the essence of things and phenomena and to penetrate into themselves. If a man reasons and thinks soundly, no matter which path he follows in solving these problems, he must inevitably arrive back at himself, and begin with the solution of the problem of what he is himself and what his place is in the world around him. For without this knowledge, he will have no focal point in his search. Socrates’ words, “Know thyself” remain for all those who seek true knowledge and being."

VIEWS FROM THE REAL WORLD, BY by G.I. Gurdjieff, p 43

30 August 2012

External Considering





I receive weekly quotes from Pema Chodrun. This morning's quote was a good reminder to me about what Gurdjieff called internal and external considering.


"August 29, 2012
THINK OF OTHERS

Sharing the heart is a simple practice that can be used at any time and in every situation. It enlarges our view and helps us remember our interconnection.

The essence of this practice is that when we encounter pain in our life we breathe into our heart with the recognition that others also feel this. It’s a way of acknowledging when we are closing down and of training to open up. When we encounter any pleasure or tenderness in our life, we cherish that and rejoice. Then we make the wish that others could also experience this delight or this relief.

In a nutshell, when life is pleasant, think of others. When life is a burden, think of others. If this is the only training we ever remember to do, it will benefit us tremendously and everyone else as well. It’s a way of bringing whatever we encounter onto the path of awakening bodhichitta."
~~~~~~~

...again for those who tend to romanticize everything they hear or read,*"remember yourself" while practicing this. The saying "Fake it til you make it." is only helpful while you are learning to walk. By now most of you have been walking on your own for long enough to no longer 'fake it'. I had to remember this myself this week while in the company off a difficult person who commented and criticized everything at every turn.

 At one point I noticed I was feeling quite irritated by the incessant stream of criticism and negative commentary and became very quiet inside. I "remembered" myself and listened from a more centered space. I let go of the life conundrums I was wrestling with, stopped and "shared" my heart. The irritation vanished and just by making this little adjustment my friend was able to relax for a bit as well.  What held me in it's grip no longer held me and, for a time my friend became less embroiled in his life dramas as well. 

*Self Remembering: In Search of the Miraculous, Chapters: VII, IX, 


OPEN to the moment
BE Peace