In the previous post, I
talked about the preconditions of life and how society and culture
have controlled us. The content of that blog post is the
basic
frame work to a much bigger picture so, if you have not read the
first blog post;.
do so HERE.
Once the realisation
occurs; it is vitally important for one to make a shift and
incorporate the information. It is one thing to know something
but another to truly take it onboard. This is not easy. Well, one
could argue that it is so easy, it seems hard. This is
because the mind doesn't quite understand, and certainly cannot label
or categorize it.
The mind doesn't need
to understand it. There should be no striving to fully comprehend it
all because then the mind will create a problem (which it loves to
do.)
All that is needed, is
a knowing. An acceptance. A separation of self from the mind.
When one can step back, look at the broader picture and see that this
society created sense of self is actually a mere fraction of
who we are; then it is as if a huge ray of light is activated. Yes,
cultural values do have a part in who we are but to say they fully
encompass who we are is like saying that grass IS the Earth! There is
more beneath! So much more! This cultural sense of self is
just a thin, outer shell.
Right, let us take a
little breath. I just revealed that your sense of self is a mere
outer shell. This is big news. This is the kind of information that
could change the course of your life. It certainly changed mine! So
let's just breathe and take this in.
This sense of separation
that I talked about is crucial. By separating oneself from the mind,
one becomes intimately more connected with something much bigger. The
mind is an amazing tool and can be used in magnificent ways! What we
don't realise it that our minds use us most of the time. A
situation comes up and we get submerged in emotions and, as our minds
love solving problems, we get stuck in there. Quite literally.
Emotions are physical thoughts that stem from the same source.
Emotions are actually the key to enlightenment and – woah wait a
minute, did I just write enlightenment? -
Okay, let's just call enlightenment everyone's true potential. So,
the key to our true potential in life is through our emotions. This
does not mean becoming stuck in a rapid spiral of emotion but being
able to harness these emotions. So very often we get pulled under by
our emotions and it is like a strong wave has sucked us under and we
can no longer breathe. These emotions can be positive or negative but
they still pull us under. Being 'in love' is a true example. I
remember being 'in love' once and just writhing around on the floor
is utter bliss for about an hour. All I could think of was that one
person. Every second of the day. Hey presto, salvation didn't lie
within that one person and nor did the key to happiness. It was
within me.
So, when one feels a surge of emotion coming; step
back, feel the emotion and let is wash away again. Step back, observe
with love and continue. I see
eyes rolling again! This is not unrealistic optimism. This is it. The
key! Your minds will definitely not like this. Not one bit!
Step back, see that your mind is
pulling you in again and tell your mind with great love; “I am
grateful for your concern but wish to inform you that I am taking
responsibility now” Our minds can be like overprotective relatives;
thinking they have our best interests at heart, when in actual fact,
they just hold us back. Keeping us in a comfortable bubble of
security and familiarity. Maybe that is enough for some. Is
it enough for you?
The
last point I wish to make in this second part is that, separation
from our minds and emotions may seem far fetched. But it really
isn't. It is so inconceivably easy and in our true nature.
Think
of the best scientific breakthroughs. Most came from a time of mind
stillness. Eureka moments out of the blue. Think of those times that
you have stopped, fell back into your chair and let go; when suddenly
something hits you! It could be that book title you were trying to
remember, or the fact that a cake is in the oven; currently burning.
Let go. Step back. Society is not the only thing that has controlled
us. It is time to shift from being a puppet, to a puppeteer.
This is the true maturity
