Self-Observation

In our meeting we talked about the practice of self-observation. This is the first step in our process of inner work, and a practice that continues and deepens over time. With self-observation we study ourselves directly, both the general design of our human instrument, and the features and patterns of our particular nature and personality. 

This seeing is without judgement, criticism, analysis, evaluation, interpretation or rejection -- just seeing with acceptance of what is perceived; seeing with curiosity and tenderness for ourselves. This is in the tradition of the school of Pythagoras and its mission to know thyself. In knowing ourselves we become ourselves. 

Our experience is that self-observation requires effort. For this purpose our practice this week is to observe the hands as they work throughout the day. Right now I am typing on the keyboard and I see my fingers moving with their own intelligence. I sense my hands which find the keys without the need of my mind to guide their work.

A further practice for this week is to interrupt a pattern to allow the entry of awareness and observation. The suggestion is, when eating, to hold utensils with the unaccustomed hand; i.e. hold the fork with the left instead of the right hand. This is simply meant to open a portal of awareness while we eat. The principle is that without struggle there is no observation. 

Also is the suggestion to sit for 15 or 20 minutes for concentrated inner work in the morning. Work with the sensing exercise we practiced with in the meeting, or, if you were not present to receive it, just concentrate on breath and the air as you breathe, gently returning to the practice and coming back when you notice that your attention has been caught by associations.