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December 2007 
Keep on keeping on.....
Posted on Feb 20th, 2006
by 
flex22
flex22
Ok, first off I must say something.This blog is very similar to the last one, in fact it's the one I should have written.Of course that's taking nothing away from the other blog, it's just that I knew I hadn't nailed it and it's been on my mind for the last day.For some reason my head got into a bit of a spin, and something seemingly simple? eluded me.
What eluded me was that I had put in the wrong quote and hadn't gotten across the point that I wanted to.I'm sorry about this.I was about to comment on the last blog that I'd be posting it again.Lo and behold Kari replied just at that minute.Now like I said, the other blog is fine but for me it doesn't fully get across everything I need to say.I know I could just edit the last blog, but I won't because basically the last blog has actually turned out fine.Therefore I'm writing a new blog to get this new point across.Ok flex, shut up now and get on with it :O
The other day I was looking through my notebook, and came across a paragraph that I had written a few months ago.It said:
“Why is it that when I decide on something that I know isn’t the right decision, because I feel bad, do I still go ahead and make this choice.Why do I not remember at that moment to change my mind? It is as if I cannot think of a positive outlook when I am so immersed in an unpleasant moment.Perhaps this comes down to affirming my purpose? ie: ‘get to where I want to go in life.’”
Yesterday I came across this Vernon Howard material:
When I wrote that passage in my notebook, it was concerning a personal situation where I had to make a correct decision.I really needed to know the right answer.I was so involved in having the right answer, so reliant and dependant on it for myself "egotistical illusions." that I wasn't actually seeing the answer because everything was being clouded INSTANTLY!
I wrote: "Why do I not remember at that moment to change my mind?"
This is the link to the part where Howard says: "He should not be discouraged by his lack of comprehension, but should patiently lift his consciousness up to the level of the answer."
Anyway I didn't change my mind and ended up making the wrong decision.A few months later something very interesting happened.I needed to make a correct decision again regarding a personal situation.This time I became involved (as is perfectly natural) with the situation.Now my old patterns of thinking were starting to form regarding this event.You know how you can almost feel the neurons lining up in your brain, that old pattern to a familiar situation.In fact usually it's not even conscious.You sense you're heading for the 'same old same old' yet you still 'go there.' Indeed, I need to reiterate this, even though I said the last sentence rather jokingly, I must stress that this is all perfectly natural behaviour and we should go with it.We should 'go there' seemlessly.Flow, don't control.
Now here's the good part.BOOM! Yes, there it was, aha! this time it was different.This time I saw the answer.The really key part to all of this is that I was reminded at the crucial moment, the correct answer!
"patiently lift his consciousness up to the level of the answer."
I had noted: "It is as if I cannot think of a positive outlook when I am so immersed in an unpleasant moment."
That's my ego being bruised, I realise this now.The difference now is that I am no longer dependant on anything.Honestly, right now, I feel as free as a bird.You see I go into situations still being the authentic me.The major change is that the need for an answer isn't even on the mind.I know that the answer is always higher than the question, and so I'm cool with everything.
I've remembered!
My immense thanks to the great Vernon Howard and my many friends here for making the realisation possible for me.
PS: This blog wasn't great, my heads still all over the place, but I feel that I must get this out now.Please ask if it makes no sense, or whatever, or discuss it further it's cool.So there you have it. :)
Thanks!
What eluded me was that I had put in the wrong quote and hadn't gotten across the point that I wanted to.I'm sorry about this.I was about to comment on the last blog that I'd be posting it again.Lo and behold Kari replied just at that minute.Now like I said, the other blog is fine but for me it doesn't fully get across everything I need to say.I know I could just edit the last blog, but I won't because basically the last blog has actually turned out fine.Therefore I'm writing a new blog to get this new point across.Ok flex, shut up now and get on with it :O
The other day I was looking through my notebook, and came across a paragraph that I had written a few months ago.It said:
“Why is it that when I decide on something that I know isn’t the right decision, because I feel bad, do I still go ahead and make this choice.Why do I not remember at that moment to change my mind? It is as if I cannot think of a positive outlook when I am so immersed in an unpleasant moment.Perhaps this comes down to affirming my purpose? ie: ‘get to where I want to go in life.’”
Yesterday I came across this Vernon Howard material:
Q: Why do we fail to understand answers to our question?
A: The true answer to a question resides on a higher level than the question. Therefore a sincere person asking a question should not expect the answer to be immediately clear to him. He should not be discouraged by his lack of comprehension, but should patiently lift his consciousness up to the level of the answer. When an insincere person hears a true answer he gains nothing, for he instantly and fearfully distorts it to fit his own egotistical illusions.
This is it you see.I had written down the thoughts, and basically 'got it' yes!!! and then Vernon Howards quote just affirmed all of this and completely blew me away.Now I realise this is a big insight for me, therefore I wish to explain it further.
When I wrote that passage in my notebook, it was concerning a personal situation where I had to make a correct decision.I really needed to know the right answer.I was so involved in having the right answer, so reliant and dependant on it for myself "egotistical illusions." that I wasn't actually seeing the answer because everything was being clouded INSTANTLY!
I wrote: "Why do I not remember at that moment to change my mind?"
This is the link to the part where Howard says: "He should not be discouraged by his lack of comprehension, but should patiently lift his consciousness up to the level of the answer."
Anyway I didn't change my mind and ended up making the wrong decision.A few months later something very interesting happened.I needed to make a correct decision again regarding a personal situation.This time I became involved (as is perfectly natural) with the situation.Now my old patterns of thinking were starting to form regarding this event.You know how you can almost feel the neurons lining up in your brain, that old pattern to a familiar situation.In fact usually it's not even conscious.You sense you're heading for the 'same old same old' yet you still 'go there.' Indeed, I need to reiterate this, even though I said the last sentence rather jokingly, I must stress that this is all perfectly natural behaviour and we should go with it.We should 'go there' seemlessly.Flow, don't control.
Now here's the good part.BOOM! Yes, there it was, aha! this time it was different.This time I saw the answer.The really key part to all of this is that I was reminded at the crucial moment, the correct answer!
"patiently lift his consciousness up to the level of the answer."
I had noted: "It is as if I cannot think of a positive outlook when I am so immersed in an unpleasant moment."
That's my ego being bruised, I realise this now.The difference now is that I am no longer dependant on anything.Honestly, right now, I feel as free as a bird.You see I go into situations still being the authentic me.The major change is that the need for an answer isn't even on the mind.I know that the answer is always higher than the question, and so I'm cool with everything.
I've remembered!
My immense thanks to the great Vernon Howard and my many friends here for making the realisation possible for me.
PS: This blog wasn't great, my heads still all over the place, but I feel that I must get this out now.Please ask if it makes no sense, or whatever, or discuss it further it's cool.So there you have it. :)
Thanks!
Access: Public
Makes perfect sense, thanks for sharing. Reminds me of the major decisions in my life where I knew the wrong choice, I knew the right choice…but still it took sooo much beating up of myself to finally choose the “right” one! Afterwards, it’s obvious that it was the right (or wrong) choice, but at the time? Bah, unchecked intellect, I can talk myself into thinking any choice is just as right as the last.
Awesome reminder, though, man…I will definitely try and rise above next time; it could save my ego a lot of self-inflicted abuse.
ROb said: “I will definitely try and rise above next time; it could save my ego a lot of self-inflicted abuse.”
No no no no no!!! on no!!! no no no!!! no no no!!!!!
Think about what you just said in the above quote and then consider why I am shouting NO! to it through my screen.
Thanks for yet another great discussion flex! It sounds like you are talking about an openness…you had an openness for the “answer” to emerge…it is interesting at what point this becomes possible. You are right-the patterns are natural; they come from physioneurobiopsychological (is that a word? ha!) responses…so it only makes sense that we behave in ways that don’t make sense at later times…and this is part of the reason I love David Bohm, which we definitely have to talk about later…BUT there is something else present. (Call it whatever you want…and I guess in reality it is the only thing Real…) This is what allows us to see through the patterns….
I don’t know if this totally relates, but I thought it did when I posted it:
Several months ago I began learning about Integral Theory. Prior to that, I had done somewhat of an overview of the major world religions, and came to the conclusion that the Truth is the same, and there are only superficial differences, based on how the religion developed and evolved. I have been struggling with whether I should have a more structured “practice” in my life instead of my multitude of activities through which “I” experience presence.
(I don’t follow any particular path or practice any particular practice other than life…but that is another discussion.) Having realized that I am not going to find eternal bliss by seeking something or becoming something, and that all concepts are empty, I find value in Integral Theory and Action, but don’t want to get caught up in conceptualizing the world because it takes me out of this moment and into the world of thought, which is created by a divine spark, but is ultimately empty. So I am exploring the world of Integral through inquiry, reading, and a group, with a curiosity and appreciation of Being while participating in these things. Last week I got this quote based on the teaching of Ramana Maharshi in my email:
“Scriptures arise to suit varying conditions, but their spirit is the same. Questions are asked from a certain viewpoint and the answers are given from the same. The scriptures are useful to indicate the existence of the higher power (the Self) and the way to gain it. Their essence is that alone, and when it is realized, they are useless. They are voluminous because they are adapted to the development of the seeker. As one rises in the scale, one finds the portions one has transcended to be steps to the higher stage, etc.”
Then I picked up the good ol’ Bhagavad-Gita, even though I’m reading like four other things right now and I hadn’t read in months. I flipped through and it said: “Just as a reservoir is of little use when the whole country side is flooded, scriptures are of little use to the illuminated man or woman, who sees the Lord everywhere.”
Now I’m not saying I’m “illuminated” or have no use for scriptures or integral theory…but for me, lately it has helped to keep the body-mind balanced, and these quotes spoke to me…peace!
To ROb,
My last comment was very forward, and perhaps I should explain more.You’ll have to excuse my manner in the last comment, you see my hairs on fire.
Anyway basically I didn’t agree with your comment because when you say ‘try’ that to me involves the ego.
To me, the word ‘try’ just means ‘ask the question again’
And that is pointless.You either do it or you do not.The question needs only asking once.
ROb said: ”I can talk myself into thinking any choice is just as right as the last.”
Exactly! Right on, that’s what I’m like sometimes as well, as I’m sure we all are at times.That’s when we’re too involved, we’re still ‘trying’ we’re still at the level of the answer and are therefore going nowhere fast.In this situation you have nothing to gain and everything to lose.
OK, so it seems that we’re all aware of this.That’s a good step.Now the thing to do is to build up a solid relationship with our higher selves.The more we trust our intuition, the more it will reward us.Of course we make correct decisions all of the time.We’re alive afterall, we’re surviving, which involves making numerous correct decisions.So instead of sitting there asking the question over and over, forget it! Just be yourself, and trust yourself and grasp the answer with both hands and make use of it.You know it’s there don’t you? that vast untapped potential.So go ahead and give it a go.It’s about trust!
Never rest in it though, otherwise you’ll get stung.Every moment is anew, and nothing is guaranteed on the level of ambivalence.So, rise above it, continually!
Kari said: “It sounds like you are talking about an openness…you had an openness for the “answer” to emerge…it is interesting at what point this becomes possible.”
The answer is always there.The point at which the answer emerges is when we are not looking for it.This, for me, is what we all need to know:
“The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest; that which has no (substantial) existence enters where there is no crevice. I know hereby what advantage belongs to doing nothing (with a purpose). ” - Lao Tzu
It is that moment where we are given, that we must take!, for that in essence is us.When we deny it, we are denying ourselves.Literally! Think about that.All of this is about being our true whole selves, getting past the illusions that their is separation.
Kari said: “I had done somewhat of an overview of the major world religions, and came to the conclusion that the Truth is the same.”
Yes, I came to the same conclusion.Rather than copy and paste it all, please see my second post near the bottom of this thread: Expanding who you believe you are….
Kari said: “ So I am exploring the world of Integral through inquiry, reading, and a group, with a curiosity and appreciation of Being while participating in these things.”
Yes, you are ‘peeling all the veils away”
{There are two paths leading to oneness with the Tao.} The first in the path of acceptance. Affirm everyone and everything. Freely extend you goodwill and virtue in every direction, regardless of circumstances. Embrace all things as part of the Harmonious Oneness, and then you will begin to perceive it. The second path is that of denial. Recognize that everything you see and think is a falsehood, an illusion, a veil over the truth. Peel all the veils away, and you will arrive at the Oneness. Though these paths are entirely different, they will deliver you to the same place: spontaneous awareness of the Great Oneness. - Lao Tzu
I so get what you’re saying Kari, I understand and I have the same attitude.Life is to be explored, that feels natural and good to me, so I’m doing it.It’s in my nature to peel the veils away, and sometimes not to.There are options, so choose.Perhaps tomorrow I will stop and just embrace.Or a little of both.As long as I’m being the true authentic me, doing the best I can then that’s that.
The end quotes are great Kari.Again, I totally get what you mean.And if we ever should see each other stumble, lets make sure we keep each other balanced. :)
Cheers!
You are right, flex: the “answer” is always there, yet seems to emerge when we no longer look for it (?)…thanks for the link too. I will check it out later. Yes as long as we are True to our Self, then we know when to stop peeling and just abide…I have been learning that lately in my inquiring…yes (again!), flex, don’t hesitate to call me on it if you sense that I speak from the small self. (I will do the same!) :-)
Cheers!
I said: “That’s when we’re too involved, we’re still ‘trying’ we’re still at the level of the answer and are therefore going nowhere fast.”
I meant ‘level of the question’ not ‘level of the answer’
Just spotted that.Come on guys, get this edit feature sorted out will ya!
Thanks Kari.You got it! And thanks for offering to call let me know when I stumble too.It’s really appreciated, because trust me, I probably will stumble.