Imagination and the Lower Self |
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The term lower self
means the part of us that considers our mechanical life to be real and
sufficient. The lower self is opposed to Divine Presence, and when we make
active efforts to be present and sustain presence, the lower self continually
tries to lure us away from this effort. The lower self is not a single being
inside of us, but rather the collection of attitudes, dreams, and mechanical
habits that dwell within us. Since so much of our day passes quite freely in
this state, the lower self has convinced us that this is all there is to life;
basic, periodic awareness of our life is enough while true Divine Presence is
unnecessary and intrusive.
The effort to be present is a constant struggle against imagination and the
lower self. This struggle never ceases. If we think that we have reached a
state of presence where the lower self no longer can oppose it, then we are
already back in imagination. As we come to understand the depth of our sleep
and the necessity of awakening, we no longer think of presence as an
interesting luxury. Our desire to work practically to achieve moments of
presence will grow as we yearn to connect with our Higher Self.
