The Practical Work of Awakening |
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Awakening is an art
first of all because we must be emotional and inspired about our efforts. It
may come as a surprise to discover that one must be taught not only to awaken,
but to want to awaken and to maintain the desire to make efforts. Awakening is
also an art in that we must have a flexible attitude toward making effort. The
same effort to be present will not work in all circumstances. Sometimes we must
struggle internally with imagination, at other times we must try to sustain
presence while performing a particularly difficult task. Our efforts must
change as circumstances change, because the lower self would prefer that we
repeat the same effort endlessly and imagine that we are being present. At the
same time, the more efforts we make to be present, the more our Higher Self
will enter our life and provide us with the inspiration and renewed desire to
make new efforts.
There are many references in esoteric literature to the idea of "leaving
the world" or "controlling the passions" or "becoming a
recluse." Real internal work does not involve a literal enactment of these
representations. The inner meaning of this idea is to learn to separate from
the host of thoughts and distractions that comprise the imaginary internal
world of the lower self and to promote efforts to be present in any and all
circumstances. This is where the real struggle takes place, in each unassuming second,
and this is what the lower self will do anything and everything to avoid. When
we understand the nature of this struggle, then we begin to understand the
urgency of making regular efforts and of seeking guidance and support from
others making similar efforts.
