Post by smokey on Apr 28, 2011 10:04:10 GMT -5
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After Vernon Howard introduced me to self observation, G.I. Gurdjieff's took it to the next level.
Self observation begins by remembering to observe one's actions. Vernon Howard suggested to remember to observe yourself every time you walk through a doorway. This leads to observing yourself while eating, working, and even reading.
This physical observation leads one to begin observing one's thoughts. Becoming the observer of one's thoughts enables one to stand aside from them to patiently select which thoughts are necessary and which are not. In this way it is impossible for thoughts to disrupt inner poise.
The most important exercise for me was given by Gurdjieff student John G. Bennet in one of his books. It involves sitting for one hour observing your thoughts. Therefore, before you sit down ensure you will not need food, water or the bathroom. Turn off the phone and other distractions.
Sit in a quiet place and begin to observe your thoughts as if they are floating by you on a river. If you become caught in a thought, drop it and continue to watch them float by. Each time you get caught, drop them and continue watching.
That one hour enabled me to remember throughout my days to look at my thoughts and let them go. This can be done anywhere, anytime. There is no need for silence, or nature, or incense -- no special poses. After years of practice neither my, nor anyone else's thoughts, have any power over me.
Gufdjieff's teachings are full of these practical exercises for inner harmony. He also taught mystical dances which can be found on youtube if anyone's is interested.
Additionally, spiritual seekers may be interested in a movie made about Gurdjieff based on one of his books. It can be found here:
It reveals the lengths some men will go to find higher truths.
Also, Maurice Nicoll wrote a series of books on the teachings of Gufdjieff and Ouspensky which were an invaluable assistance as a foundation for self observation.
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