Dearest Students, the world out there is very busy right now, at least in the USA, as people prepare for Thanksgiving. I myself will be taking part in a spiritual retreat, which is the best way I can imagine to spend a day devoted to gratitude. Since I don't eat meat, I won't be partaking of any turkey, the traditional dinner of most Americans. I thought I'd give you all a special spiritual exercise you can practice, so here it is:
Notice how often you think or say the word, "I," such as: "I am going to the store; I should be more appreciated; I am lost; I am depressed; I am happy; I am hungry." Pay attention to what you feel or experience whenever you think or use the word I. Notice if you are building yourself up or putting yourself down. Notice when you are referring to your false self, which is the I that you have acquired, as part of your personal and social conditioning. Notice, too, how often you use the word I with no awareness. Yes! You can catch yourself being unaware!
When we use the word "I" with no awareness, we do not realize when we are building up our false self, hurting ourself through self-condemnation, or sinking deeper into unconsciousness.
Self-observation is the most important exercise we can practice on the road to awareness. As the angels tell us, "What you are not aware of controls you. When you become aware of something, it begins to lose control over you." So try this exercise and see what happens! And have a happy day of gratitude, wherever you are, whoever you think you are.
Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone.
ReplyDeleteToday I am grateful for this Classroom, for my classmates who share the journey with me, for my lessons, the angels, God, and for you, dear teacher.
My life has a deep spiritual base now, which it never had before I found this school. I feel supported and guided on my way. The more energy I put into showing up, reading my lessons, and practicing my homework, the more I get. Sometimes it is not easy letting go of me. But it always relieving at some level.
There! That was a lot of "I" for practicing this exercise -- how did I feel? As I wrote, I saw the truth of what I was saying. I felt gratitude. And now I am writing more "I"....yes, I see that I can either be saying mean, hateful things with "I" or I can speak consciously. What "I" say about "I" is what I experience. So better to speak "I" in a conscious way!