Actually DOing any work

[dave85]

OK here goes with my 1st thread.

What I would like to know, is how do you get on with doing any work (I'm referring to reading, research, thinking objectively, practising etc rather than working a job) with so many distractions and seemingly so little time?

If this makes no sense, I'll try asking what works for people using this forum, to help them knuckle down, be disciplined and put the EFFORT in to get any sort of result?

I guess one of my shortcomings is I can give up on things easily if I don't see instant results. This is something I'm working on, because it is an illusion of mine!

Hope people can help somehow, thanks!

 

[The rabbit]

I guess one of my shortcomings is I can give up on things easily if I don't see instant results. This is something I'm working on, because it is an illusion of mine!

Maybe something to do would be to give us an example or examples of what you have started , only to give up because of no instant results. Why you started them etc.

 

[anart]

Hi Dave, it's an interesting question and one with as many different answers as there are people, probably. First, it comes down to doing what is in you to do - what drives you, what you are interested in and what you love. For me, that has become increasing my knowledge, of myself and the Universe - it is what drives me. For me to reach that point, however, I had to be disappointed in all else I found or experienced; there had to be a bankruptcy of sorts. Only then could I ignore all that around us that distracts because it no longer held any pull or value (or much less pull or value). This didn't happen overnight, it happened in steps, but, in the beginning, I noticed strongly that the only time I actually felt alive was when I was learning about things that humbled me in almost every way - it literally lit me up and nothing was more interesting or important to me.

If you've read any Gurdjieff, then you know he mentions that a person can only come to the Work after having found that all other paths disappoint. I also (personally) think that progress made in past lives contributes to progress and understanding in this life - the soul remembers.

OK here goes with my 1st thread.

What I would like to know, is how do you get on with doing any work (I'm referring to reading, research, thinking objectively, practising etc rather than working a job) with so many distractions and seemingly so little time?

First, put the thought of so little time on the shelf. It's only going to trip you up - and from a soul perspective, there is no time. I realize that sounds ridiculous in a life ruled by the clock, but when you're dealing with matters of the soul, time loses its power in a lot of ways. As I said above, the soul remembers. Often, we just have to get ourselves (false personality) out of the way - the new tool of the EE breathing and meditation goes a long way toward helping to get that started, I think.

There is also Ark's quote that I had as my signature several years ago, that speaks to this time issue:

So, I suggest, forget all your "I should", and replace it by "I ALWAYS WANTED...". It may take
a while for you to specify what it is that you "always wanted", but, on the other hand, perhaps you
know it right away.

FORGET "I should", forget it all. Replace it by "I LOVE TO DO ...." and skip completely the TIME issue.

If you need five lives to accomplish what you WANT, let this be the first of those five. And then, without any "time obligation"
or "should stressing" - start it.

First step first. And ENJOY it. And LOVE yourself - take care of yourself.

This is the only thing that the Universe (God?) wants from you, I think.

If this makes no sense, I'll try asking what works for people using this forum, to help them knuckle down, be disciplined and put the EFFORT in to get any sort of result?

It makes sense, and, for me, I do what I WANT to do - what is in me to do - which is read, study, learn, share and do it all over again until I realize anew that there is SO much I don't know, so I must continue!

I guess one of my shortcomings is I can give up on things easily if I don't see instant results. This is something I'm working on, because it is an illusion of mine!

It's a program - impatience. It's a common one - however, when one actually starts - just starts with no expectation, you find yourself so busy with learning that there is no time to be impatient.

I don't have a perfect answer Dave, I think it very much comes down to doing what really interests you and if the Work really interests you, then there is very little effort put in as far as knuckling down to study and such. It is just so INTERESTING, how could you do anything else? The effort comes later with the internal friction and battles. Gurdjieff said for a man to be successful at the Work, he must think of it as he does his beloved - all the time and in all things. I would translate that as it must be your driving force, in your thoughts at all time, no matter where you are or what you are doing - it must fully occupy you.

If you've not yet tried the EE program, it really can get some things moving very quickly, so it might be a good kick start! fwiw.

 

[kannas]

Hi Dave, it's an interesting question and one with as many different answers as there are people, probably. First, it comes down to doing what is in you to do - what drives you, what you are interested in and what you love. For me, that has become increasing my knowledge, of myself and the Universe - it is what drives me. For me to reach that point, however, I had to be disappointed in all else I found or experienced; there had to be a bankruptcy of sorts. Only then could I ignore all that around us that distracts because it no longer held any pull or value (or much less pull or value). This didn't happen overnight, it happened in steps, but, in the beginning, I noticed strongly that the only time I actually felt alive was when I was learning about things that humbled me in almost every way - it literally lit me up and nothing was more interesting or important to me.

If you've read any Gurdjieff, then you know he mentions that a person can only come to the Work after having found that all other paths disappoint. I also (personally) think that progress made in past lives contributes to progress and understanding in this life - the soul remembers.

Hi dave85 and welcome. For me, it is just about the same as anart quoted above, my need to know (my drive), my thirst and love for knowledge, and it is my journey path. Since coming to Cassiopaea, I've enjoyed (thoroughly and with deep inner satisfaction, I might add) the Work and EE breathing program in which keeps my Life spark very much alive and burning.

Anart, I truly enjoyed your entire post and the quote from Ark. Thank you!

Edit: To correct misspelling.

 

[Buddy]

OK here goes with my 1st thread.

What I would like to know, is how do you get on with doing any work (I'm referring to reading, research, thinking objectively, practising etc rather than working a job) with so many distractions and seemingly so little time?

If this makes no sense, I'll try asking what works for people using this forum, to help them knuckle down, be disciplined and put the EFFORT in to get any sort of result?

I guess one of my shortcomings is I can give up on things easily if I don't see instant results. This is something I'm working on, because it is an illusion of mine!

Hope people can help somehow, thanks!

Hi dave85.
Vulcan59's welcoming post contains the stuff you'll want to study and try to understand first, like the Strategic Enclosure, so that you can start your Work with minimal interference from others who might otherwise question or harrass you for acting differently.

When I was trying to understand the strategic enclosure, Mr. Premise provided simplification that was so helpful, it remains with me today. External Consideration is also very important as it addresses your interactions with others directly to smooth out friction and help acquire a sense of humility with respect to the freewill of others. The Big 5 Psychology books are important first steps as well because once you understand a bit about dissasociation and narcissistic behaviors, you can start self-observing to understand how your own biological 'machine' has been programmed to function in order to get to the root of false beliefs, ideals, etc.

There's so much that can be said, but I believe it's very important not to put too much pressure on yourself - the stress that results can trigger all kinds of counterforces that can derail your progress.

Take care of yourself in every way and try to have some fun along the way. Taking the attitude of being on an adventure of discovery and learning has helped me a great deal! :)


Added: I also recommend keeping a daily journal to record thoughts, feelings and etc., for future reference and to help externalize your thinking so you can 'see' it better. And don't hesitate to ask more questions along the way! :)

 

[mocachapeau]

Hi dave85 and welcome. For me, it is just about the same as anart quoted above, my need to know (my drive), my thirst and love for knowledge, and it is my journey path. Since coming to Cassiopaea, I've enjoyed (thoroughly and with deep inner satisfaction, I might add) the Work and EE breathing program in which keeps my Life spark very much alive and burning.

Anart, I truly enjoyed your entire post and the quote from Ark. Thank you!

I have to second that sentiment - about both the desire to know driving me, and how much I really liked Anart's post. Another thing that drives me is the desire to make up for, and/or repair, the errors I have made with my loved ones in the past due to narcissistic programs. That's quite a motivator!

I feel the lack of time as well, but when I get that feeling I try to remind myself that if my schedule only allows me to do a little at a time, that's still more than if I let my frustration throw it all aside, completely.

 

[thevenusian]

What I would like to know, is how do you get on with doing any work (I'm referring to reading, research, thinking objectively, practising etc rather than working a job) with so many distractions and seemingly so little time?

If this makes no sense, I'll try asking what works for people using this forum, to help them knuckle down, be disciplined and put the EFFORT in to get any sort of result?

There is a pretty large amount of info to absorb, and a full-time occupation of regular practice if you want to really take advantage of everything you can discover through this forum. It is quite a bit to take on all at once. Your interest has led you this far, so why not choose just a few things that you feel are within your capability to try?

If you can spare 20 or 30 min a day for reading, then start with what is the most interesting to you and let that interest develop your own curiosity for more. If you can make time for a few minutes before you go to bed to repeat the Prayer of the Soul and do a few rounds of pipe-breathing, try that for a week and see if that makes you notice changes. If you can spare an hour each week to do the whole E/E program, do that for a month and see what happens. Consistency of effort is definitely an essential ingredient, but you don't need to be overwhelmed with trying to do everything all at once.

If you are seriously unable to find much time at all, pick just one thing that you can do consistently for a period of, say, a month, and then decide if there was value for you in that effort. The idea is not so much that there are these things that you have to do, but that there are things which, if you do them, will help create the energy and momentum for increasing your capacity for more. Don't set your expectations high- or better yet, just give yourself to the effort without any expectations. Sometimes it is just not possible to do much, or make big changes quickly, but what is possible is to keep pushing ourselves gently toward a new direction in whatever capacity we are able, if that is what we have decided to do. Being successful with discipline, at least for myself, has as much to do with keeping balance with what is within my capability to achieve- which in turn requires me to learn more about myself- as it does with 'knuckling down'.

And don't forget you are supposed to have some fun learning as well! Hope this helps some. It can be very discouraging sometimes, so be easy with yourself.

 

[RGG]

Hi Dave!

Welcome to the forum. If your looking for something easy, quick and practical to afford you more time shut off your TV. You can eliminate being programmed and have extra time to read and research in one easy step!. I only turn mine on to watch the odd movie with my hubby since what is available on TV to westerners living in Asia is pathetic. See if this helps you- you won't miss anything that you won't be able to replace with something much better I promise. Good Luck!

Rx

 

[Inti]

Anart, I truly enjoyed your entire post and the quote from Ark. Thank you!

Same here :)

Welcome Dave. As Anart has said, do what is in you to do. I wouldn't stress or rush things, work at your own pace and in what drives you, what you have feeling for and inspires you.

I sometimes feel a sense of futility and frustration in not being able to put into action or share what I have learnt. However, in reality that may be a good thing ...it may be that I still haven't learnt enough to use or share wisely.

 

[dave85]

Hi Dave!

Welcome to the forum. If your looking for something easy, quick and practical to afford you more time shut off your TV. You can eliminate being programmed and have extra time to read and research in one easy step!. I only turn mine on to watch the odd movie with my hubby since what is available on TV to westerners living in Asia is pathetic. See if this helps you- you won't miss anything that you won't be able to replace with something much better I promise. Good Luck!

Rx

I agree with this Rx. I watch very little TV. Glad someone shares my sentiments.


And thanks again everyone else who has replied. Networking does help! Its great to hear different peoples' perspective on this.

 

[aragorn]

Hi Dave85. Fwiw I recently posted some minor tips on how to maybe get just a litte bit more done HERE. Don't know how valid those tips are, but for me as a father of our firstborn toddler these have helped me to "keep the fire burning".

I'm actually writing this from my mobile, and to my surprise I succeeded in making the hyperlink in 'HERE' quite easily :)