It's Been Quite A While

[Bar Kochba]

I haven't been online for a very long time! I know that it has been said that very little progress can be made alone when doing the Work, but I have done my best with what I had. I most definitely have seen results in my life little by little, learning that lasting change only comes from gradual change. I miss coming here and learning, and hopefully soon will have a regular internet connection. It's a crazy "time" to be living in right now, but as everyone here is well aware of, knowledge protects. I must say, I was grateful to see that sott was still here, handling their biz and telling it like it is. Thanks to the sott team for all they do... :)

 

[shijing]

Hi Bar Kochba, and welcome back -- missed your icon :)

 

[stellar]

Good to know you're still OK.

I too have been somewhat of a rare show. There is so much to read and Do and change.

I think that sometimes there are things we need to do alone instead of being led by the hand at every step.

IMO it's just as helpfull to share experiences after we've tried out what we have learned and then, hopefully many can benefit from the feedback.

Wellcome back. :)

 

[Breo]

Hi
I am new here so I cannot say, welcome back, but I would... :)
I very much can relate to the said above:

... learning that lasting change only comes from gradual change.

and

... there are things we need to do alone instead of being led by the hand at every step.

Feels good to know that others express, what I experience :)

 

[Bar Kochba]

I approached my time "alone" thusly: I had read much material concerning the Work basics, and decided to put what I'd learned into intense practice. My mantras were things like, "only super-efforts are rewarded" and "speak only when necessary" as well being outwardly kind to all except when the moment dictated otherwise. I was well aware that I had no accurate, detailed mirror (such as you find here) save for the reactions of those around me. And, I knew of my machine's tendency towards dishonesty and complacency. So, knowing and accepting these things, I worked as best I could. I accomplished phenomenal personal things; things I never thought possible! At the same time I learned that one cannot rest because one is either moving forward slowly or sliding backwards quickly...at least in my case. I know that talking about the Work and DOING the Work are completely different. For a long time, I only talked about it. I imagined i was doing good Work. Gave others tons of advice on how they should work, etc. But when I actually began to Work, I saw what a judgemental know it all jacka** I had been! So, I do my best to monitor and be brutally honest with myself. I realize I still lie to myself...but it is much better than last year or last month or last week, etc. Glad to be back here for sure!

 

[Sinapi]

I approached my time "alone" thusly: I had read much material concerning the Work basics, and decided to put what I'd learned into intense practice. My mantras were things like, "only super-efforts are rewarded" and "speak only when necessary" as well being outwardly kind to all except when the moment dictated otherwise. I was well aware that I had no accurate, detailed mirror (such as you find here) save for the reactions of those around me. And, I knew of my machine's tendency towards dishonesty and complacency. So, knowing and accepting these things, I worked as best I could. I accomplished phenomenal personal things; things I never thought possible! At the same time I learned that one cannot rest because one is either moving forward slowly or sliding backwards quickly...at least in my case. I know that talking about the Work and DOING the Work are completely different. For a long time, I only talked about it. I imagined i was doing good Work. Gave others tons of advice on how they should work, etc. But when I actually began to Work, I saw what a judgemental know it all jacka** I had been! So, I do my best to monitor and be brutally honest with myself. I realize I still lie to myself...but it is much better than last year or last month or last week, etc. Glad to be back here for sure!

Hi Bar Kochba,

Welcome back to the forum! It sounds like you've made a lot of progress. I just wanted to say that I completely relate to either moving forward slowly or sliding back quickly. In fact, with a few weeks of distraction and not reading, and not even remembering to Remember Myself, I had forgotten many basic principles of the Work, such as the General Law, A-influences, External Consideration, etc. I have been very internally considerate this whole time; I have Done little, if nothing.

One day, I hope to truly Understand this Work, and improve to the point that you have reached. Best of luck, and thanks for posting again! :)

 

[Buddy]

It has been awhile. Good to 'see' ya! :)

 

[Erna]

Welcome back, Bar Kochba! :)

You've been away for a WHILE!