The student was ready so the teacher appeared?

[Phillytosandiego]

I am still very new to the site, but have become dedicated to learning as much as I can from it. I am currently reading The Wave series and have also read about half of the transcripts. Is there a chance I am not ready to have this knowledge? Don't get me wrong - I am hungry for it and at most times feel I would not be reading it unless in some capacity I am ready for it, but occasionally this fear and anxiety creep in, which cause me to doubt my intelligence and motives. Am I just too selfish to do what needs to be done once this knowledge is absorbed? Will I be guided to do right by this knowledge? I realize that I must continue to meditate consistently in order to quiet my mind and be a receptacle of guidance. It just all seems so overwhelming at times. Also, some info that I am learning here I have seen and learned in other settings, so it's not all new to me, but much of it is. It's so exciting, but sometimes just unbelievably mind blowing. I feel on some level that everything society has taught me to believe is the illusion...and the fantasy/myths/dreams/presented illusions are much closer to the truth, making life a carnival fun house and action/adventure movie all wrapped into one. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[Alada]

It is difficult to know quite where to place ourselves in the scheme of things sometimes, and when you see the examples of others it sure can raise fears and doubts in yourself and you own abilities, I sure know that one! But, nobody is perfect here – we all have to start out from where we are. Always there will be those ahead of us that show the way, and there will be those that come after us for whom we can hopefully shed a little light of our own, and so it goes.

As the C’s have often said, “all there is is lessons”, this is a school. So perhaps we just need to do our best in working at those lessons for whatever point on the path we find ourselves. What use would any school be that expected it’s pupils to know everything and be able to do everything before they started the class?

Think about how things grow in nature. A plant has to go through a process, many stages before it can bear any fruit, yet maybe we expect too much too soon of ourselves, worrying that we are not yet producing oranges, when the task at hand for that point on the path is to make sure the trunk grows straight and true! Other times we might become distracted by the very notion of ‘producing fruits’ in and of itself, become fixated on ‘fruits’ and forget to attend to the tree, which gradually withers and may ultimately produce nothing - other than wishful thinking.

So I’d say just relax, take it step by step and see where it goes form there. We are all on a path. Find the little things that are in front of you to do right now, that you feel can do, and attend to those. Then see what next can be done, perhaps next something a tiny bit more difficult, and so on.

Don’t aim to tackle things that are too big too soon. Small aims are better.

...and don’t forget to have fun!

 

[paralleloscope]

Is there a chance I am not ready to have this knowledge? Don't get me wrong - I am hungry for it and at most times feel I would not be reading it unless in some capacity I am ready for it, but occasionally this fear and anxiety creep in, which cause me to doubt my intelligence and motives. Am I just too selfish to do what needs to be done once this knowledge is absorbed? Will I be guided to do right by this knowledge?

There is a balance between Knowledge and Being to be had, that is to say the knowledge acquired needs to be applied, for our emotional nature to be cleansed and grow with the knowledge. This in turn will clarify the signal of conscience, showing us how to do right with what we have learned. For this purpose, along with getting to know ourselves through observation and reading, doing EE breathing is highly recommended. But as Alada says don't sweat to manage things that are out of reach for the moment, trust you will be shown what you need to do, if that is what you sincerely wish to.

 

[edgitarra]

I was in a similar state, and it is not always helpful. I tried to reach for bigger and bigger things and realized that I am not ready for them. If there is too much rush, there is a desire for fast results(anticipation) and one gets confused and could even turn himself against a possible progress. He might find himself between 2 levels from which he cannot escape. Just as the other dear members said, its good to take it slow.

A quote from Mouravieff:

Knowledge is widespread everywhere. However, it is external to us. Understanding is within us. If we pour the contents of a bottle into a glass, the latter can only contain an amount equal to its capacity. Any more will overflow. That is exactly what happens with us. We are only capable of understanding within the limits of our capacity to contain understanding within our being. Tobe able to evolve, in the esoteric sense of the term, we must above everything else constantly seek to enhance our being, to raise its level.

 

[Anthony]

I am still very new to the site, but have become dedicated to learning as much as I can from it. I am currently reading The Wave series and have also read about half of the transcripts. Is there a chance I am not ready to have this knowledge?

I think you're ready, or at least a part of you is ready. Much of the Work here is based on the
teachings of Gurdjieff, who said that man isn't united, that is, he has no 'I'. This is further explained
by the books of psychology and narcissism, which I'm sure you would benefit from reading.
So it seems that you are having conflicting I's battling. I'm sure EE, knowledge input on daily
basis and dietary changes would help a lot.

 

[Nienna]

The way I see it, Phillytosandiego, is that when we are ready, we will find what we need, hence, you found Laura and her material. The problem lies in us trying to give this knowledge to those who are not ready by talking to them about it when it has not been asked by them. So I wouldn't waste my energy worrying if I'm not ready to read the material.

As far as meditation to empty the mind goes, Parallel has mentioned EE. This is a breathing and meditation with a seed exercise. When one empties the mind, we never know what might end up taking residence in that empty space, that's why we do the meditation with a seed.

As you continue to read the forum, you'll find many books that are recommended to read to gain knowledge. I would suggest finishing the Wave series before going on to other material as that will give you an idea of what we are all about here.

 

[3DStudent]

Phillytosandiego, just take it step by step, as the others said. I think we find things when we are ready for them, all lessons come at the appropriate time. In the beginning there can be a lot of doubt and the information can feel overwhelming. But as you stick with it and your understanding increases, it becomes easier. An analogy may be that a flower has a difficult time at first to sprout and thrust itself through all the dirt, but after a while it will grow tall and bloom into a beautiful flower.

 

[Renaissance]

I am still very new to the site, but have become dedicated to learning as much as I can from it. I am currently reading The Wave series and have also read about half of the transcripts. Is there a chance I am not ready to have this knowledge? Don't get me wrong - I am hungry for it and at most times feel I would not be reading it unless in some capacity I am ready for it, but occasionally this fear and anxiety creep in, which cause me to doubt my intelligence and motives. Am I just too selfish to do what needs to be done once this knowledge is absorbed? Will I be guided to do right by this knowledge? I realize that I must continue to meditate consistently in order to quiet my mind and be a receptacle of guidance. It just all seems so overwhelming at times. Also, some info that I am learning here I have seen and learned in other settings, so it's not all new to me, but much of it is. It's so exciting, but sometimes just unbelievably mind blowing. I feel on some level that everything society has taught me to believe is the illusion...and the fantasy/myths/dreams/presented illusions are much closer to the truth, making life a carnival fun house and action/adventure movie all wrapped into one. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

I think many of us have going through similar struggles regarding self doubt, questioning our motives and trying to understand our readiness, Phillytosandiego. On one hand this rise of questioning can serve a purpose of examining the things we thought we know, but it can also be used by the predators mind to undermine our desire to know. Reading about these topics and understanding the mechanisms of our mind can go a long way in helping us to move forward. There's a quote I like, "When you're going through hell, keep going!" There's lots of tools available both within the Wave and on the forum that we can utilize to get through it. But it does seem, even with these tools, that we're going to feel some struggle and just know that that is part of the growing process. There's many programs that come up, and I've found doubting our intelligence is a big one. The brain is a pretty amazing thing though, and we all have capacities that we're 'taught' not to know. We're taught some people are naturally 'smart' and others just aren't. I think some might have a little more natural ability, but I think it's a minor thing and in the end it doesn't matter much because it's the consistent quest of knowledge and questioning things that matters. I've known many seemingly intelligent people who really don't have a clue and/or are shutoff from the world around them. I think this work is more about seeing the world and seeing the truth in things and the labels with regard to intelligence aren't that useful.

It's okay to take things bit by bit. I know there's so much material to read, and the revelations can feel overwhelming at times. But there is a great network for you here filled with many have been through similar struggles. Sometimes just writing about it can help relieve tension. So feel free to check in whenever you need to.

 

[Beorn]

I think it can be a good place to be to question our motives. The other place to be is that we don't question our motives and then you know we're in a world of trouble. So you can just let it sit there in your mind and let it be a guiding question that helps you to remember yourself and why you are here.

As far as your readiness and intelligence goes, it seems the universe has faith in you to be ready for this new material. Is there a reason you doubt yourself?

FWIW in terms of motives I find it's helpful to ask the universe in such circumstances. The power of prayer is that it changes the self. So you can ask for the desire to serve humanity, for the will to Be, etc. For me, just the act of asking the universe can have a transforming effect that at times can wash away the selfishness and other negative emotions. And the meditation also is really about asking, for our eyes to cleared, our hearts cleansed, and so on.

 

[Pinocchio]

It's so exciting, but sometimes just unbelievably mind blowing.

I think I know how you feel. The amount of information and range of topics available here is amazing and I remember discovering things that seemed to me "just unbelievably mind blowing." Learn all you can and remember that what Parallel said:

There is a balance between Knowledge and Being to be had, that is to say the knowledge acquired needs to be applied, for our emotional nature to be cleansed and grow with the knowledge. This in turn will clarify the signal of conscience, showing us how to do right with what we have learned. For this purpose, along with getting to know ourselves through observation and reading, doing EE breathing is highly recommended. But as Alada says don't sweat to manage things that are out of reach for the moment, trust you will be shown what you need to do, if that is what you sincerely wish to.

Have you discovered the EE breathing yet? It would likely help in dispelling the anxiety as well. It has helped me with anxiety in the past. Another thing besides EE is just what you have done here and share your journey. It's a way I think of balancing between gaining (knowledge) and giving (feedback). Thanks very much for sharing and enjoy the ride!

 

[Phillytosandiego]

Thank you all for your wisdom, encouragement and gentle guidance. I shall follow many of the suggestions and keep in mind that I have support here when I need it. I am touched by the parallels between the C's and forum's collective direction and guidance and that of the 12 steps of Recovery as stated and expounded on in the book Alcoholics Anonymous by Bill Wilson et al. Especially prominent to me is the similar advice of "attraction rather than promotion" (as described in above mentioned book) as the guiding principle of knowledge dissemination as well as solidarity with and service to others as essential in the work. I am making connections in my life all over the place. It's a total hoot to have found you! Thanks again.

 

[MusicMan]

It sounds as if you are on the road, Phillytosandiego, a road to discovery.
I think you will discover that cassiopaea offers much more than any twelve step group.
Even a twelve step group requires that you take the first step.
Enjoy the journey! Learning is fun!

 

[ka]

Greetings! Phillytosandiego:

Am I just too selfish to do what needs to be done once this knowledge is absorbed? Will I be guided to do right by this knowledge?

Your self-questioning is a good start—probably—as long as it doesn’t keep you from DOING things that you know very well need to be done.

The shock of new realization can provide energy to start doing something—so don’t waste the opportunity! This moment could be the start of something!

Sometimes we don’t quite know what to do with new knowledge. I’ve found that’s okay, too.

It has sometimes happened that something I read or heard, that I hadn’t thought of for years, came back to mind WHEN I WAS IN A SITUATION WHERE I NEEDED TO KNOW IT. And in such a situation, whole new dimensions of understanding can open up around the seed of thought sown long ago.

Asking the universe for guidance couldn’t hurt.

Best wishes to you!

 

[Mikha'El]

Thank you all for your wisdom, encouragement and gentle guidance. I shall follow many of the suggestions and keep in mind that I have support here when I need it. I am touched by the parallels between the C's and forum's collective direction and guidance and that of the 12 steps of Recovery as stated and expounded on in the book Alcoholics Anonymous by Bill Wilson et al. Especially prominent to me is the similar advice of "attraction rather than promotion" (as described in above mentioned book) as the guiding principle of knowledge dissemination as well as solidarity with and service to others as essential in the work. I am making connections in my life all over the place. It's a total hoot to have found you! Thanks again.

My reply to you Philly would be that we are always in the place that we need to be regardless of our own beliefs or desires. You are only ready to learn what you are ready to learn. Period.

I would also state that any knowledge is good knowledge regardless of where, or how, it is gained. Yes, this forum is an excellent place for networking and learning of the self but there are many, many other places that could also be considered to be just as relevant. I have found that some of the most profound lessons I have learned have been taught to me in the most unexpected of places.

Everyday situations, if properly examined, can provide way more insight than reading books or forum replies in certain circumstances.

To me that is the essence of what the C's mean when they say that all is lessons. Lessons that we need to learn are always thrust upon us, we just need to be open and receptive to what the Universe is attempting to show us.

Having a solid base of information to work from is definitely helpful but by no means necessary. Don't ever forget that we have a universal source of infinite knowledge to gain insight from and that it cannot be reached from outside yourself, it lies within the deepest parts of your soul and whispers to us constantly.

My advice would be to leave yourself open and receptive to knowledge and growth in general and to keep in mind that there is no "One True Path" to enlightenment that works for all people. To belief that there is only one way to gain knowledge, or that one way is superior to another in general terms, is colossally egotistical and not a beneficial ideal to follow, in my opinion.

You have within yourself the ultimate teacher, guide and mentor and you can place faith in yourself to learn what it is you need to learn at any particular time. Just be wary of false bravado and self-deception. Always examine and re-examine your personal beliefs and trust in the fact that we are ALL evolving together.