The Evolution Revolution: The Importance of Self-Observation

In the 1970's Werner Erhard's seminars were intended to bring individuals from self-awareness to Self-Awareness: eliminating the identification with ego in daily life. For me, there was one concept that made a deep impression, and one exercise that I have used successfully on both self and others.

The concept states that the primary function of what we call the 'mind' is to perpetuate its own existence.

Believing itself to be real and not a mere shadow of Reality, the mind fears its annihilation will mean death. It cannot understand that the dissolution of the unreal will reveal what is Real.

Thus, spiritual practice (without the self-observation that facilitates the dissolution of the false identity) only serves to intensify this phenomenon, as the mind, believing it 'knows' something, now shows up as spiritual ego -- a much more insidious creature. One has convinced oneself that one is now a 'spiritual' being -- and while there might be the intellectual understanding of something greater, and the ability to talk the talk, the walk is often lacking, as the false self-identification is still running the show.

The exercise -- based on the principle 'what one resists persists' -- is a simple one utilized to eliminate a headache. With the eyes closed, one focuses attention on the headache, (perceiving location, size and color), which then dissolves in the Light of that unwavering attention. (While I've found this exercise to work in most instances some people are exceptionally resistant and prefer to hold on to their resistance and their pain.)

That act, of looking at the pain in one's head unflinchingly, is similar to the exercise of self-observation. By the diligent practice of observing one's thoughts, speaking and behavior, one begins the process of separating oneself from the misguided identification with the ego.

As this separation begins to occur, a space is created that allows the Self to arise; bringing the Awareness that is its essential Nature. This Awareness, the presence of Consciousness, is expanding itself on the planet via the Evolution Revolution. What is most remarkable is that it is happening in ordinary people -- those without great investment in self -- the so-called meek.

Accompanying the presence of Consciousness are Love and Compassion, and a sensitivity to one's environment. One notices both the flock of birds wheeling in the sky, and the person in one's vicinity who might need a helping hand or a kind word. One recognizes one's own Self everywhere, and experiences the Oneness that is the Truth of existence.

As one Master says: True spiritual life is that which teaches Unity or Oneness, and makes us selfless and full of Love.