2012.06.27 _ 78

I suspect that my biggest step forward therapeutically (and spiritually, whatever that means) was to see through the stories I keep telling myself - to realize that's all they are. Probably all anyone with some (not too severe) problems is use something like the simple techniques outlined in Byron Katie's 'The Work.' A very quick way to see through disturbing storylines.

Thanks, Zen, for your openness on story-lines. I feel that coherent narration is essential to sanity, even when the stories are very sad or very dramatic. Neuro-biology has supposedly demonstrated that if one's parents have a "coherent narrative" of their own lives - no matter how abused or kinky they may have been - their children will "be OK" (exempt from psychosis). Narrative is part of the way we become human. I don't have a list of "DON'T DO THIS-es" when it comes to self-awareness practice (Well, actually I DO, but that's not the point here.) I have a hub (like the hub of a wheel) - and I have multiple rims (of that same hub-wheel). My experience in contemplation is to anchor myself at the hub and to observe the story-line rim(s) . . .

I have a bifurcated nature -- and so it is.

Thanks for checking in, Bruce!

Re story lines:

Eos Amaterasu: If you get to wear more than one mask, you might realize you were wearing a mask; whereas if you only wear one mask, you might think that's your face
Eos Amaterasu: therefore, have a masked ball

Wonderful conversations with friends today and telling stories but really more to the point, imparting experience... such a difference. Within that difference one might hear a story they've heard something 'like' many times, yet never heard in a personal way. This feels like the heart of the matter to me... it isn't that content doesn't matter at all, but with presence, content becomes light, beautiful ornamentation rather than baggage. edited 04:40, 28 Jun 2012

Nothing has changed, it's still the same.
I've got nothing to say, but it's OK.
Good morning, good morning, good morning.

:)