Tuesday, May 31, 2016

The mirror effect versus their patterns

You may have read about the mirror effect. It is often written about in spiritual works. You can also read about it in Psychology scripts.

Basically, it means that you notice and become aware of patterns of behaviour in other people, that you yourself do. We see in others what we do ourselves. We recognise the patterns because we know them ourselves. Intimately.

So the mirror effect is a reminder to observe ourselves for the patterns of behaviour that we see in others. That behaviour might annoy us, or cause us to feel frustrated or angry. So why would we feel like this when we do it too?

Something to work on!!!  Feelings to face!!!! An opportunity for growth. A chance to look honestly at ourselves.

And then there is the truth that we all develop patterns of behaving because of our upbringing and develop strategies to keep ourselves save from feeling emotions we don't wish to feel. We act out habits and ways of being, because of our history and the way we have tried to protect ourselves.

So how do these 2 theories work together? Can they both be understood?
We can be aware of other people's patterns and be compassionate about them, understanding that these patterns have been built up over years and now may be unconsciously acted out.
We can also see the opportunity for ourselves - for our growth. We can notice a behaviour, and maybe we notice it because it annoys us, and ask ourselves  -- "How do I do that?

This is a valuable way to step outside of ourself and observe ourself. Be honest and if there is emotion, then allow it to be felt. It will then dissolve. In this dissolving, the original reason for the behaviour may surface. Allow it also, to be let go.

The journey to freedom continues.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Suffering and pain

Today as I sat on a rock at the sea shore, I reflected that recently I have been experiencing more suffering and emotional pain than ever in my life. (that I can remember!)

There has been so much hurt that at times I have despaired of getting out of it.

And because I do Journeywork, I have also thought that my Journey tools had deserted me.

However, I know that I can be slow to experience the real emotion. And my mind gets in the way with many weird thoughts going in all directions. This diverts the feeling of the emotion and yet, the thoughts create more suffering. Maybe they create the suffering totally.

Because I know that there is no such thing as real suffering - it is all in my interpretation or perception of the situation. If I welcome the emotion of each moment, the emotion will expand and reveal another deeper emotion as it dissolves. Until they are gone. (for now) Until the beauty of the real me is revealed.

I walked along the beach focusing on the shells, the driftwood, the waves, the sand. My being relaxed.  I allowed emotion without story. and without attachment. I dropped into stillness. (When walking in the first direction, I was aware that stillness was being elusive.)

By the time I arrived home I was feeling strong and able to be me. The me that is understanding, loving, and kind without losing me. The me that has a purpose in life, which is true and pure.