Here's the question - it seems like it is the ego that wishes to die. Why would the ego go on a spiritual journey to see itself killed? Is it not the ego that drives the whole journey? Or perhaps the ego has been inspired by something higher. Is it possible, then, that the ego works side-by-side with the Higher Self? A partnership? A symbiotic relationship?
I received an email from a concerned friend - I want to clarify that I am not speaking of physical death. This post refers to the death or submission of the ego - that unruly irritating ego. BUT, it doesn't hurt to take a long hard look at physical death and the macabre artistic images associated with it because we are going to die someday. It's best to get over our fears of death now. Embrace life; Embrace death.
In the "about me" profile section of this blog I state that I wish to die before death. By this I mean I want to set free my Higher Self by submitting the ego and really LIVE before I physically die.
I understand these macabre images and death allegories get some people worried. Fear not. Treat them as symbols and allegories, not monsters that are hiding under your bed.
I heard a story about Dorothy Day. A writer was waiting to interview her. She was at a homeless shelter talking to a man who was staying there, and she turned around and asked the writer, "Are you waiting to speak with one of us?"
There is a small part of us that is willing to sacrifice itself so that the divine can take it's place in us (perhaps this could be called a symbiotic relationship), other parts are neutral, and some parts are actively opposed to being displaced by the divine.
If your higher mechanical parts want to oppose the lower mechanical parts then you must do things that the lower does not want to do, or do not do what it does want to do.
To do a significant amount of this work you need someone else to tell you what to do.
Kathy, I'm not sure - that's what I'm trying to figure out. I am wondering if all these spiritual journeys are really just plain old psychology masked in elaborate language and ritual. I don't know about others but I want this world to be magical and to have a magical purpose so maybe I am setting my expectations too high. Maybe Buddha, Christ, Plato, etc. were also scared human beings going through existential crises.
If I sound confused tonight it's because I don't think I'm as stable as usual so my language or words may seem strange.
Sally, thanks for relating that scene to us. I think without an ego one would no longer have the need to be special or to be praised or shown attention.
Is it normal to experience periods of doubt when one is on the path to complete enlightenment, especially when it was thought that the doubt was defeated earlier?
Yes of course there will always be periods of doubt. Somehow we get stronger by working in the dark, by making efforts even when we have no inspiration.
Thanks for the pep talk. I don't want to take any of your energy, though. Maybe after the moon moves a little to somewhere else things will be better. It's all a cycle. Then I will have energy to pick up my journey where I left it. I don't believe in going backwards anymore.
Thanks for the hug, Kathy. I feel funny making everyone fuss over me. There really are no dire circumstances happening to make me feel down lately; it's just the downswing of being "bipolar". It's just been so long since I crashed that it only appears hopeless.
I feel embarrassed that I put this on my blog. LOL All this time I wanted everyone to think I had a stable head on my shoulders.
32 comments:
It is an oximoron to say "I" must die. The statement itself gives fresh life to "I".
Not saying it would be the death of an "I".
I see what you're saying.
Here's the question - it seems like it is the ego that wishes to die. Why would the ego go on a spiritual journey to see itself killed? Is it not the ego that drives the whole journey? Or perhaps the ego has been inspired by something higher. Is it possible, then, that the ego works side-by-side with the Higher Self? A partnership? A symbiotic relationship?
I received an email from a concerned friend - I want to clarify that I am not speaking of physical death. This post refers to the death or submission of the ego - that unruly irritating ego. BUT, it doesn't hurt to take a long hard look at physical death and the macabre artistic images associated with it because we are going to die someday. It's best to get over our fears of death now. Embrace life; Embrace death.
In the "about me" profile section of this blog I state that I wish to die before death. By this I mean I want to set free my Higher Self by submitting the ego and really LIVE before I physically die.
I understand these macabre images and death allegories get some people worried. Fear not. Treat them as symbols and allegories, not monsters that are hiding under your bed.
So how do we die before we die? what are the signs of a person with no ego?
regarding signs that the ego is beginning to die:
I heard a story about Dorothy Day. A writer was waiting to interview her. She was at a homeless shelter talking to a man who was staying there, and she turned around and asked the writer, "Are you waiting to speak with one of us?"
ahh thats's sweet Sally...thanks for sharing
There is a small part of us that is willing to sacrifice itself so that the divine can take it's place in us (perhaps this could be called a symbiotic relationship), other parts are neutral, and some parts are actively opposed to being displaced by the divine.
If your higher mechanical parts want to oppose the lower mechanical parts then you must do things that the lower does not want to do, or do not do what it does want to do.
To do a significant amount of this work you need someone else to tell you what to do.
Kathy, I'm not sure - that's what I'm trying to figure out. I am wondering if all these spiritual journeys are really just plain old psychology masked in elaborate language and ritual. I don't know about others but I want this world to be magical and to have a magical purpose so maybe I am setting my expectations too high. Maybe Buddha, Christ, Plato, etc. were also scared human beings going through existential crises.
If I sound confused tonight it's because I don't think I'm as stable as usual so my language or words may seem strange.
Sally, thanks for relating that scene to us. I think without an ego one would no longer have the need to be special or to be praised or shown attention.
Isn't that the aim... to make "I" less stable.
Anonymous, I think it's my lower self which is opposing my higher self. There is a lot it doesn't want to do.
Depression is one of the ways that the lower self takes space. So to oppose it you have to be happy. :)
...or rather, do not allow it to think depressing thoughts.
I have been spending some time purposefully keeping my mind silent. Only a few moments here and there but, it's a start.
You have already verified that there is divine magic and divine love.
Small and consistent efforts are the best.
Is it normal to experience periods of doubt when one is on the path to complete enlightenment, especially when it was thought that the doubt was defeated earlier?
Yes of course there will always be periods of doubt. Somehow we get stronger by working in the dark, by making efforts even when we have no inspiration.
Thanks for the pep talk. I don't want to take any of your energy, though. Maybe after the moon moves a little to somewhere else things will be better. It's all a cycle. Then I will have energy to pick up my journey where I left it. I don't believe in going backwards anymore.
The story of The Prodigal Son comes to mind. How much greater was the son's love, and the fathers, after that separation and reunion.
Circumstances will change your experience but effort will change you.
Nice talking to you. Good luck!
Thank you for your kindness. Don't go too far, though. Come back when things get moving again. :)
Don't worry, we all have days like that. relax...(((Hugs)))
Thanks for the hug, Kathy. I feel funny making everyone fuss over me. There really are no dire circumstances happening to make me feel down lately; it's just the downswing of being "bipolar". It's just been so long since I crashed that it only appears hopeless.
I feel embarrassed that I put this on my blog. LOL All this time I wanted everyone to think I had a stable head on my shoulders.
The normal Sophia will return soon.
Me too. I have my days...i know how you feel. Take care...see ya later.
What is your motive?
Let it be. Just feel it. Don't resist it. That's how you conserve your energy.
Just ride it. That's what makes rollercoasters fun.
You don't have to prove anything. You don't have to be anything. You are what you are.
We are all junkies! ;)
Act and play! Or watch actors and players do their own thing. ;)
Who told you musn't eat of the apple?
But you must eat of the apple of life too.
It's not our fault. We're just human beings.
Myths are just stories. You don't have to believe them. Just learn from them.
Nature is indifferent. Callous! Really?
What does it profit a man to gain all knowledge? When there is no soul in the machine?
Einstein sold his soul. They should award the Noble Peace Prize to the MOAB!
Don't worry. Life rules!
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