A message chat recently revealed a great metaphor for the fact that, if you want to benefit from the results of a nondual self inquiry, it takes commitment. You have to want to go to the gym — not just read about fitness.
Do You Want to Workout at the Gym or Do You Want to Read About Fitness?
In a recent message exchange with another coach who’d read “The Complete Book of Awakening”, he reflected that:
“I loved the book when I started. But I couldn’t keep up with the exercises. I didn’t get far into it because it wasn’t something we can just read. It was something you actually had to do.”
I get it! I replied:
“A bit like me only doing yoga if I’m going to class!”
“Yes! Great metaphor. It’s like me wanting to read a book about fitness rather than going to the gym 😂”
This really made sense. It does look to me like it takes commitment to read this book. You have to really want it. That light inside of you has to have switched on to make the knowing of your essential nature THE highest priority.
Like somebody said to me this week:
“This is it. This is the only pursuit I’m interested in.”
That was certainly my experience.
And of course — like when you go to the gym —
- You benefit from the days off, as much as from the days exercising.
- There are days when you think it’s all pointless and it’s not making a difference. Or not fast enough.
- There are times when you want to have a rest and go on holiday, where there’s an unlimited buffet and limited exercise options.
But deep inside, and including all of the ups and downs, all of the comings and goings, the direction of travel is towards the truth. You literally can’t stop it. You can’t keep it down.
You want to know.
And we love that there’s a direct way of knowing.
With peace, love, and joy; Helen
Has it been like this for you?
What has supported you to keep ‘going to the gym’ with self inquiry?
Hey Charlotte, thanks for commenting. Your thumb and sore spot analogy is very evocative! And yes you’re right, I hadn’t thought of that with the wider world of personal development. I had only considered direct self inquiry as I wrote this, so I love that you’ve broadened its applicability.
There is also an understanding called the three principles which does the opposite of ‘take action’ because it invites the easing back from triggers and reactions, to disengage from the intellect and let life wash over you (very rough summary!) which isn’t wrong, but after some time it can become trite like the writing you mentioned, and then the next iteration of exploration is needed.
The great thing is, everyone is always walking the only path they ever could.
Great question, Helen.
You are putting a thumb on a sore spot that probably feeds the self-help industry: not everything can be achieved through reading a book. We have to do the exercises or the impact is very limited.
People pay good money to go to conferences but don’t set off time after returning to incorporate any of the learning in their day to day work. (And then wonder why it doesn’t catch on when it sounded so good at the conference.)
I have found that for me, a combination of at least biweekly group work and writing keeps the door to my subconscious open a little and thoughts may arise that weren’t “mine”. The door can get stuck if it is closed or too long and the writing gets trite. Then it takes facilitation to open it again.
I really liked reading your post Helen, and in answer to your final question…. please let me explain:
For over 60 odd years, I have been in carpentry, masonry, welding, metal work and what have you, digging, building from villages to luxury houses, and strangely I have also designed, built and overseen the installation of all kinds of equipment – most related to make one sweat *smile*, BUT I have never used any of them… oh yes I did sweat and love the Finnish sauna, complete with fresh birch twigs… but no, I did not need a gym… I am still young and ‘fitter’ than many 15 years my junior.
I guess exercise is also an attitude and not necessarily a life style… I *smile* again