Greetings All –
ALL THINGS MUST NOW BE RE-EVALUATED. All things
must now be seen anew, for there is looking with Knowledge and there is looking
without Knowledge. They yield different results. They encourage different
evaluations and different responses. We have said that happiness is not a form of behavior, for it is
much deeper than this. Therefore, do not attempt to use this idea to win favor
with others or to demonstrate to yourself that you are happier than you actually
are. We do not want to put a veneer of behavior upon your current experience. We
want to guide you to that experience which is genuine to your nature, which
expresses your nature and which contributes your nature to life.
LEARN, THEN, AGAIN ABOUT HAPPINESS. In your two
practice periods, engage your mind in investigation. Consider your ideas about happiness
and the forms of behavior you think they must represent. Think of all the ways
you have attempted to be happier than you are. Think of all the expectations
and requirements you have placed upon yourself to be happy and to prove to
yourself and to others your worth. As you recognize these things, realize that
without this attempt happiness will arise upon its own, for you are naturally
happy. Without restraint, your happiness will arise upon its own, without your imposing
it upon your mind and upon your body. Without your imposition, happiness will
arise on its own. Think upon this today, but do not be content with simple
conclusions, for you are a beginning student of Knowledge and great conclusions
come later.
PRACTICE 108: Two 30-minute practice periods.
Another assignment to: “engage your mind in investigation.” Do the best you can on this assignment.
Yesterday: Step
107 - Today I will learn to be happy.
From the Journal:
6:55 A.M. November 1, 1999
6:07 p.m. Eleven hours later. I’d
decided on waking, not to go to D.C. for World Town Planning Day as I’d planned.
There was too much work. I resigned myself to that – but as I approached
getting dressed – I asked and the message was “Go.” …
Here at the Oakton Shopping
Center I stopped to do my second 30 minute meditation … “Today I will learn to
be happy.” The morning meditation was good – it actually extended itself - so –
I’ll do that – then can eat here or drive on-depending upon how I feel.
6:37 15 min meditation – Happy –
in S2K way – contented with my ability to have a simple role –
11:04 p.m. A good day … stopped
in at work …another shift in the RP meeting time. It is important, but crazy –
here I am unwinding – but drinking scotch … enjoy this stuff …
The Step page serves as a journal again.
NNC
