Transformation—what does that mean? This is my budding enquiry. Like so many words belonging to the Gurdjieff vocabulary, the word is very familiar. Bennett used it to describe the nut of what he was after. We, in this Work, are constantly referencing it. But what do I know about it? Here I am, fifty plus … Read more
Convergence is in my life this month with many threads interweaving, touching and informing me. I’m studying and training at Emberlight Center for Conscious Living and Dying as a Direct Care giver. I’m dealing with an in-law’s newly diagnosed illness. My grandson is transitioning from high school to college. All these strands are providing opportunities … Read more
I’ve been here before. At least I recognized a place I’d tasted in a previous meditation retreat when Jack had cancer. I had gone looking for solace from a tree, finding one I could climb up into and lie along a broad branch to hug. But the tree was dead. There was no life force … Read more
Those who work with death and the dying at Emberlight are attuned to an energy shift that occurs as a person enters the dying process. This seems relevant in connection with Easter. At least it was to me. I had the opportunity last week to “shadow” my good friend Lynne. She was taking a turn … Read more
I caught myself monitoring my energy the other day. Jack was away all week at an art seminar, so my time was my own. I’ve seen in the past when that is the case that rather than being more relaxed, I get busier. I was using the uninterrupted hours to pack more into my day. … Read more
The importance of aim is central to both Gurdjieff and JG Bennett’s lives and work. A big aim can give purpose to life, small aims can help guide us forward.
How do I stay out of the way? To practice the work for others, it can’t be about myself, but that’s tricky. I need to move aside so something can come thru me instead.
The question, “what is my responsibility” looked me square in the face the other day. What I began to see in response to an internal kerfuffle at Claymont was that neither the event, nor the people involved, were at the crux of the problem. I had to admit my own laziness towards the responsibility of … Read more
What does it mean to be impartial? I think I know what it means. Not to take sides, not to have a horse in the race. To not be identified. Now there’s a good one. What are the signs of being identified? When I find tapes looping in my head, that’s usually a sign. When … Read more
My physical body is sick this week and it’s put me energetically in front of the work of not doing. I simply do not have the energy. Usually, I am all about doing. I start doing before I get out of bed, setting up the routine of the day and my relationship with it. Sometimes … Read more