Provenance, the place of origin, or earliest known history of something. When it comes to Gurdjieff’s (or JGB’s) transmission of an inner exercise, I have become aware of the importance of provenance. As younger students become the next teachers in what is called the Fourth Way, I believe provenance matters even more. History My most … Read more
Having a practice has become part of my lifestyle. But does that make me more conscious? I’m not sure it does, but then, I’m not sure it doesn’t. I found myself contemplating this the other day. What I mean is, does having a practice become an excuse for not really “working” at other times during … Read more
Who is my Work for? I found myself brought up short when that question confronted me this morning. Working in my Garden Having arisen before dawn, I went out to the garden to attend to a specific task. A bed on the side of the house that does not usually need much work, was becoming … Read more
Making room for others opens us to receive each other’s gifts. Yet this is hard work for me. Especially in transmitting the Work. I am so full of my own understanding and experiencing. For instance, it took me years of leading morning exercise to realize others did not necessarily experience it in the same way … Read more
Christ was talking about the unseen world when he told Pilot, “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” Bennett was also talking about the unseen world when he gave his talk, The Master Idea of the New Epoch. Unseen in the sense of energies and forces that are beyond our five physical senses, beyond … Read more
The notion of forgiveness was floating around in me during my morning sitting today. This coming after trying to finalize a decision with Jack on a high-price item for our home. The two of us have very different approaches to such things. He likes to spend time analyzing prices, specs, and reviews. I tend to … Read more
This is how I work: For instance, I wish to serve. It’s a growing hunger in me. At the same time, I know that I am self-absorbed. Bennett once told me, “If you aren’t careful, you’re going to grow up to be a selfish old woman.” I’ve been terrified of that eventuality ever since. But … Read more
The Rukus are ritual bows performed at the end of a morning exercise. The practice was introduced by J.G. Bennett, which he modeled after the Islamic ruku. They are the expression of an internal action. I was introduced to the Rukus in 1972 at Bennett’s school in Sherborne, England. Bennett spoke Turkish and like Gurdjieff … Read more
How can I help? “How can I help?” Is what I wish my husband would ask around mealtimes. The thing is, I need to ask that question of myself. Not about dinner, but about other kinds of food. Food that feeds something greater. Greater in myself and greater than myself. Connected to this question around … Read more
First, one must do the work. For example, when I wrote my book, I had a clear intention of what I wanted to convey. I worked very hard at this for a long time. What interests me now is that the real message, the take-away, seems to happen between the lines. It comes to light … Read more