Chapter 7 "In Search of the Miraculous" by P.D. Ouspensky : Self-Remembering and the Law of OctavesSelf-Remembering:

Chapter 7 of "In Search of the Miraculous" by P.D. Ouspensky delves into the concepts of self-remembering and the Law of Octaves. Gurdjieff underscores the necessity of self-observation as a foundational practice. He points out that most people do not notice they fail to remember themselves during daily activities. This leads to a key insight: during self-observation, individuals often miss the crucial element of self-awareness. Gurdjieff introduces the practice of "self-remembering," where one attempts to be aware of oneself in the present moment.

Initial attempts at self-remembering reveal the difficulty of the practice. Distractions and habitual thinking patterns make sustained self-awareness challenging. Techniques to divide attention are discussed to enhance self-remembering, directing one part of the attention inwardly to observe the self while the other part engages with external activities.

Different states of consciousness are outlined, including sleep, the waking state, self-consciousness, and objective consciousness. Gurdjieff likens the ordinary waking state to a form of sleep where self-consciousness is absent.

The chapter also explores the Law of Octaves, described as a fundamental law of the universe. It explains the discontinuity in vibrations and the necessity for periodic "shocks" to maintain progress. The concept is illustrated using the musical scale, where the progression of notes (do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-si-do) is not continuous, requiring additional effort or shocks at certain intervals to continue the progression.

The Law of Octaves applies to various processes in life and nature, influencing the development and cessation of activities. Recognizing and applying these principles can aid in personal development and overcoming obstacles. Gurdjieff highlights the need for conscious efforts or shocks at critical points to ensure continuous development, warning that without these shocks, progress can halt or regress.

Practical exercises are provided to cultivate self-observation and self-remembering. Regular practice helps distinguish between automatic behavior and conscious action. The necessity of balancing inner work (self-observation, self-remembering) with outer work (practical efforts in daily life) is emphasized, as this balance aids in the harmonious development of an individual.

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