Joseph Azize - Gurdjieff (Oxford Studies in Western Esotericism - A Preparation by Helen Adie)

In "Gurdjieff (Oxford Studies in Western Esotericism)," Joseph Azize presents Helen Adie’s book "A Preparation" as a guide to engaging deeply in self-work and cultivating a more genuine and conscious self.

The journey begins by asking yourself fundamental questions to understand your current state and what you wish to achieve. It’s important to recognize both your desires and resistances, and to commit to discovering something more genuine within yourself. This requires active participation: controlling your attention and making a consistent effort.

Instead of simply labeling your emotions, strive to fully experience them. Allow yourself to feel deeply and completely, without judgment. Start with specific areas, such as relaxing your face and stomach, and over time, work towards building a holistic awareness of your entire body. This practice helps balance tension and relaxation, leading to a more stable and beneficial posture.

Breathing is a powerful tool in your journey toward self-awareness. Use it to draw higher energies into your consciousness. Focus on your breath as a way to center yourself and connect with the deeper aspects of your being. Aim to find the central point within you, often called 'I'. This central point is your core, your true self. To reinforce this connection, use the affirmation "I am." Repeat this phrase truthfully and with intention, helping to anchor you in the present moment and strengthen your sense of self.

It’s crucial to balance inner work, like self-observation and self-remembering, with outer work, which involves practical efforts in daily life. This balance aids in the harmonious development of an individual. While inner work focuses on cultivating self-awareness and understanding, outer work translates these insights into practical actions and behaviors in everyday life.

The journey towards a more conscious self is ongoing and requires continuous effort. There will be challenges and setbacks, but persistence is key. Each step you take, no matter how small, contributes to your overall growth and transformation.

Understanding and desiring higher possibilities is essential. This deeper wish should come from a place beyond the ordinary “I,” free from specific desires and outcomes. This wish for a higher state of being must be of utmost importance, akin to a question of life or death. It’s this deep, intrinsic motivation that will drive your genuine efforts and sustain your journey.

These steps provide a structured approach to self-work. They guide you in understanding your current state, committing to self-discovery, fully experiencing your emotions, harnessing the power of breathing, affirming your existence, balancing inner and outer work, maintaining continuous effort, and seeking higher possibilities. Through this comprehensive approach, you can uncover a more real and conscious self, leading to profound personal transformation.

Mind Map Preparation by Helen Adie.pdf

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