According to some sources, Humans are on autopilot nearly half the time. Mentally checked out, and merely going through the motions. What of last week do you remember? Or last night? Hell, what about this morning?

Life passes us by, with hardly a notice. Melting away into the haze of yesterdays, which turn into years, and before you know it. We're old, frail-gray, and wondering where all the time went.

Zombies in a daze, awake, but sleep. Sometimes we snap out of it. It comes quick, and unexpected. Like when we look at ourselves in the mirror, but feel estranged to what we see. Is it the real you coming into focus? But before the thought can form and settle, we shake it off, and lose it.

So, we carry on and go about our day. Doing what we've always done. Going where we've always gone. And being who we've always been.

But, are the actions, thoughts, and beliefs which we exhibit an expression of who we truly are, or by-products of something else?

"We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of"

-EDWARD BERNAYS

How to know if this is even the case? - Whether we're being true to who we are or another one of a dozen Geppeto's, like a puppet on a string. And acting out a script we didn't write. An honest look into this small, inconspicuous framework surrounding us can be world changing. Collapsing the cage that confines us.

It really comes down to this,

Are we happy with riding in the back seat? Or would we much rather prefer sitting behind the wheel, in complete control of the vehicle driving us through life? Make no mistake about it, we do have a choice.

“People travel to wonder
at the height of the mountains,
at the huge waves of the seas,
at the long course of the rivers,
at the vast compass of the ocean,
at the circular motion of the stars,
and yet they pass by themselves
without wondering”

-SAINT AUGUSTINE

If you're up for the challenge, and done with feeling like a cog in a wheel, and ready to reclaim some of what you lost? Then let's go a little further, shall we? As we remember that we are in fact Creators partaking in creation. There was a Greek-Armenian philosopher, named George Ivanovich Gurdjieff. He taught of ways in which mankind can wake from their slumber. And how to not be a machine, reacting only to external stimuli without any conscious awareness.

If anyone is to know self, and work on self, then it's crucial to follow self. To be an alert observer of one's inner working. Going beyond the façade, and pretense.

Self Observation is a practice, and part of other practices (The Work) which can help us develop, and mature our souls. Breaking free from mechanical patterns. Providing a pathway for liberation. So, if you're ready for some work? Let's break down some of the initial steps we can take towards getting to know self. To start off, pick a time to practice this, daily. And give yourself just 5 minutes. Only 5 minutes, easy enough, right?

SELF OBSERVATION

• Three areas of focus : Mental (thoughts, ideas), Emotional (feelings, dislikes, desires), and Physical (sensation, posture, movements)

• Cycle your attention to each of the three areas.

• Mental - Observe your mind ; daydreams, ideas, thoughts. Listen, and pay attention to the monologue going on upstairs.

• Emotional - What are you feeling at the moment? Are you anxious, calm, stressed? Look inward and feel the feels.

• Physical - Scan your bodily sensations, its movements, and energy and posture. How does the floor feel under you? Or the air if you're outside? Is there heat in certain areas of your body? Are your muscles tense? Or heart beating fast? Notice where and how the energy inside of you goes.

• Do this without judgement. We might see parts of ourselves we do not like, and get lost in identifying with a certain thought, or feeling, or sensation. When this happens, bring your self back to the moment. Be present and focused. Analyze and observe. Notice the patterns, and the way your body flows ; mentally, emotionally, physically.

Like anything, consistency is the key. If you're trying, I'd love to hear how it's going for you. Share your thoughts below.

'Til very soon,

PEACE.