Downward Facing Blog

We can have a state of mind (angry, happy, blissed-out, tranced) and we have stages of development (self-centered, tribal, power-based, universally loving). In yoga, states of mind are, as discussed before:

waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and awareness. Any person, at any stage of development can experience any state of mind.

People tend to think that by experiencing a state they are actually moving to a new level. So we go into a beautiful meditation or trance and for a period of time afterwords we pat ourselves on the back for being more spiritual. Then inevitably, life takes a turn and we’re not so spiritual. Maybe we get jealous and self-centered. I know I do,  up and down.

However, the ups and downs are making smaller arcs as I develop myself through stages. I’m more aware of my ego playing silly little games and can choose to engage in it or not.

I have to thank Ken Wilber for this contribution to my brain:

He looks deep in thought doesn’t he?

Although studying wilber is akin to getting a phd in philosophy, this is partly what I got from him:

altering one’s state assists one in moving through stages of development. Everytime your mind loosens it’s hold on the waking, external reality you come back and increase the likelyhood that you can detach and move on and up. What alters one state?

Drugs, meditation, and sex for starters. For obvious reasons, drugs have their drawbacks.  I am fascinated by changing state to move through stages  because it helped me to realize that it’s not really so much about the ONE TRUE WAY. Rather having a number of techniques at one’s disposal by which we can consciously induce an altered state is what counts.

Meditation works! It’s perhaps the best. However there is no need for wrapping it a aura of mystique. Learn many styles and many techniques and use the one that resonates with you. It should be taught like the way gym class is taught to children. Self-management, and self-development.