Today: Step 267 - There is a
simple solution to all the problems that face me today. (MP3)
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| There is a simple solution to all the problems that face me today. Step 267 |
ALL PROBLEMS THAT FACE YOU INDIVIDUALLY have a very simple
answer. How will you find this answer? Will you find it by struggling with
yourself? Will you find it by trying every possible resolution that you can
think of? Will you find it by worrying about it and fretting over it? Will you
find it by denying it and seeking pleasurable stimulation instead? Will you
find it by sinking into depression and thinking that life is so hard for you
that you cannot meet the demands of your own circumstances?
THERE IS A SIMPLE ANSWER TO THE PROBLEMS that you
face today. It is to be found in Knowledge. Yet, to find Knowledge you must become
still and observant and learn to disengage from fear and anxiety. Much of your
life will be involved in solving problems, and it is in learning how to do this
effectively, responsibly and even enthusiastically that you will achieve what
you have come here to achieve.
REMIND YOURSELF OF THIS IDEA THROUGHOUT THE DAY and
do not be deceived by the complexity of problems. Problems are only complex
when you are trying to derive a benefit from resolving them or from avoiding
them. When you have a preference that is governing your mind, you cannot see
the obvious. As you learn now to look at each problem with Knowledge, you will
see that the resolution is apparent. You will see that you could not recognize
this before because you were afraid of the outcome in some way or you had
anxiety that the resolution of the problem would leave you bereft and poor. You
will have a different vision today.
IN YOUR TWO DEEPER PRACTICE PERIODS, abide with
Knowledge. Do not attempt to answer your problems, but simply be still and receptive.
Knowledge is aware of what things must be addressed and will cast its influence
upon you so that you may respond to it and follow its direction. Without
continual interference from you, the obvious will arise, and you will learn
what to do step by step. Thus it is that you will realize there is a simple
answer for all problems that face you. This will be an affirmation of
Knowledge, and you will be happy that life is giving you these problems so that
you may exercise your true abilities in response to them.
PRACTICE 267: Two 30-minute practice periods. Hourly
practice.
Yesterday: Step
266 – Review
First – Review Points from note cards note. Most
are sentences from the Step; abbreviations are used and some comments are my paraphrasing
from the Step.
253
– All things you truly need will be provided. What you need will make you
happy; what you don’t need will make you confused. If you approach life in a
devious way, life will appear devious to you. If you approach life w simplicity
& honesty, life will appear simple and honest to you.
254
– As you learn to receive your Teachers, you will learn to receive their
approach to life. In this, they will give you harmony, balance, power &
direction. …. You may experience their universal affection and
receive their grace, which will only stimulate your K, for only your K will be
stimulated.
255
– The world will not give to you – “you … must give to” it. Let the errors of the world
prompt you and inspire you towards K, for this is part of the gift of the world
to you. The other part of the gift of the world is to be the arena where you
allow K to contribute itself through you.
256 – You cannot hold a small
vision of the world and possibly understand the meaning of your own K. You must
think in a larger context.
257 – Life is greater than I had ever realized.
258 – … to those who dwell in time with purpose, time moves
swiftly and brings about this great result →
. everyone
is a friend or will be a friend – many ways to reclaim K – but the essence of
learning is always to become engaged w K itself and to allow K to express
itself through you.
259 – I have come to teach in the
world. … teaching is the natural function of demonstrating
life. The world can only teach you that you need to teach the truth.
260 – I am a friend of the world
today. … anything you give and receive as a friend to the
world, life gives to you, and it does not lose in the exchange. … Recognize that all anger comes from confusion and
that Knowledge is emerging now to resolve all confusion.
261
– I must learn to give w/discernment. If
you give w/o personal ambition, you will give according to K & your
gift will be specific and given in such a way that it will empower you and
those who can receive your gift. … your discernment is something
you must learn step by step, day by day. Life
does nothing aimlessly. Everything fulfills a purpose. Begin to discern how
simple it is to follow K. W/simplicity comes power. You must learn discernment.
Learning this will take time. In this, you learn to utilize all experiences for
good, for no experience should be condemned.
262 – Use your mind to realize
that you do not Know all that you need to know.
263 – You have only to learn to
be with K.
264 – Knowledge will require you
to be 1) free of the past 2) free of anxiety over the future 3) present with
life 4) open & honest 5) have faith and consistent self application 6) not
be in conflict 7) have great love & respect for yourself 8) great
appreciation for the world 9) experience your spiritual family 10) recognize
your true place in the universe
265 – Step 265 had no entry.
266 – Review 5/12/01 You are
beginning to learn how to learn, and you are seeing the world change as a
result.
From the journal:
1:49
a.m. May 12, Saturday, 2001
A
day for long review. Lots to think through. S2K – just a beginner – but a path
that leads to growth.
Tonight
at Rotary – a fun table –– fun people – almost feeling normal in the world… but
need I give that up with S2K? Will all those relationships pass?
Finding
Fish – "All that you might think people owe you – parents or family – if
you count on others – that runs out. You owe it more to yourself to do what you
need to provide for yourself".
GCW
– talks for cooperation but against collectives. What is the difference? We are
not individuals? Yet we must act so sometimes.
9:05
a.m. Begin the long review. Where am I now? My goal of Living with Knowledge –
is stronger. They suggest 3 years of working with it. I'm @1.8 or so. To me
life is clearly here – it is temporary, and advancing in complexity.
Physicality is not the illusions, but the mental environment is subject
to fantasy, illusion, magic because we are blind to the full spectrum.
This
practice, I am beginning with reviewing my journal. I usually leave that for
last – sometimes don't get to it.
9:37
a.m. Not reading past journals, but working on the 266 review – I and up
looking at 267. It talks about problem solving. The statement is, "Problems
are only complex when you are trying to derive a benefit from resolving
them or from avoiding them".
–
Business
Beatitudes – blessed are the poor for they shall
–
pay more and get less
–
pay checking fees
–
high deposits for utilities
– be
ripped off on phone bills
–
pay for services the wealthy get for free
– be
lied to about products
–
seek status in overpriced brand names and cheap knockoffs
–
fed sugar, fat, salt
–
cheated at every turn
–
paid as little as possible
11:30
p.m. Having completed the review, I'm reading the journal to date.
The journal entries cover a broad territory. Some
signs of progress. The “Business Beatitudes” list those economic things I see
my children facing in the world along with other poor or challenged people. Let
us continue.
NNC
Note: If you’ve some interest due to this or other
Steps, you should go to the beginning blog post. From here you will learn about Steps to Knowledge
and can begin it on the day that makes sense; then progress as needed. You can
use the posts on this blog as a companion if it helps. They will remain in
order in the archives - one post per Step.
Often it takes 18 months to get through the Steps
once. For this blog, the pace is one-a-day, but it really makes no difference
how fast you do it, only that you begin, persist and repeat. Posts here provide
a trail that may let you have a virtual companion when and if you want one. One
may have to study alone, as I did in the beginning. There are other Steps
students blogging their experience and you might find a person more like you as
a companion, or use a number of such Steps journeys. There are options as well
through the Free School of the New Message.
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