Beautiful work, Professor Brownstein. Your allusion to the “monkey mind” is important. It’s a common block in yoga - Sanskrit for “yoke” (connection between the finite (you) & the infinite). The gap in this conversation is the need for a physical practice to open the spiritual channel - and be able to corral the Inner Bureaucracy - hence the daily workouts and meditation so many humans adopt in their lifestyle. They know intellectual understanding is only half the battle. It takes the hard work of developing habits that enable what’s already mentally realized. And it’s never finished - that habit has to be practiced every day.
Mike, being so focused that you are in a state of flow only occurs when you let go of the noisy voice in your head. Then what is left is the universal power.
I agree that you must quiet the voice in your head to be laser-focused on the task at hand. But, if I understand the concept, "Universal Power" seems too amorphous, kind of spiritual. Its existence can't be proved or disproved - too unscientific for me. I prefer "laser-focused" because that depends on your actions, your effort, not some unseen power or force that comes to you when you quiet the voices in your head. Again, it may be that I just don't understand the concept.
Beautiful work, Professor Brownstein. Your allusion to the “monkey mind” is important. It’s a common block in yoga - Sanskrit for “yoke” (connection between the finite (you) & the infinite). The gap in this conversation is the need for a physical practice to open the spiritual channel - and be able to corral the Inner Bureaucracy - hence the daily workouts and meditation so many humans adopt in their lifestyle. They know intellectual understanding is only half the battle. It takes the hard work of developing habits that enable what’s already mentally realized. And it’s never finished - that habit has to be practiced every day.
Thanks for the kind words, Charles. And thanks for adding your wisdom. I agree-daily practice is essential!
I enjoy reading your essays even if I don't believe in the "spiritual". Keep 'em coming.
Thanks, Mike.
Sounds like universal power is similar to laser-like focus.
Mike, being so focused that you are in a state of flow only occurs when you let go of the noisy voice in your head. Then what is left is the universal power.
I agree that you must quiet the voice in your head to be laser-focused on the task at hand. But, if I understand the concept, "Universal Power" seems too amorphous, kind of spiritual. Its existence can't be proved or disproved - too unscientific for me. I prefer "laser-focused" because that depends on your actions, your effort, not some unseen power or force that comes to you when you quiet the voices in your head. Again, it may be that I just don't understand the concept.
For sure, it is spiritual.
And let's not let names get in the way of the experience of going beyond the chatter.
It doesn't come to you. It's already there. Our internal noise is sort of like clouds blocking the sun.
There are more essays on the topic in my archives and more to come.
simply brilliant and true. LOVE it. Thanks Barry. you're doing important work.
Chad, I appreciate your kind note and support!
Your kindness made my day, Diane. Thank you!