April 06-A, 2023

We are a squirming tangle of presumptions,
assumptions,
inferences,
prejudices,
biases,
preferences,
likes,
dislikes,
loves,
hates,
etc.,
and our seeing/hearing/knowing/doing/being
are controlled--
or strongly influenced--
by these invisible/unconscious/natural/automatic
responses to our environment.

We do not know why we feel the way we do,
and I feel that most of us
do not know what we feel any of the time.

We are moved/motivated by powers
we do not realize
or comprehend.

They come up in our dreams
and in our spontaneous reactions
to our experiences,
shocking us with their force,
urgency
and impact.
Leaving us wondering
where that came from.

There is nothing like
emptiness,
stillness
and silence
for introducing us to aspects
of ourselves
we do not know is there.

In the quiet solitude
of awareness,
we are exposed to aspects
of our mind
that are normally buried
beneath the noise/complexity/drama
of the everyday routines and demands.

How long can you last
without the diversions/distranctions/
entertaining pastimes
that normally protect you
from the experience of your experience?

Sit/walk quietly watching
what is going on within
the constant clutter/chatter
of mental activity.

Become intently aware 
of the inner you.
See how long you last
before you have to turn up the volume
and increase the activity
to take your mind off your mind
seeking to find
what drives your boat
on its path through the sea.

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