Wednesday, February 22, 2017

The Way Toward Health - April 19, 1984 - How to approach difficult situations


April 19, 1984




The following material is for dictation, but I am giving it here also so that Ruburt will take it specifically to heart.  There are certain simple steps that can be followed, whenever you find yourself in a difficult situation, whether the condition is one of poor health, a stressful personal involvement with another, a financial dilemma, or whatever.



These steps seem very obvious, and perhaps too easy – but they will bring an immediate sense of ease and a peace of mind while your inner reserves are being released and activated.  I have mentioned these steps many times, because they are so vital in clearing the conscious mind, and bringing some sense of relief to the frightened ego.



1.      Immediately begin to live in the present as much as possible.  Try to become as aware as you can of present sense-data – all of it.  Often, while you are in pain, for example, you concentrate upon that sensation alone, ignoring the feelings of ease that may be felt by other portions of the body, and unaware of the conglomeration of sounds, sights, and impressions that are also in the immediate environment.  This procedure will immediately lessen the pressure of the problem itself, whatever it is, and give you a sense of refreshment.

2.      Refuse to worry.  This fits in automatically with Step 1, of course.  Tell yourself you can worry all you want tomorrow, or on some other occasion – but resolve not to worry in the present moment.

3.      When your thoughts do touch upon your particular problem in the present moment, imagine the best possible solution to the dilemma.  Do not wonder how or why or when the ideal solution will come, but see it in your mind’s eye as accomplished.  Or, if you are not particularly good at visual imagery, then try to get the feeling of thanksgiving and joy that you would feel if the problem was solved to your complete satisfaction.



These steps will allow you breathing time, and actually help minimize the pressure of your situation, whatever it is.  Then, quieted, you will be able to consider other suitable steps that may more directly address your particular solution.



Aside for Jane




While you and Ruburt embark upon a resolved path of getting to the bottom of Ruburt’s difficulties, it is highly important that Ruburt in particular increase his experience of pleasure, and his concentration upon it, so that pleasure can counter any other emotionally distressful feelings that may emerge along the way.



Again, we do not want a concentration solely upon deeply felt fears.  While these must be uncovered, they should be balanced by a new determination to seek out pleasure – the pleasure will help couch the fears.



We will not abandon book dictation, but the concentration for now will be largely devoted to better Ruburt’s condition by releasing his own energies, health, and flexibility.



I suggest you start with a kind of free association on Ruburt’s part.  With your resolve in mind, almost any subject matter you begin with will start to lead in the proper direction.  Again, we want, say, the release of painful thoughts or emotions somehow balanced by the steps I gave today, so that they provide a kind of supporting framework.



I will interrupt whenever I can be of benefit – and I will also provide sometimes short but pithy session material that can be used sometimes as subject matter for free association.  You can begin of course by free associating with any appropriate subject – his mother, his father, your relationship, your individual or joint sexual feelings, his ideas about his psychic material, his writing, or whatever – and I will also provide guidelines.



The endeavor itself will also activate his own dream mechanisms, and you will find that both of you bring new creative understandings to the task.


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