The Extraordinary Food of Impressions

The Extraordinary Food of Impressions

“There is a food other than ordinary food. This is the food of impressions, which are penetrating into man ceaselessly from many directions of his environment. Only the elect know what these impressions are, and can direct them.” − Bahauddin

Impressions are food. The things we see, hear and touch feed us, just like the food we eat. The adage that we are what we eat is true in the very same way. If you try to live on fatty food or sweets, you will not just suffer stomach aches, you will be very unhealthy. If you redirect yourself to higher impressions, on the other hand, then you can derive a different kind of nourishment. Like many areas in the Work, there are choices to be made.

Lacking attention and intentionality, the lower parts of us will continue to feed on lower or unpleasant impressions. You might say it is like seeing the glass half empty, but it is baser than this. It is more obsessive and unquenchable. From the standpoint of self-work, this mechanical tendency to feed on unpleasant impressions is an essential area of focus. Fortunately, like many mechanical behaviors and inclinations, it is unnecessary and controllable.

What are lower impressions? Without dwelling on this too much (because the lower self enjoys such digressions), the gamut of lower or unpleasant impressions includes consuming too much mass media, paying too much attention to vulgar or unrefined subjects, and being drawn by or identifying with foul impressions like staring at an animal roadkill or a car accident while driving. These impressions tend to feed the lower self and are often undigestible in a psychological sense.

What are higher impressions? If we are more aware, we will see that there are many finer impressions surrounding us and that we can also choose, like we do when we are shopping, what we take in. If one observes oneself and directs attention deliberately, one will find beauty and potential sources of finer impressions all around, sometimes right under our noses or hidden by our wrong attitudes. You do not have to be in a cathedral or an art gallery to find high impressions, although they are there, and it might help the beginner to learn to distinguish one from another. G.I. Gurdjieff suggested that objective art exists in our world and that such impressions can elicit the same response in all people. Natural impressions can contain the same fine energy. Divided attention opens the doors to new and finer impressions whether they are from man’s artistic and creative hands or simply the beauty of nature.

Remarkably, our Teacher also tells us that, “If impressions are good enough, they will awaken presence.” What this means is that if we are attuned to finer impressions then such food has the potential to derive a pathway through them to a higher state. Yoga Vasishtha says, “If ‘the mind is elsewhere,’ the taste of food that is being eaten is not experienced.” The same is true for all kinds of food. The impression itself contains higher possibilities and our consumption of such foods with attention and presence facilitates even greater possibilities.

How can I improve the impressions I take in? Try an impressions diet in which you manage your appetite and monitor what you take in as impressions. That is part of the message of Sufi master Bahauddin, the father of Rumi. Resisting the temptation to feed on lower impressions is one of the first steps. Catch yourself reaching for the gossip magazine or acknowledge a vulgar impression without returning to it repeatedly – instead, recast your gaze or attention inward whenever a lower impression pulls you.

Lead yourself daily toward finer subjects or higher cuisine. Notice the little things, the harmonious relationships between and among objects. Bring internal industry, self-discipline, “cleanliness,” and simplicity to your every activity. A clean house or sink or work desk are impressions too. Stock your day with impressions that feed your higher parts. Surround yourself with beautiful alarm clocks and people that remind you to return to the divine present moment. It is not just gravity that pulls you downward.

“Every day we should hear at least one little song, read one good poem, see one exquisite picture, and, if possible, speak a few sensible words.” – Johann von Goethe

Join the discussion

Portrait of Ginevra de' Benci, Leonardo da Vinci