Try to Be Out-of-Patterns

Try to Be Out-of-Patterns

I am pleasantly surprised that I can almost trick my machine into being more aware and present by intentionally using my Moving Center. I am such a creature of habit, the opportunities for waking up and jolting myself are plenty. I can use an exercise or a one-time change of patterns to wake up in the moment.

Alarms are . . . necessary, but it is even more necessary to remember to change them as often as possible. If one feels comfortable, one is asleep, but if one puts oneself in an uncomfortable position it helps one to awake. Pleasant things only help sleep. – P.D. Ouspensky

You may recall in a previous post we discussed the idea that man is a four-brain being and that one of those brains is the Moving Center. That center is responsible for all voluntary muscular movements as well as functioning or navigating in the outer, external world, i.e., moving about.

I can use alarms for waking up, based on my personal patterns and habits associated with my Moving Center. By simply changing a mechanical pattern, I can create a reminder to wake up. This stirring of the pot is designed to provide a moment of disruption which is then used for being present.

To start, create an alarm connected to something you have observed about your Moving Center’s patterns. Move the garbage can to another spot, hold your toothbrush in a hand that is not your primary hand, and so forth. Now catch yourself reverting to the old habit or pattern. When this happens, the alarm sounds, now Be There. Be Present.

Everything can be learned, but it requires initiative and understanding, and understanding means effort, work. − P.D. Ouspensky

When your machine has mastered the new pattern, try something else. You can think of this as a way of creating friction that is completely within your control.

One of my most productive out-of-patterns alarms or exercises is to mix up my driving or walking patterns. When driving a car and returning home, I often take the same route as most people. To change that habit, use the aim to be out-of-patterns and try driving another route. When the resistance comes to the idea, remember yourself. Be. The altered route does not need to be much, the slightest change will cause a minor irritation and open a doorway to Presence.

Mechanical efficiency kills third eye. It is a personal quest not to have mechanical efficiency supplant presence. – The Teacher

Your new route driving home, albeit temporary, creates enough friction, a spark that you can use to be present. Find yourself in new circumstances. A new road, a different way – it can make all the difference.

Life is full of surprises. I try to capture these precious moments with wide eyes. − Sofonisba Anguissola

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The Chess Game, Sofonisba Anguissola