‘Know thyself’
A wise man spoke these simple but meaningful words many centuries ago. Having understood something of great importance he passed it on in all its simplicity to those with whom he was closely associated. These words have now passed to us after many centuries in the hope that we too, in this day and age, may benefit from its wisdom. We are today developing a field of study which is dedicated to this very purpose; psychology, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are a set of techniques for exploring underlying motives and methods for treating mental and emotional conditions. Their aim is to reveal those areas of being which determine the impetus for our daily living experiences and are just three in this field of study that is dedicated to humanity ‘coming to know itself’.
The terms ‘subconsciousness‘, ‘consciousness‘ and ‘superconsciousness‘ are familiar words to us now and because of them we are more aware, or rather, we are beginning to sense those elements within ourselves which belong to either of these three ‘apparently’ separate areas of our being. Simple reflection on the meaning of these three words brings illumination to the mind and demonstrates clearly the power of words to encapsulate great concepts.
The common factor within these three words is ‘consciousness’, each one indicating a measure of awareness, or lack of, in regard to energy that is either dormant, active, or as yet undeveloped. We may discover a great deal about ourselves by simply watching in a detached manner the types of energy that we wield in our daily living, or unconsciously suppress, or those that come as a form of intuition. With ruthless, yet gentle self-observation, permitting no thought or feeling of guilt or self-congratulation to cloud the mind, we come to know ourselves better, for there is no better way of purging and refining the being than by sincere self-examination.
Daily thoughts, speech and actions reveal the types of energy we use in our everyday expression. Speech exposes the QUALITY and MOTIVE in our thoughts and feelings and is an open book for those who are able to read the subtle intonations underlying speech. Motives are more easily detected by those who are able to still the mind and emotional bodies; through steady self-observation, discrimination, and accurate perception of thoughts arising in mind (and in the minds of others), motives are more easily observed. Closer scrutiny of one’s personal use of energy will indicate also the dominant plane upon which one works; one may be more mentally inclined than emotional, or vice-versa; perhaps one is propelled more in life by instincts and physical plane inclinations, rather than the mind. The more we see the more we understand and the more able we will be to adjust those energies in our being which cause havoc in our daily lives.
There are three basic energy patterns which determine our collective behaviour patterns as a race of men and women, and each one has its negative counterpart. These are three very real and potent energies which underlie the nature of the human being.
1. The Energy of Will, Purpose or Power. When we think and speak under the impulse of our higher Will, and our thoughts and words are in line with truth and governed by the will-to-good, by constructiveness, by a detached helpfulness and desire to heal, we express the positive aspect of this energy pattern. Its right expression is strength, courage and steadfastness, the underlying attitude is one of dispassion and there is no desire to take prisoner the mind of the other person. It is a powerful energy and puts the truth first.
When motivated, however, by the little self-will, by the desire to shine or to force the other person to agree, then it is used negatively; it becomes aggressive, domineering, forceful, rude and intolerant. Its distortion is pride, wilfulness, and the desire to control others.
2. The Energy of Love-Wisdom. When expressed as group love, true service and compassion, we understand quickly other points of view and act always in harmony with the greater good; our aim is unity and there is a selfless willingness to sacrifice all for the collective good. Its right expression is love of truth, patience, tolerance and intuition.
When motivated, however, by a selfish longing to be liked by others, by self-pity, sentimentality and attachment to that with which or to whom it is identified, it becomes negative. Its distortion is over-absorption in study, indifference to others, coldness.
3. The Energy of Active Intelligence. When expressed as intelligent co-operation, creativity and organisation; as thoughts and words which reveal common sense and practicality; as deep insight into purposeful living and active in bringing about the loving purposes of truth and reality it is a positive force. Its right expression is clarity of intellect, wide views on abstract questions, and the right manipulation of energy in order to reveal beauty and truth.
When expressed, however, as devious manipulation in everyday relations; as an insidious and elusive quality in conversation with others; when it makes us interfering busybodies, ever engaged in organising the world and in managing other people’s lives, or in holding firmly the reins of management for our own self-interest, it then manifests in its negative aspect. Its distortion is intellectual pride, inaccuracy in details and criticism of others.
‘These energies predispose a person to certain strengths and weaknesses, and constitute a principle of limitations, as well as bestowing capacity. They govern the method of relations to other human types and is responsible for reactions in form to other forms. They give colouring and quality to the personality and mould the outer appearance’.
We would do well to look with a detached eye to see which of the energy patterns (positive or negative) operates more frequently within us and within those around us. In this way we will discover the means to rounding out our personalities accordingly, and perhaps to being of more genuine service to others.
Ask yourself: ‘What type of energy do I use frequently in my speech? What is the nature of the force I expend in my contacts with colleagues, friends and family?’ Observe both the positive and negative tendencies without any judgement or criticism. You may be surprised by what you discover.
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