Conditioned Emotions and Choosing - Developing Awareness

Written by Adrian Newington

Page 3 of 3

MORE EXAMPLES:

One day I heard a friend of mine chastising her daughter for continually misplacing her library books. The unthinking conditioned response was to tell the child that she will never be allowed to use the library's facilities again. For the same situation, a loved based response would have seen an opportunity to develop "Responsibilities of Possessions", but through lack of, or limited awareness, the gift in the problem was lost. Though the mother did not exercise her threat to the child, the problem of misplaced books still exists today and the same old arguments continue to take place. Both people could have equally

benefited from such a simple experience, but from this lack of awareness, the cycle continues.

How strange and wonderful life can be. It is lunchtime, and I am in the City Square in Melbourne. As I am writing these paragraphs, I hear a man calling out.. "Free samples!... Free samples!". I turn and look around to see that a stall has been set up to offer free samples of a new fruit drink to the public. The drinks are on ice and this very hot day has made me quite thirsty. My instinct is pleased, and the thought of a free cool drink is very appealing. However, my Ego steps in to try and invalidate my simple honesty by telling me not to be greedy, but through my efforts over many months, I am able to recognise what is happening to me. Instantly a second alternative rationalisation appears in my mind. "Perhaps you could unobtrusively walk over and ask quietly so that nobody will hear you". Once again, I am able to see what is happening. My instinct says that "A free drink is good... go for it". Why not ? I ask myself. So I do, and walk over and say in a clear distinct voice that other people could quite easily hear if they wanted to...

"Can I have one please?".

"Sure !", came a reply.

The drink is very refreshing, and I've grown just that little bit more, I have expanded my awareness and seen how my Ego can have the power to limit my life if I let it. I can also see how shyness closes doors. Somewhere within me, there is a part of me that has known a powerful form of denial in my childhood. This event has left such a strong impression upon me, that I have carried it's indelible mark into my adult life. The unconscious event of days of old, is the reference for the days of now. But I am not bound anymore for I have discovered the power of Love, and the power of Knowledge.

Life is full of many opportunities for growth and expansion of awareness. In every day, there will be an chance to serve your growth. Open your eyes, your Alarm has gone off and it's time to rise. Stay awake. It's time to start THINKING, it's time to Live.

CONTEMPLATION:

The human Spirit is peaceful by Nature.
it is external influences and the way in which
we choose to address them, is what tends to erode that Peace.

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