This is a new school of self-study and the object is to know “ThySelf” meaning, ordinarily everything we learned in the so called normal schools is about things outside the realm of human nature. Our former education was to teach us how to survive or to succeed in life. To go to college, get a good education, get a good job, get married and raise children are so called normal and acceptable pursuits.
However, man continues to suffer. He tries desperately to find a way out of his pain, so he goes toward religious inspiration, joins a church, Scientology, Buddhism and tries yoga and meditates. Man cannot change as long as he doesn’t examine and study his nature. You may ask what is self-study and how does one go about it?
Self-study is learning how to understand the concept of self-observation: Learning how to separate our emotions from the problem that causes us to react. Most importantly, self-study is wanting to learn how to improve our understanding, that is, our thinking.
A part of the process is learning about ourselves; such as, why do we suffer, feel anxiety, anxious, and why are we so fearful and how can we find peace and happiness? I know by my own experience when I first came to this kind of work I had a constant feelings of inferiority, worthlessness and living in fear. I found that Spinoza and Gurdjieff have specific tools and methods available to help free us from our emotional and mental bondage.
We must learn, understand and believe that there is more in us than our ego-personality reactions. There is an actual living being within us called our essential nature which is our true intelligence: this is the new reality, the self that we want to come to. In both Spinoza and Gurdjieff writings speak about it and they found a way to free us from our past negative thoughts and awaken the mind towards freedom. There is no magic, just persistence and a desire to improve oneself.
Meetings are held weekly through Skype and last about an hour, the cost is dependent on you and what you feel financially comfortable with. The only requirement for any new student is a sincere desire to learn and improve your understanding. Two books I suggest you have: “The Ethics” and “In Search of the Miraculous.” Both books are on the resources tab just click on the book and it’ll take you directly to Amazon.com. Used books are excellent and inexpensive. Books are not necessary for our first conversation (no cost) which is to see if you really like the way I work and you have a feeling of trust.
I’m looking forward in hearing from you.
Lewis
