Add & Subtract - Going Deeper

ADD SCUBA DIVING

When the lake of our mind is settled, we can see what lies beneath the surface. When the storms have passed and the waves subside, the waters of our psyche become still. Then we can start to notice what swims around down there, and sense the undercurrents of our inner life.

I think of counselling as support through the storm, psychotherapy as fishing from a boat on the surface to bring up what we can from below, and hypnotherapy as scuba diving to swim down and get up close to whatever is there.

The emotions, beliefs, dynamics that circle around in the depths of our subconscious mind-body are revealed to those who are capable and courageous enough to look and dive inwards. If we can face and clear these obstacles, we eventually reach the treasures that lie at the bottom of the ocean. What we are beyond our human dramas is finally revealed.

This is why genuine therapy always in time becomes a spiritual journey.

Stanislav Grof on inner work becoming spiritual:

“When self-exploration reaches the level of perinatal and transpersonal experiences, it changes automatically into a search for answers to basic spiritual and philosophical questions of existence…

[It becomes] an opportunity to observe in colors a channel that up to that point was available only in black-and-white.

When an individual whose only concern in the past has been to get rid of emotional and physical distress and to achieve success in the world is suddenly confronted with the realms of perinatal and transpersonal phenomena, he or she will discover the critical importance of the basic ontological and cosmological questions.

Who or what created this universe? How was it created and how am I related to the Creator or the creative principle? Who am I, where did I come from, and where am I going? What is the purpose of my life or life in general?”

Source: The Adventure of Self-Discovery: Dimensions of Consciousness and New Perspectives in Psychotherapy and Inner Exploration

SUBTRACT SURFACE CHURNING

If we want to perceive what is within us, we need to calm the waves.

Some storms take time and effort to resolve, of course. Others are ongoing. The challenges of keeping a roof over our head and food on our table are increasing for most people at present.

But other things that churn up the waves and keep us surface are optional extras. Screens, podcasts, social media… How much noise and distraction could we switch off today?

Suggestion: Choose an hour today to be tech-free, quiet, simply present to whatever you are doing- cooking, eating, walking, resting.

Notice what happens to your surface noise agitation of body-mind. Is it more settled? How does that feel?

It is challenging to be quieter, because those sharks lurking below the surface become more obvious. Well then, seek help to face and clear them, and continue your inner work until the treasures of our own eternal Self are in your hands.

Sakyong Mipham:

“The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness”

Hope this encourages you to go scuba diving!