The ego

   

  The Authentic Self and the EGO

   By Jimmy Henderson (Hons (phil), MA Psychology,          FRC) 

    We all have an 'authentic self' which embodies that most moral and ethical part of ourselves. Unfortunately, after many years of feeding basic instincts and accepting flawed social learning (conditioning), the innocence of the ‘authentic self’ is usually reduced to the ‘ego’, a false sense of self which is little more than a collection of highly personal drives, thoughts, perceptions and beliefs. 

    In view of its self-centeredness, the ego has only a limited awareness and understanding, and this can account for the many errors that creep into human thinking and actions as the result of ego-based perceptions and decision-making. The ego results in the average human mind being filled with unhelpful emotions, negative thoughts, memories and desires which all form a natural barrier to the expansion of awareness or consciousness. 

   In my previous book, ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ (2010), I explained this 'blocking’ process in terms of the analogy of a goldfish in a bowl, in which the water in the bowl represented the human mind and one’s present understanding, and the world outside of the bowl, reality. I continued by explaining how the water in the bowl is murky as the result of our jumbled-up thoughts and perceptions, painful memories and emotions, limiting beliefs and fears which so clog up our minds that we have only a dim view of what is actually out there and cannot see things as they really are. I also pointed out that the saddest thought of all was that we have become so conditioned and accustomed to living in this ‘bowl’ of limiting beliefs, thoughts and perceptions, that it is difficult to even conceive of a larger universe out here. 

   This action of the ego and the process of social conditioning can therefore limit one’s imagination, ability to dream and to realize one's authentic self. 

Transcending the ego

                                              

   Trying to overcome the ego a little bit at a time by learning from our mistakes and their consequences, could take us an entire lifetime. However, this is the normal course of events, and if one looks carefully at the problems in our day-to-day lives, they often seem to follow a

specific pattern or trend. For example, the same bitter experiences with relationships or finances can arise time and time again until we are forced into a process of self-evaluation and the need to make better and more mature choices. In this way, even everyday life can be seen to be directed at growth and development and the eventual release of the limitiations, selfishness and pettiness which relate to the ego.

   However, a release can also happen quite suddenly during a life-changing experience (usually involving extreme humiliation or loss of identity), sometimes called the ‘dark night of the soul’. This could come in the form of the ending of a marriage, a long-term relationship or career or some other equally traumatic experience. Those times when we feel totally shattered, empty and alone and we are virtually forced to let go of our old sense of self or ego.     

         

   Sometimes we can get lost in the intensity of the experience, and struggle for many years to recover. However, if we are able to recognise it for what it is, an opportunity to transcend the ego, we can shorten the period of suffering. Obviously, it is still important to take time to fully process the thoughts and feelings relating to this experience and for a while we will be certainly be mentally, emotionally and spiritually vulnerable and naked. However, when we eventually stand up again, our slate will be clean and ready for new experiences in consciousness.

   The third possibility for transcending the ego is a conscious process of self-development and growth such as this path of light and consciousness, in which we bring about the dismantling of the ego at its source, in the mental programs and ideas which feed and sustain it . This particular process involves challenging our present ego-experiences with powerful new insights relating to our identity and life’s purpose and formulating positive affirmations and intentions which help to change our existing view of self. 

Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysician, counsellor and author of two books on body, mind and spirit titled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ available at Amazon.com, Kalahari.com or from his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com.

The phenomenon of visions  

By Jimmy Henderson

‘Your vision will become clear when you look into your heart. Who looks outside dreams. Who looks inside awakens.’
C.G.Jung

  It has been noted that during advanced levels of visualisation, spontaneous images can enter into one's inner visual field. This reveals how it is possible to receive sensations, impressions and even symbolic images directly from our subconscious during highly subjective states of mind. 

   This was also suggested by the famous psychologist Dr. Carl Jung who believed that the content of the subconscious can become conscious under certain conditions. 

These impressions are sometimes regarded as intuitive moments or intuitions. However, it can also happen that entire three-dimensional dramatisations can unfold spontaneously in our inner visual or perceptual fields during these subjective states.    

   These scenarios or enactments are symbolically assembled at a subliminal level in the subconscious mind before being presented to consciousness and can be described as similar to a dream (or a daydream). However, as in some cases, these images can be quite vivid due to their ability to superimpose on our everyday sense of reality for brief moments. 

   As in the case of a dream, a vision can be a communication from the subconscious mind regarding an issue to be resolved, and therefore take the form of a warning. However, with the subconscious being the conduit between our normal consciousness and the external world, the vision could also relate to other factors. 

   For example, metaphysical practitioners and religious devotees have reported many cases of visions relating to divine guidance and even to visitations from a higher spiritual level. Due to the many cases presented, these experiences can no longer be simply discounted as pure fantasy. 

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysician and the author of a number of books and articles on inner self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and can also be ordered via his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Basic meditation

                               The techniques of basic meditation

                                                           By Jimmy Henderson

   
There are a number of steps to effective meditation. The first step is to be seated comfortably in a private place, preferably with the lights dimmed. You can use soft, background music and incense to enhance the effect, if required. Try to relax your body until your mind is quiet and at peace. This relaxed state is essential for meditation.There are a number of methods to maintain this state of inner stillness.
Method 1.    Breathing
Focus all your attention on your breathing whilst you are performing the relaxation exercise. This shifts your mind away from any thoughts.

Method 2.    Using a mantra
It is also possible to ignore intrusive thoughts by calling on a mantra or holy name, repeating it over and over again in your mind until it is free of distractions.
Method 3.  Focusing one’s attention on an object
Another method is to focus on an object such as a burning candle, religious  image, icon or symbol and allow your mind to relax. Keeping one’s mind clear of intrusive thoughts
during meditation is more a process of ‘letting go’ rather than forcing your mind to be quiet.  

You will need to practice regularly to be able to maintain this quiet state of mind for any     length of time. This should be practiced once a day for at least a week. You will know that you have achieved a measure of success when you are able to maintain a still,clear mind for at least thirty seconds and feel more conscious and perceptive. 
Meditation is usually linked to an increased sensory awareness. Once you have achieved this state of relaxed mindfulness, try to move your focus away from your     body, especially your hands and feet, until you are no longer consciously aware of them. If you feel stressed, you are trying too hard. Meditation is a very gentle process. Whilst in this state of quiet mindfulness and keeping your eyes closed, begin to slowly open your consciousness to your immediate surroundings. The way this is done, is to first shift your attention slowly to your sense of smell and try to detect scents, such as flowers or burning candles in the room.
Second, you should refocus your attention to your hearing and begin to listen more acutely for sounds in the room and outside (such as insect or animal sounds). Do not focus on your body or your sense of sight, as this will distract you. Now slowly release your focus on your normal senses (smell or hearing) and relax your mind completely.    Continue to keep your eyes closed.
After a few seconds, re-open your awareness (without thinking) and try to become aware or receptive to any sensory cues (sensations, feelings or impressions) you may be sensing. This new state of ‘mindfulness’ can be likened to a combination of ‘listening’, ‘receptiveness’ and most importantly, ‘feeling’. The way you will know you have reached this state of mind is when you start to become conscious of sensations, feelings or impressions with which you are not familiar. Some of these impressions seem to be from inside the room, but others feel as if they are within you. At first they will not make any sense at all. This is fine. Interpreting the feelings only comes later on in the process.  At this time, do not panic or doubt yourself. Simply and gratefully accept the new experiences that are being given to you.
When you have spent a few minutes in this state, slowly begin to activate your thoughts again and set an intention to exit slowly from the meditation. You can do this by slowly becoming aware of your body and breathing more deeply, feel your hands and feet, move them around and slowly open your eyes. Another way of disconnecting from a meditation is to count down from ten, and at different stages, and tell yourself that you are disconnecting. For example, ‘disconnecting, ten, nine, eight, disconnecting, seven, six, five, disconnecting, four, three, two, one’ -open your eyes.

Practice this regularly until you become familiar with the process above as well as the sensory cues that are presenting themselves to you. You will know that you have achieved a measure of success when you begin to feel at ease with these new experiences.

  Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysical teacher and the author of a number of books and articles    on inner self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a            Masters degree in Psychology. He is also a Metavarsity facilitator and based in Durban. His      books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) 

   are available on Amazon.com and can also be ordered via his website 

    www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

   

A simple meditation to reduce stress    By Jimmy Henderson

‘In the interval between words, between thoughts, comes understanding’.

Krishnamurti

   Meditation has great health benefits and aids in the relaxation of the brain. As a form of de-stressing, it brings about a temporary detachment from everyday issues and problems, allowing one’s mind to reset itself and has also been shown to increase one’s sense of mastery and control. This is especially true when meditation is conducted outside in the garden or in some natural setting. The presence of trees, flowers and even running water greatly enhance feelings of well-being and relaxation.

   Meditation is based on sound psychological principles such as mental relaxation, mental creating and conscious mind control, which can bring about changes in one’s brainwave pattern and subsequent state of mind. In fact, it has become a recognised practice in some forms of therapy and is also finding acceptance in mainline religious and spiritual movements today. For instance, the ‘centering prayer’ as taught in a number of churches is a simple form of meditation.

   Meditation is also a powerful tool in one’s personal growth and development, as it  introduces a state of ‘mindfulness’ which increases one’s awareness and sensitivity to inner sensory cues such as sensations, feelings and impressions, opening one to a new experience and understanding of self. It is usually combined with visualisation or imagery to further deepen one’s relaxation and develop the imagery centres in the brain.

   The following exercise is a simple form of meditation to release stress which can be practiced at home or at the office.

   Sit quietly and comfortably, close your eyes and begin to breathe to a count of one to five. Focus on nothing else but the counting (either aloud or in your mind). Breathe in 1,2,3,4,5 hold your breath, 1,2,3,4, 5 breathe out 1,2,3,4,5 hold your breath 1,2,3,4,5 breathe in 1,2,3,4,5 and so on.

  Carry on with the counting and breathing until your mind is free of all thought, completely quiet and you feel totally relaxed. Try to meditate in this way for at least twenty seconds, a few times each day.

Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of a number of articles as well as two books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books, Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

The benefits of meditation

By Jimmy Henderson hons (phil), M.A (psych) FRC 

 ‘Not to be able to stop thinking is a dreadful affliction, but we don't realize this because almost everyone is suffering from it, so it is considered normal.  This incessant mental noise prevents you from finding that realm of inner stillness that is inseparable from Being.’

Eckhart Tolle

   Due to the fast pace of life, as well as work stress and family demands, our minds are usually filled with a constant mental chatter. This persistent cognitive activity masks much of our self-awareness, as well as possible moments of intuition, and as a result, we never really stop and take the time to notice the subtle sensory cues (sensations, feelings and impressions) from our natural surroundings.

   Meditation is therefore a useful tool for self-introspection and a reintegration of the psyche and is recommended by psychologists as a form of de-stressing and for returning a sense of self-mastery and control. However, it does require commitment in terms of time and effort. 

During meditation we apply specific breathing and mental exercises to slow down our brainwave activity, which allows for a temporary detachment from normal thinking and produces a state of mindfulness and the ‘mental space’ ideal for self-introspection and increasing sensory awareness. This quiet state is also ideal for conscious imagery (visualisation).

   Regular meditation can raise one’s level of conscious awareness and perception by increasing activity in those areas of the brain involved in subjective and abstract thought, and also assists in the development of intuition by creating pathways which can bypass conscious thought. This results in a closer connection between unconscious and conscious mental processes. 

It is also useful for more advanced exercises in imagery which involve inner self-exploration, and when combined with special breathing techniques, can even result in trancelike states similar to lucid dreaming, in which one is able to access hidden areas of the psyche and attune with higher realms of the mind.  

   The basic steps involved in meditation have already been fully discussed in my earlier publication Multi-Dimensional Thinking (2007) as well as other articles on this blog.

 Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysician and the author of a number of books and articles on self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. He is based in Durban, South Africa. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com as well as his own website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Contemplation

 By Jimmy Henderson

‘We normally keep our minds so busy that we fail to hear the passing whispers of angels’

 J. Henderson

   Contemplation is a mental technique in which the mind is purposely opened and made receptive to incoming impressions of an inspirational nature. This requires a very relaxed and subjective state of mind, and is best performed outside during a slow walkabout or a nature ramble. It can be likened to a ‘walking and talking’ meditation, combined with a process of ‘free association’, which can be explained as allowing the mind free reign to explore all thoughts, ideas, emotions and impressions that spontaneously enter.

   During contemplation, we would initially set an intention and then begin posing questions on important aspects of life or reality. Following this, we should relax and begin to express, either aloud or mentally, an uninterrupted free-flow of thoughts relating to the question posed. In response to the intention and the opportunity created, the unconscious mind would respond by releasing impressions, thoughts and symbolic ideas and sometimes even images that are in line with the sentiments being expressed. In other words, if we are engaged in contemplating the beauty of Nature, any resulting impressions and revelations will usually relate to this idea.  

   Contemplative thoughts are usually easily distinguishable from day-to-day thinking, as they are generally quite poetic and of a deep nature. Regular contemplation also improves the communication between conscious and unconscious processes and opens one to guidance from deeper levels of the unconscious mind.      

Jimmy Henderson a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two books titled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books , Amazon.com and Kalahari.com. He is also associated with Metavarsity and based in Durban, South Africa.

                        www.jimmyhendersonbooks..com

Intuition explained 

By Jimmy Henderson (Hons (phil) MA (psychology) FRC

‘In the interval between words, between thoughts, comes understanding’.

Krishnamurti

   The phenomenon of intuition is alluded to in psychological research, but given the term ‘immediate insight’ and linked to the appearance of spontaneous solutions to visual problems, allegedly based on a mental re-arrangement of elements taking place in the mind without any real conscious thought. However, I believe that intuition can be further explained as a process when, under certain circumstances, such as introspection, light slumber or specific mental techniques such as visualization and meditation, the rational thinking processes are subdued or quieted, allowing the unconscious mind to assume dominance and begin to release information in the form of sensations, impressions and sometimes even images. These communications usually form the content of dreams, but when one has not yet fully entered the sleep cycle, or as mentioned, is in a highly subjective state, they can enter normal consciousness for a few brief seconds.

   This suggests that the fundamental principle of communication between conscious and unconscious processes underlies the phenomenon of intuition, which can now simply be explained as someone becoming aware of the promptings of his or her unconscious mind. This argument is supported by the fact that intuition can be activated simply by addressing specific questions to oneself and waiting expectantly for an appropriate response.

   Developing your intuition is therefore an excellent method of building a working relationship with your unconscious mind.  As already mentioned, communications from the unconscious (intuitions), can present themselves as sensory impressions, verbal messages and even spontaneous images which can arise in our inner visual fields. In this regard, the human body itself has an inherent intelligence which allows it to communicate its needs in the form of sensory impressions or cues which can sometimes act as an early warning system for preserving life and health. For example, feeling ill after a meal could suggest that one has eaten something disagreeable, and every person has, at some time or other, experienced hunger pains or uncomfortable feelings and sensations which indicate that food or drink is required. This principle forms the basis of many diagnostic and holistic treatments involving bio-feedback.

Sensory intuitions

   What is little known is that this ability to detect sensory cues can be strengthened, improved and used to detect emotional or psychological threats as well. For instance, research shows that, within any social context, clues as to peoples’ true feelings and intentions are embedded or hidden in their actions, body language, choice of words, nuances and emotional responses. In fact, most persons will admit to having experienced feelings of discomfort in some situations, but did not give them a second thought. In most cases these feelings are normally overlooked or simply ignored. As mentioned previously, our unconscious mind is far more open to this type of feedback than our normal perception, and, under the right subjective conditions, could draw our attention to these sensory cues, some of which could suggest possible threats to our physical, emotional or psychological well-being.

Intuition and imagery

   In line with our symbolic processes of interpretation, our minds also have the ability to translate impressions from the unconscious mind into words and even images. As mentioned previously, exactly what is heard or seen will usually be based on our existing framework of schemas and will therefore be in line with our belief systems. The problem that it is relatively easy for our own thoughts and ideas to enter and alter any subliminal messages, and for this reason, it is always important to maintain a clear and open mind when working with intuition. In this regard, intuitive imagery should be distinguished from an overactive imagination. As mentioned in previous publications, a true intuitive image is immediate, appears spontaneously, and is not under one’s conscious control. 

   The construction of ‘intuitive’ visual images depends on the action of the same brain imagery centres that we use for our normal perception of the world (reality). However, in this case, the information is originating from inner processes (the unconscious mind) and not from the outside environment. Intuitive images represent a more powerful medium of communication than words and language. For example, some persons have reported receiving intuitive warnings of impending danger in the form of images of an accident flashing briefly through their consciousness (inner visual field), which links up with the previous section on unconscious cues warning us of possible threats. This does not exclude the possibility that some spontaneous imagery (visions) may have an external source. However, this will be discussed in a later section.

‘The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.’

Albert Einstein

   As with all intuitive communications, the key to understanding their true meaning would be correct interpretation. In some cases, such as the accident warnings mentioned previously, images have been reported as being quite clear and precise. However, similar to dreams, intuitive images are usually shaped by our symbolic processes and merely contain elements or clues to the message and meaning hidden within their context, structure, form and composition. The meaning we attach to the images could also be influenced by our existing conceptual framework, those ideas, beliefs and values through which we normally view the world, as well as the unconscious schemas mentioned earlier, which contain ‘rules’ for thinking and interpretation based on our past experiences.

   Unfortunately, this all means that intuitive imagery cannot always be taken literally, and what is seen will normally need to be compared with our storehouse of knowledge, framework of thinking and experiences with similar situations, persons or objects, and interpreted metaphorically. For example, seeing an image of a log or large boulder on a road could represent a stumbling block along our present path, something that in real-life, we would have to walk around or climb over, and this would require additional reflection to identify that actual obstacle in our present life.  

  

   Finally, an entire scenario spontaneously unfolding in one’s consciousness is rarer than a single image, but has been reported in many credible cases. This could in fact, be classified as a vision, although it is normally believed that visions have an external origin. Once again, this scenario would be constructed in the mind from the components of an intuitive message and, as in the case of a dream, could provide information on one’s own inner states, emotions or thoughts. For example, a visual scenario involving an altercation between two figures could actually be mirroring an inner conflict, something of which one was not aware, and such intuitive self-insight will certainly be useful in resolving this issue.

Jimmy Henderson is a metaphysician and the author of a number of books and articles on inner self-development. He has an Honours degree in philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. He is also a Metavarsity facilitator and based in Durban, South Africa. His books ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ (2007) and ‘Multi-dimensional Perception’ (2010) are available on Amazon.com and Kalahari.com and can also be ordered via his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com