Lost Coin Class Notes for 5/8/07

Music as objective art.  When the mind is quiet enough, we take in what is outside rather than our own inner drama.  Music, art, sports, etc. focus our attention on the outside in a particular way.  Objective art in different modes, has a universal effect on eliciting feelings.

Example:  in tennis, one needs to use intellectual center ( understanding strategy), moving center (vital, stretched out, well fed), emotional center (passionate determination and not to allow to get in the way of play).  But it is the focus that brings in the fourth way? consciousness (focused attention)? it is what allows us to experience all states? giving full attention.  Bring this attention to all you do.

Elena played the alto flute Ionian (bright sound), Dorian (longing, thoughtful), Phrygian (sadder, sorrowful, mysterious, haunting), and Lydian (not as dark, urban).  Music elicits universal responses.   The intervals between denote different responses.  When the interval between the second and third note is a half step, the feeling elicited is sad, when a full step, brighter and happy.  This is connected to Gurdjieff's Law of Seven.

When you start paying attention and focus more intently, you begin to accumulate energy.  You will start waking up more often.  If you wake more often, you will be able to make significant changes in your life.

Consciousness balances the three centers.  It is the curative, the transformational tool.  It is it's own solution.  When we are not so wrapped up in our story, it allows more attention (energy) to consciousness.

Gurdjieff suggests no inner considering with parents.  Honor the source? if we don't honor mother and father, we don't honor ourselves.  It is the origin of your existence.

Take heart, even beginning to see clearly and objectively is the beginning of non-lying.  You will then have a choice not to do this.

It is inconvenient to see things about people we are closest to.  It may prove stunning to see some thing and makes us scared.  This signals a profound change, an end of denial.

Recommended readings:  Undiscovered Country by Katherine Hulme and Boyhood with Gurdjieff by Fritz Peters

Do the readings, practice meditation, attend class regularly, become more awake to your life.  How much effort you exert is directly related to the amount of energy you can accumulate.  Acquiring energy is important, as it is the reminding force.  It reminds you to wake up!  Accumulated energy allows the 'work I' to take the lead.

You won't get anywhere in your attempt to wake up without effort.  Utilize your whole being, go for it whole hog, take it all in whole hog, including the postage.

Practice:  Wish to not be mechanical, wish to be awake.
