Lost Coin Class Notes from July 17 Class

Announcement

Next week meet at Elena's office at the corner of 10th East and South Temple in the old Monroe Building Suite 207

Structure of Next Section of 6 classes

We are following the order Gurdjieff envisioned for his books

First class: Challenging conditioning

Second class: the orphan

Third class: challenging history (personal and others)

Fourth Class: Examining objective history

At this point begin reading Meetings with Remarkable Men

Fifth class: Exploring seeds of growth; ways of looking at life

Sixth class: establish ways to work on self

First 4 sessions, Daniel will rely on Dave Daniels teachings:

It is difficult for us to see how we are living until we move out of our regular space and see how others live.

Concentrate on material goods and ease

We live in our feelings and thoughts all time until move out of that area (see how bad it really is)

Right now we need to work to mistrust, which will help us look at things more objectively. Challenge our thinking.

Review of the three negative feelings (greed, blame, and fear)

Need to remember greed is about discontent

Anger/Blame: if angry then not seeing what it is. We need to watch ourselves when we are angry.

Only exit from blame/anger/greed is to be conscious of what we are doing

We need to see how we are conditioned/how we created our world. The only way out is to look at ourselves as if we are looking through a telescope.

Small Groups Exercise

We are to look at things that are challengeable; things/beliefs that are not necessarily true. Example Daniel gave was a common belief we take for granted "We should trust people." Do we have proof of the truth of that belief? There is no shred of evidence that it is likely true. We will learn that reality is more benevolent then what we live in.

Look at what our reality is. Start with people: are things what people say they are; are things we think good? We need to challenge - look at how it really is. We do not have to see it either bad or good. It just is as it is.

Homework: Journal this part our beliefs that are challengeable. Bring journal in to discuss in class.

Tips: Think how backwards we are. Example: TV portrayal of relationship vs. real life relationships. Are real life marriages/relationships as happy as they are portrayed in TV version of relationship? Not likely. Look back to what you believe. Don't look at philosophy or religious principles but look at day to day life beliefs.

We give up lots when we believe what others tell us. Look at what you really want and believe.
