Remote Control

Egoic Mind: By now I would think I should be use to this.  But I’m not.  However, it does seem to help to be in inquiry.  Why is that?

Gnani: When you look deeply at something … Anything really … There is a deep understanding that everything is as it should be and there is nothing to do.  Peace comes when you reach this place.

Egoic Mind: I just received some unsettling news.  It feels like a big problem.  But I do believe in the back of my mind that everything will be ok.  Though, maybe I don’t really believe that.  I have doubts.  What I really believe is that I need to take action.  That no one else can do an adequate job and that my future is uncertain left to the whims of the universe.  I recognize the belief that I feel I have more control over outcomes if I handle something myself.

Gnani: And is the belief true?  Are you willing to take examine this assumption at any cost?

Egoic Mind: The belief is strongly held, but ultimately false.  I have no control over outcomes because there are an infinite number of contributing factors that will influence the end result.  So if there ARE indeed unlimited sources of influential factors, then any specific action or non-action on my part has little direct impact on the final outcome.  So I wait.  And see what happens next.  I should think our affinity for TiVO as a nation is that we have no patience to wait and see what happens next.  The illusion of control to fast forward and get to the good part is a habit that we perhaps subconsciously apply to the real world.

Gnani: So are you ready to put down your imaginary remote and allow your body to play this one out?

Egoic Mind: I have no way of knowing how long I can do that or if my patience will give way and I once again pick up the remote control and pretend that my actions are a direct result of my own authorship.  But I can certainly wait and see what happens next.