No Need to Beat Ourselves Up

I have come to understand that learning about the mind is the most natural thing in the world. In fact, there is no difference in the process of learning, be it about worldly matters or reality. Many times we beat ourselves when we forget but really there is no need to. For the truth of these words resounds: 

You forget in order to remember better. (A Course In Miracles, Textbook, Chapter 7, Pg 115)

To this mind initially the word ‘meditation’ daunts, always deemed as a difficult pursuit and everything about it is fraught with obstacles. But actually I have since learnt that learning about the mind and understanding the way things are is a natural mental process. 

On my drive to work and on the road just before the entrance to my workplace there is a strategic, small but deep pothole recently hollowed out due to the rain. A week ago and unaware of its existence, my car went over the hole with a big bump.  Immediately there was defilement and the blame projected outside. 3 days ago because of forgetting, my car hit the hole even harder. This time there was defilement but the blame was inside.  

Today just before entering the road there was a “mental check” quite automatically. The mind was reminded of the previous experience when forgetting. It had learnt. The car skirted over the pothole smoothly. The difference this time was clarity and it knew what it had to do and before it happened. This is wisdom.  

Then the understanding dawned that our spiritual journey is exactly the same. Similar. As long as the mind is aware, it naturally learns when it falls. In fact falling and forgetting is inevitable if we wish to learn. It is the nature of the mind and the nature of the learning process.  

This mind can understand that only through suffering can it give rise to the intention and willingness to learn so as not to go through the same mental experience again. When everything is deemed peaceful this mind becomes lazy, dwelling in comfort zone which in itself is defilement, and inevitably it never stays satisfied.  

So there’s really no need to beat ourselves up when we forget. As long as we are aware and acknowledge that the mind has forgotten, the mind will teach itself. But once is never enough. Many times. Over and over for stubborn minds like mine, then only understanding comes.  

Though we always remind ourselves not to forget but if we do, it’s ok.  We have the 3-Meditator’s Job to bring us back to the practice of being aware with wisdom and slowly but surely, leading us to the ultimate truth of what we really are.  

Ours is simply the journey back to God Who is our home. (A Course In Miracles, Textbook, Chapter 8, Section V, Pg 147)

With deep gratitude, 
Yvonne Loh
30 May 2023