Alternatively the narcissist may seek a
blissful, mystical reunion with the world (womb) through drugs,
psychedelic experiences, or an idealized fantasy love object.
"Redevote yourself to the cultivation
of modesty, receptivity, and gentleness now, and let go of concerns
about the conduct of others or the progress of your worldly ambitions.
…Concentrate on your capacities to nourish, to support, to accept, to
work without desiring recognition…" (The I Ching or Book of Changes: A Guide to Life's Turning Point
There is one molten subject that is always in your forge. You, you are
the molten subject always within the reach of your will. You are also an
alloy of industrial and magical processes with properties you know and
properties you may not know or that are yet to be fully determined.
Every day you must shape and reshape the molten subject, you. So your
forge never lacks for molten material in need of work. Besides you, it
is likely that there are other molten objects and subjects in your
forge this day. Don't neglect them, and don't overwork them either.
Consider this a propitious time to
recognize that there is more going on than meets the daylight eyes of
the waking personality. Look beneath the surface and find out what is
going on in the depths of yourself, others and the world.
Emerson said: "The problem with traveling is you take yourself with you."
The current situation is temporary. Do
not let yourself get too deeply involved. Be prepared for change. Avoid
making a commitment to any particular person or situation. Consider this
as a time when you can gather information, expand your horizons and
make discoveries about yourself and others. Be practical and willing to
adapt to whatever changes may occur. When meeting new people, be
respectful but also cautious at first and a little reserved. Associate
only with those whose motives you feel you can trust. Do not compromise
your self-respect in an effort to win acceptance. If you are sincere and
courteous, the right people will assist you. Be sure to express your
gratitude to anyone who gives you a helping hand. Where possible, be
helpful in return.
If you can be at ease with yourself
regardless of circumstances, you will respond to whatever happens in the
most appropriate way.
Temptations are very, very tempting and
that is probably why they are called temptations. It is foolish to
underestimate their power. Before you reach for a temptation, ask
yourself if you will remember this indulgence well on your deathbed. If
you will, then you'd be a fool to pass it up. If you won't, and you keep
on reaching for it again and again and again, then you are on the path
of a Ring Wraith, withering into a hungry ghost.
Don't surrender to anything that is not in accord with your inner truth. Don't do anything that compromises your inner dignity.
The I Ching says, "He who seeks
nourishment that does not nourish reels from desire to gratification and
in gratification craves desire. Mad pursuit of pleasure for the
satisfaction of the senses never brings one to the goal. One should
never follow this path, for nothing good can come of it."
"Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol or morphine or idealism." — C.G. Jung
"First we form habits, then they form us. Conquer your bad habits or they will conquer you."
— Rob Gilbert
extend trust only when they earn it.
"People spend a lifetime searching for
happiness; looking for peace. They chase idle dreams, addictions,
religions, even other people, hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues
them. The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was
within."
— Ramona L. Anderson
Don't let a Thorn in your Side Become a Splinter in your Mind
Stay focused on progressing along the
open avenues of possibility. Put your energy into your circle of
influence, what you can actual affect right now, not on the circle of
concern — the things you can only worry about right now.
Hemingway's definition of heroism is "Grace under pressure." Learn to
handle the thorns in your side with grace, and don't let them become
splinters in your mind.
