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Exercise #177: Self Knowledge
Posted 9/15/06
I had the honor of participating in a right-brain workshop at the Santa Barbara Writer’s Conference one year. It was an amazing experience. I’d always liked guided imagery, but this went beyond that. The instructor took us on a mental journey (several, actually, over the course of a week). Eyes shut, we drifted along the path of her words, but what each of us saw in our minds was unique to us.
Today, I want you to go on such a journey. It’s more difficult with the two of us so far apart, especially if your home is full of bustle and noise, but let’s try. Since I’m not there to use the sound of my voice to lead you, you can choose to do this one of two ways.
First, the meditation method: (If you have someone who can read these instructions to you in a calm, slow voice, that works best. Read through them yourself, first, so you’ll know what’s expected.)
* Find a place where you can be comfortable and away from distractions.
* Sit quietly and close your eyes.
* Try to calm your mind. Half a dozen forgotten chores will clamor for attention; ignore them.
* Now, imagine you’re in a strange yet comforting house.
* The room you’re standing in is painted in your favorite color, the lighting level is just right, and over there, to the right, you see a door.
* You walk without urgency to the door.
* Reaching out, you open the door and walk through it.
* (Your helper should now be quiet, while you explore the room you’ve entered.)
* (When you’re done visiting the room, slowly open your eyes. Then come show us what you’ve seen.)
or
The short story method: The spouse of your dreams has swept you off your feet and hustled you off to a life of luxury (or toil, if that’s what you prefer). Several years have passed and you consider yourself the luckiest person alive. Then one day, you’re cleaning out the stuff in the attic (or basement or shed) and realize there’s another door in the room. You try to open it, but it’s locked. That evening, you ask your spouse about the mysterious door. With love and patience, you’re told you must never enter that room. You trust your lover, of course, but one day you find the hidden key. Curiosity is too great and early in the morning (or late at night) you creep to the door and open it. Stepping inside, you see . . .
Please note the larger word limit.
Word limit: 1500
Please use the subject line:
SUB: Exercise #177/yourname
Why this is a self-knowledge exercise: Often what’s behind that door is something we’ve been ignoring for far too long.
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