Finding The REAL Me. Who Is The REAL You?
A classic story that made use of this interpretation is "Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde", by Robert Louis Stevenson. Likewise, there are many legends and movies based on werewolves and vampires. Emile Zola also explored aspects in his novel, "The Beast In Man", and Sigmund Freud offers us a concept known as the Id. According to the British Concise Encyclopedia:
"The id is the source of instinctual impulses such as sex and aggression as well as primitive needs that exist at birth. It is entirely nonrational and functions according to the pleasure-pain principle, seeking immediate fulfillment of its impulses whenever possible."
However, another trend has emerged that portrays our inner being in more heroic terms. When the mild-mannered reporter, Clark Kent, removes his glasses and outer garments he emerges as...?
Modern media hasn't been slow to see entertainment value in heroic super potential. Think of Bewitched, Buffy, and the Charmed ones. With "X-Men" and the TV series "Heroes" we now see beings with a huge assortment of genetically enhanced super powers.
Historically, there have been others who portray these inner senses positively. An example is religious ecstasy. Perhaps the best known depiction of this is the sculpture by Bernini of "The Ecstasy of St Theresa", which is located in the Cornaro Chapel in Rome. St Theresa had described a state of ecstatic rapture in which she floated on air. Experiences involving expanded spiritual awareness, visions and euphoria have been reported by many people.
It seems that these extreme or "fuller" experiences can also be -
"...deliberately induced using a variety of techniques, including prayer, religious rituals, meditation, breathing exercises, physical exercise, sex, music, dancing, sweating, fasting, thirsting, and the consumption of psychotropic drugs." (Wikipedia)
There is also an approach to the inner self which has practical, every day application and is easily accessible to us all. This involves developing a connection with or awareness of deeper positive feelings. Let's consider two simple exercises:
For the first, just close your eyes and focus on the feelings within your body. As you notice attention to thoughts, don't bother analyzing or directing those thoughts, just shift your attention and return to what you are feeling. After while, you'll notice a deep sense of calm, peace and well-being. This is also common to most meditation techniques but the aim here is to experience those feelings and that sense of well-being. It also provides practice in consciously shifting attention at will.
Consider that, in the absence of thought, your body experiences positive feelings. There is no animosity or murderous rage in the absence of thought. What you are experiencing is your core inner self, and it feels good. In the absence of anxiety, which would be triggered by thought, you feel an inner strength. As well, those feelings are not dependent on the approval, goodwill, or behavior of another. You have access to them at any time and can restore calm by stilling thought and simply looking within to those feelings of well-being and inner peace.
Treat this as making an inner connection. It puts us in touch with our own inner strength and happiness and the experience is available to us whenever we take a moment to make that contact.
For a second exercise, we'll introduce controlled thought. Again, close your eyes and imagine an appealing fantasy involving great success. It could involve you brilliantly recording a 3 minute mile at an athletic meet; hitting a baseball out of the ball park; making millions on the internet; winning an Academy Award ("...and I wish to thank..."); winning a stack of Olympic Gold Medals; being pursued by incredibly beautiful/handsome prospective partners, etc. You get the idea.
Ponder the feelings generated by those appealing situations. You feel a sense of inner power. Note the feeling of empowerment. Pay attention to other related feelings that have been aroused - elation, excitement, joy, enthusiasm, and so on. Consider, too, that these feelings are readily available to us - we can easily access them in a quiet moment and they will often spill over into our normal lives.
What do these exercises show us?
1. There is no need for us to depend on others in order to feel good. We have within ourselves access to peace and happiness that does not require additional approval though, when received, can be enjoyable and reassuring, but not essential in order to feel validated. When we look outward for validation from others, we surrender power over our lives to them and we find ourselves endlessly trying to influence opinions, hoping to gain approval. Inner awareness reduces much stress, anxiety and depression.
2. Whilst prosperity offers comfort and increased opportunities, it is not essential to feelings of contentment and inner harmony.
3. A feeling of inner well-being is the norm. In the absence of thought, our inner feelings are not turbulent but calm and strong.
4. The feelings of inner power and strength that are available to us can be channeled towards objects of desire. By focusing attention and MAINTAINING THE CONTACT with thoughts that are in harmony with our wants, we'll be energized and impelled towards them. The decisions and choices we make based on thoughts consistent with success, along with focused action, help to shape the world we experience - the results we receive.
5. We are creators of our lives - either consciously or by default.
That is the real me. Who is the real YOU - Hulk, Hyde, Hero...or?
Ivan
Best Strategy For Huge Profits With Amazon Products
A Collection of Inspiring, Uplifting Quotes, Beautifully Illustrated - Free Download