The Anchor of Sensation

The first step on the path to a fuller, more meaningful life is the effort to know oneself, to discover the reality of who we are. In fact it’s a lifetime step: there will never be a time when self-knowledge is complete, like a book on the shelf. It is an intimate work in progress, and one of the most interesting, impactful enterprises offered us as human beings. It is an effort that asks us to pay attention to how we live, to observe internal impulses, thoughts, and reactions, and how we manifest with others. 

It’s not always easy. Our inner life is typically a stream of mental associations, emotional reactions, and judgments, while our outer life is typically preoccupied with tasks, responsibilities, and a pressure to succeed. How can we observe ourselves in life when life itself is so distracting?

The sensation of the body helps. It is always possible to be aware of sensations — the touch of the hands, clothing against the skin, movements of all kinds, facial tensions, breath. This awareness provides a certain inner stability as we accompany ourselves in day-to-day activities. In this exchange we will explore sensation and its possibilities. How do we experience sensation in various parts of our body? Can we be aware of sensation in the midst of activity? How might that help our efforts toward self-observation and self-knowledge?

Please join us for this discussion. Your questions and observations are welcomed.