What would you write in response to this quote?

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   Emanate Presenceposted 11 years ago

   What would you write in response to this quote?
   
   "Most of our energy goes into upholding our importance... if we were capable of losing some of that importance, two extraordinary things would happen to us. One, we would free our energy from trying to maintain the illusory idea of our grandeur; and two we would provide ourselves with enough energy to... catch a glimpse of the actual grandeur of the universe."
   
   - Carlos Castaneda

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2. 80

   dghbrhposted 11 years ago

   I do completely agree with it.
   Thank you.

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      Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks also, not just for answering, but for the energy behind your response.

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3. 68

   Sarah Christinaposted 11 years ago

   I agree, part of learning and growing as a human being is realizing that you have to continuously keep yourself in check. Your self...as in ego. Maintaining the proper balance between ego and humility is probably one of life's greatest challenges, I think.
   
   I also try to admire and appreciate everything in this world and the universe as often as I can. Mind you, I still have my bad days where I don't stay mindful but as I like to say "we're all a work in progress."
   
   Whenever I go outside at night, I always take at least a few moments to glance at the stars and just take it all in. It's so easy to get caught up into life's everyday challenges or dramas, and looking at the stars reminds me that all my problems, even my life, is miniscule in comparison to the greatness of the universe in all its glory and perfection. God's ultimate masterpiece. In those moments when I gaze at the stars...I am humbled, comforted, thoughtful and at peace.

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      Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Sarah,
      Due to the attractiveness of your answer, I went to your profile, then recognized that I am already following your writings. I appreciate each paragraph, actually each sentence of your response.

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      Sarah Christinaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you.

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4. 59

   Bonnie-Jean Rohneposted 11 years ago

   I have read all of Castaneda's books. I find his discoveries to align very well with my Taoist lifestyle.
   Not only do we release energy by letting go of self-importance, but we simultaneously let go of a lot of anger, resentment, bitterness, and melancholy in the process.
   If you stop looking inward, you can see outwardly, and there is so much to see.
   Without the bias of self-importance, it's easy to see the beauty near and far, whether in the clouds, or a neighbor, or a deer munching on a leaf.

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      Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Letting go, that is a key.There is looking inwardly (to ego & self-importance) & looking Inwardly (to Higher Self & the greater reality.) Yes, I remember once letting go of judgment while soaking in a hot springs & suddenly nature bec

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5. 58

   cdpayneposted 11 years ago

   Dear Carlos,
      You're a fraud and a socialist. "If we were capable of losing some of that importance"? So what you mean is, if we stopped considering ourselves individuals we might realize the "grandeur of the universe". I'll realize that grandeur on my own, thanks. P.S. Your best work was a Simpsons episode you had nothing to do with.- Homer

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   1. 69

      Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I am able to respond to your answer which attempts to bite, without feeling anger or reaction in return. You have done a service. Now I am wondering, since life has put us together on this page, what is the root of your anger. Want to talk about it?

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      cdpayneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You assume I'm angry because I disagree with you. The fact that we don't agree isn't important. What's important is That Carlos is a second rate writer who wouldn't even be known in the northern hemisphere if God didn't have a sense of humor.

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      Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You assume that I assume. I am happy when people can disagree without letting it color the connection and would call that maturity. I acknowledge your opinion about Carlos & must admit that your choice of language still gives an impression of ang

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6. 70

   connorjposted 11 years ago

   
   
   "Most of our energy goes into upholding our importance... if we were capable of losing some of that importance, two extraordinary things would happen to us. One, we would free our energy from trying to maintain the illusory idea of our grandeur; and two we would provide ourselves with enough energy to... catch a glimpse of the actual grandeur of the universe."
   - Carlos Castaneda
   
   Quite simply we must become less and be filled with "humilitas." Nothing goes forward without significant humility. This paragraph speaks of humllity without using the word. Christ summed up nicely, "Learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls" (Matthew 11:29). With the rest in our soul could we not (perhaps) glimpse the grandeur of our universe?

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   1. 69

      Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I love it. You have seen beyond the words into their deeper and rich meaning. Does it sometimes seem like a treasure hunt to you? In metaphor, I would say you discovered a great jewel.

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      connorjposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I must be humble; if it was not for my comatose experience I would be lost...

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      Emanate Presenceposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      connorj, I will re-visit your hubs to refresh my understanding of what you feel the comatose experience did for you.

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      connorjposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I may have found this quite elusive treasure referenced as "rest to your souls" maybe not for ever though, maybe it was the proverbial "glimpse," then again, maybe not...

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