12 January 2021
Self-help is a strange concept. Yet it’s a multi-billion dollar industry. I suppose in many ways, this blog falls into that category. I am fascinated by it all, and I guess that’s why I always find myself in the “self-help” section, when I visit a bookstore. But what exactly are we seeking help for? Furthermore, if you could help yourself (and I am not saying you can’t), who is “you” and who is “yourself?” In other words, who is the one needing help, and who is the so-called helper? I struggle deeply with this quandary. How do we become both the doctor and the patient at the same time? What does all of this really mean?
I believe that self-help is simply the recognition that it’s time to reflect more deeply about your life. I’m not talking about reflecting on the contents of your life. I’m talking about going further – going within. Self-help is about yearning to know who you are from the inside, out. Who you are, is that neutral presence that “knows” the difference between selfishness and selflessness. It knows the difference between problem and solution, and what’s good and what’s bad. It is the neutral observer that “knows” when the words in your head trick you into making poor choices for yourself. It is that which “knows” how to improve choices you make, how to improve behaviors you have, and how to become more willing to cooperate with life, rather than fight against it. Self-help is a willingness to calm and quiet the combative mind. Self-help is a willingness to identify with the present moment, rather than identifying with the story of “me,” swirling around in your head. Self-help is the ultimate realization that you don’t actually need any help at all. How could this be? It’s because there are no deficiencies in the design of your being. Self-help is recognizing that you are a human being. It’s recognizing that “being” within yourself, and knowing its beauty, its mystery, and its perfection.