unconscious writing

When unconscious writing happens there is no self and no space or time. In retrospect it was easy and non-problematic. Flow. No self, no problem.

But the output often needs editing. The muse is not word perfect and omniscient. But the mind is busy. It keeps churning ideas and, in the process, calling up general moods and specific feelings.

‘I’ (ie my ‘self’) am like a dry leaf blown wherever by the serendipitous winds of both external and internal chance. But there is another ‘I’ who is a stand-aloof witness. There is a Hindu image of two birds on the branch of a tree. One eats fruit while the other watches.

By noticing, the witness can reduce habitual and unthinking reactions. This generates a peace dividend. By pointing attention to the breathing there is even more peace. It becomes possible to drop off body and mind; to be the still Oneness.

Then, following the stilling, comes the insight. Holistic knowing and understanding. It is largely unspeakable. There are some technical and practical issues but most of the insights are about relationships. Man is a social animal. The unit of evolution is the group.