Atmosphere & Emanations
We spoke at some length last evening about atmosphere and emanations.
What Gurdjieff calls atmosphere is called by various names in different traditions. It is called the aura, the morphic field, the bioelectric field. The atmosphere is visible with certain types of photography, and the bioelectric field is measurable with modern instruments.
Our practice is to be present in our atmosphere. This means bringing attention to the area surrounding the body, first representing, and then sensing and being present in our atmosphere.
The further practice is to keep emanations within the atmosphere, to concentrate and work to stem the leaks of emanations which are our vital force and energy. With this concentration we may sequester force for our presence in Being.
Some examples of leaking emanations include identification with thoughts and images relating to people, events, issues that are not present here and now. They may be thoughts about large events taking place somewhere in the world; about a person or people we know; about events in the past or imagined events in the future. Another example is what might be called 'fascination', which is to say becoming so enraptured in a spectacle or patterns on a screen, that we forget our own existence and our emanations flood out.
The suggestion is that when we entertain these thoughts and fantasies or become enraptured by a real or virtual spectacle, and particularly when our emotions become involved, our vital force spills out of our atmosphere.
So this is the theme of work this week, should you feel called to work with it -- be present in your atmosphere with the intention of keeping your emanations with you. Watch your associations carefully and see when they open a rent in the fabric of your atmosphere.
This is a beginning, and I trust we will all make valuable discoveries to share.
One final suggestion - try to have a strong morning sitting with the Bread exercise, and pause at regular intervals to work with the abbreviated exercise of five breaths during the day. This should substantiate a force that makes ongoing work within the atmosphere more accessible.