Our true nature -- the free mind -- is a perfect warning system for detecting and, with our cooperation, rejecting any and all psychic intruders. Its uncommon intelligence never complies with the presence, or demands, of any fearful negative state.
On the other hand, our lower nature -- the me mind -- is forever trying to make sense out of suffering. It finds relief by creating new ways to put old pains into a different order. This unconscious activity is what the me mind calls clearing up the confusion!
But the me mind can't clear up the confusion. How can it? The me mind is the source of it. How can this lower nature ever determine that sorrow is one of the ties that bind as long as it holds onto sadness as an important part of itself? Fear, doubt, and anger are also included in the painful order of the me mind, so how can it ever find freedom from negative states? It can't. But you can be free of it. Here's a good beginning.
Make a list of the things in your life that you know -- or sense -- are out of order. Start by writing out a few of the more common negative thoughts and feelings that may still be a source of personal confusion for you.
For example, you may already know that jealousy, impatience, and laziness are three self-compromising states that don't belong in the order of your life. As a helpful guide, you may want to follow the format I've developed for this inner exercise.
Angry thoughts telling me to hurt others because they've hurt me are not a part of the order of my life. No anger belongs to me.
Frightened feelings towards another person are not a part of the order of my life. No fear belongs to me.
Nervous tremblings over an uncertain future are not a part of the order of my life. No trembling belongs to me.
Confusion and doubt in the face of unexpected changes are not a part of the order of my life. No anxiety belongs to me.
Learn to see through and let go of those parts of yourself that think it unimportant to shed light on any of these out-of-order inner states. Daring to boldly illuminate them is the same as lighting your own way. Your conscious cooperation with this new inner light is the same as inviting the free mind to place these confusing states in their true order for you.
