Defining Focus

Merriam-Webster defines focus as (1) "a point of concentration" and (2) "directed attention: emphasis." The first definition highlights the concentrated nature of focus, akin to sunlight being channeled through a magnifying glass to ignite a piece of dry wood.

The second definition emphasizes focus as a deliberate act of will. It's essential to recognize this self-directed aspect, as many individuals navigate their lives in a state of distraction, where moments of intentional focus appear like isolated islands amidst a vast ocean of inattention.

Ouspensky referred to these moments as "self-remembering," which is a fundamental aspect of the method I will introduce shortly. Self-remembering serves as the essential bridge you need to transition from "passive meditation" to fully engaging in the remaining hours of your day.

The Importance of Self-Remembering

Ouspensky described self-remembering as a division of attention:

"I represent it in this way: When I observe something, my attention is directed towards what I observe — a line with one arrowhead: I ⸻⸻► the observed phenomenon. When I try to remember myself simultaneously, my attention is directed towards both the object and myself, resulting in a second arrowhead: I ◄⸻⸻► the observed phenomenon."

This illustration emphasizes the challenge of maintaining attention on oneself without diminishing focus on external objects, whether they are within or outside of us. Ouspensky’s mentor, Gurdjieff, taught that nothing substantial or enduring can exist without self-remembering, equating it to "waking up."

In this context, the widespread state of unconsciousness in humanity resembles a deep sleep, with only small pockets of self-awareness existing like islands amidst a sea of oblivion.

The Path to Self-Awareness

The encouraging news is that self-awareness is attainable. You can consistently live in the present moment and experience profound consciousness, but only if you actively remember yourself. The moment you cease this remembrance, you slip back into unconsciousness. Yet, as soon as you recognize that you’ve stopped, you awaken again.

The cycle continues until you actively choose to engage in self-remembering, leading to a marvelous transformation.

5 Steps to Cultivate Self-Remembering

1. Write "Self-Remembering" on various slips of paper or index cards. For several weeks, or preferably longer, place these reminders in visible locations (e.g., bathroom mirror, refrigerator, car dashboard). Each time you see one, reflect on whether you were remembering yourself in the moment.
2. Familiarize yourself with Ouspensky's illustration until you can recall it easily.
3. Practice self-remembering throughout your day. There’s no limit to how often you can do this.
4. Periodically pause throughout your day—while conversing, reading, or walking—and note instances when you weren’t self-remembering. Keep a pocket notebook to track these moments.
5. Before sleeping, transfer the number of instances from your pocket notebook to a progress journal, aiming to improve each day. Celebrate your successes; simply noticing when you aren’t remembering yourself is a victory.

What to Expect

By implementing these steps, you may notice various practical benefits. Personally, after about a week, I found myself more present, engaging more deeply with my surroundings. My capacity for active listening improved, leading to heightened awareness of both speech and nature.

Additionally, my vision sharpened significantly, akin to a glowing clarity, reminiscent of a vivid experience from years past—without the discomfort.

Lastly, I observed enhanced vividness in my dreams, particularly in the "big images" I documented in my Dream Journal.

Your Moment of Truth

Ask yourself: Is investing at least a week of my life to start the self-remembering process worthwhile? I can assure you that even after a single day, you will gain profound insight into the deep sleep shared by most of humanity. With this understanding, you will begin to recognize the beautiful possibilities that come with being awake and present in your world—if you’re willing to put in the effort.

I’d love to hear about your decision and your progress as you embark on this journey.

This video demonstrates techniques for falling asleep quickly, emphasizing relaxation methods that can enhance your journey toward self-awareness.

Experts discuss strategies to wake up feeling refreshed, sharing insights that align with the principles of self-remembering and mindfulness.