When you observe an animal in its natural habitat for even a short period, you can establish some behavior patterns that reveal what the creature might be thinking. Similarly, we should observe where other people are in their lives without comparing ourselves to them. Comparing ourselves to others is an anxiety-based behavior. Instead, we should just observe and make our notations without attachment or negative judgment.
Negative judgment is a natural part of the human mind to some degree. However, people can learn to open their minds, live in the present moment, and think consciously. It is certainly a hard thing to accomplish, as we all seem to be in a vivid, wild, wacky dream with many different characters, creations, and sensations. The world feels so absolute and real, especially when we reach the age where we discover ourselves. Many of us discover self through shame and humiliation from others in our lives.
It is finally time for us to forgive and let go because we are all in the same dream. When we get out of the dream, we will still have our memories of our experiences. These memories will affect the way we hold the next consciousness but do not have to taint the way we experience it. They do not have to hold us back from experiencing the next consciousness.
In this next level, we must be ready to let go of our addictions—whether it be alcohol, drugs, compulsive eating, obsession with money, spending, working, or thinking. All of these things can distract us and hold us hostage to suffering. These thoughts do not ask for a ransom, for they never want to give back the captured mind—they want us to suffer. This is layered into the mind and is designed to keep us calculating and thinking for as long as possible in one life.
