When the whole organism becomes highly sensitive

Good morning everyone,

Looks like it will be bringht and sunny today!

Here is today's quote:

Isn’t there a danger, the questioner asks, in the mind when the whole human organism becomes highly sensitive; isn’t there a danger of nervous tension? Why should we have tension at all? Doesn’t tension exist only when there is resistance? There are noises going on here: a dog is barking, the buses are going by, and there is a child crying. When you resist, tension is built up. This actually takes place.

If you don’t build any resistance but let the noise go through, listen to it quietly, without resistance, not saying that it’s is good or bad, not saying, “I wish that dog wouldn’t make that noise; that bus is terrible”, but just listen—then, since there is no resistance, there is no strain, no effort.

I think one of the problems of modern life is living in boxed-up houses called flats, where there is no space, no beauty, but constant strain. If you are vulnerable to it all—I’m using the word “vulnerable” in the sense of to receive, to let everything come—then I don’t see how you can have nervous breakdowns or nervous tension.

The Collected Works vol XVI, pp 148-149

Here is my reflection.

To be vulnerable, in our culture, is seem as a poor state of being, but to be vulnerable is to truly meet life life. It is the same as being innocent. So many people today, very young people, want to loose their innocence, but it is really the greatest strength we have. The innocent are not in boxes, feel no strain and tension. In them is the river of life; there is no resistant to life. They are not foolhardy; they don't jump in to things for the thrill of sensation; they are completely aware of their innocence because they have observed their resistance, which is what innocence is not. So innocence and vulnerability are not related to anxiety and neurosis, rather they come with a profound feeling of being alone, individuated - which is to be undivided, independent. To be vulnerable is to have a strength that allows for gentleness and compassion, a strength that few of us have experienced.

Best wishes

Robert