Self-discovery will necessarily involve the discovery of patterns. The brain easily recognizes patterns in the external environment. Just look at the stars. All cultures give names to the images our minds conjure in the night sky. Our ancestors survived by learning the patterns of animal behavior – where they congregated, the paths they followed – and used that knowledge to hunt them. We learned the patterns of biology, chemistry and math to gain control of our environment. Yet, the patterns in our internal environment draw little attention. Recognition of our internal patterns is important for self-discovery, and to raise our lives above that of animal reaction.
Here is an example of an interior pattern: Faced with a difficult task, my first reaction is to throw up my hands in despair. I want to quit, and waste time imagining how I will explain my failure to the boss. I get depressed at the thought of quitting and equally depressed at the thought of trying and failing. After wallowing in futility, a glimmer of hope appears. Perhaps I could …? The glimmer of hope becomes a tentative course of action that allows, if not stunning success, at least effort. By observing the pattern, I recognize what is happening, and the power of the depression is lessened. Less energy is spent. The pattern speeds up – the time between despair and effort decreases – and eventually comes close to vanishing.
Another example: I fall in love (or lust) with women with whom I spend a lot of time – happens every time. By not recognizing this, I am in for a world of hurt. In identifying the pattern, I gain power over my future – the possibility to predict and avert the normal outcome. The thoughts associated with that pattern become somewhat transparent and I recognize information normally buried under pattern thinking. I may detect other feelings (intuitions) that tell me this woman is not for me.
One more example: I find a book, say a Douglas Harding text, which inspires new thoughts and intense action. I drop everything else, feeling it is the only book I’ll ever need and I will surely find the answers by following its examples. However, I will come to the end of that particular train of thought and will flounder for weeks or months until I find something new. By seeing the pattern, I become an observer rather than a reaction, and temper my fall from inspiration.
There is a parallel between patterns and the danger of words. Many people point out the danger of labeling. We walk through the woods and say, “That is a wildflower. That’s an oak tree,” and never pause to look deeper. We see a person and say, “That is John. That is the pizza delivery guy,” and that labeling determines our reaction. A pattern is like a word. It is a set reaction, a description of what will happen, and that determines our destiny. In this case though, by naming the pattern, by seeing it, we gain freedom. We use two negatives to cancel one another.
To aid your study of patterns, keep a journal. Study how you react to trauma and stress. Study the patterns in your friends (easier to see the mote in another’s eye…) and realize you are no different.
Keep looking for patterns. When you see one, know you are not in control. Patterns are not the truth, so look beyond them and discover if there is something else within you.