“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

Now: Dictation: Ruburt and Joseph (as Seth calls Jane and me) have always seen themselves in a one-to-one relationship with nature and with the universe. They are individually motivated, in a sense loners. They shy away from large groups.

Nevertheless it was surprising to many that these two stayed here during the flood. To some it seemed quite foolhardy. In one manner of speaking, however, Ruburt and Joseph were quite prepared. Since the Bay of Pigs, they had kept a small pantry of stocked food, pure water in old wine jugs, candles, and a transistor radio. But they were not “looking for” a disaster.¹

Before Ruburt became involved in psychic work he wrote a [short] novel, Bundu² in which nuclear destruction had taken place. For reference he read up on requirements for survival. Later, at the time of the Bay of Pigs, the necessary supplies were purchased. Quite as a matter of course, household habits were such that those procedures were maintained almost automatically. There was always a stock of candles and food and water. No stress was laid on these provisions. When the flood came, however, Ruburt and Joseph found themselves, in that way at least, prepared to go without help from the outside world if necessary.

They knew there was a third story to the house they lived in. Therefore they planned to move our manuscripts, Ruburt’s writings, and Joseph’s paintings upstairs if the need arose. Other elements were also involved. For one thing, of course, they lived (and still do) on the second floor. The crisis brought many of their attitudes into critical awareness. The situation did become so serious that for a while they did fear for their survival.

Helicopters could not land. They found themselves alone with the Seth material, their paintings, and other manuscripts of Ruburt’s. They had been using a mild version of self-hypnosis to produce a calmness and reduce any panic. But it was Joseph who suggested that Ruburt “tune in” to discover what could be learned about their situation personally.

Now because of their knowledge and temperaments, they had already begun to play cards — to distract their conscious attention — and to drink wine to help reduce tension. Ruburt then went into an altered state of consciousness, and quite correctly foresaw their situation. The bridge a mere half a block away would collapse, but they would be safe as long as they did not panic and try to leave.

(10:00.) They were left to observe the physical phenomenon, still watching the water’s rise but with the inner knowledge of safety. Ruburt needed the experience in order to gain added faith in his own abilities. Both of them needed the assurance that those abilities are natural, and can be used in private dealings with nature. Ruburt also found that he had put himself in a position in which he had underrated the importance of physical manipulation. Both Ruburt and Joseph are very mental people, however, and so they sought out this physical meeting with material phenomena and solved the problem according to their beliefs.

Now those who have a great faith in groups, who work primarily with others, left their homes immediately for the comfort they found with the companionship of their neighbors. Ruburt and Joseph discovered their own attitudes in a crisis situation, clearly delineating their psychic position. They were led to question why they chose to face the flood alone.

Despite all natural personal problems, they had taken their stand. The waters receded as Ruburt had predicted. They were forced to face the aftermath. Joseph helped physically as the other tenants returned to their apartments. He worked at the quite physical labor involved. Both Ruburt and Joseph threw open their two apartments. A couple was given shelter in one apartment while Ruburt and Joseph confined themselves to the other. Here they found themselves in daily intimate contact with others in a way not usual for them. This particular situation made clear to them important insights that were invaluable. It also showed them that through their own relationship, they still did interact with others. Period, and take your break.

Again Ruburt “tuned in,” altered his state of consciousness, and was told not to take them. Joseph was not to have them either. The unconscious knowledge was given (pause), and statements of each body’s condition. Both were safe as long as shots were not taken. In this case Ruburt and Joseph acted in direct contradiction to authoritative radio statements, and held their own despite the fact that others in the immediate environment rushed off to the medical centers. They placed their lives on the line. Only an hour later the radio announcements completely changed; people were told that they did not need shots, and that indeed the inoculations could cause severe reactions.

Again, Ruburt and Joseph gained necessary confidence that would be used in other areas. In ways too numerous and personal to enumerate, the conditions of their lives became clear to them. They did not enjoy living in a cold, sodden environment for several weeks. They did not look forward to all of the inconveniences involved, and yet for their own reasons they chose to be part of the flood.

Only a few days before it took place, Ruburt was offered a television engagement in Baltimore, and refused it.³  Their car was submerged. Income from Ruburt’s classes was lost, yet these side effects were chosen quite in line with Ruburt’s and Joseph’s conscious beliefs, habits, and practices.

This material is highly important to many of you who find yourselves in situations with which you are not pleased. I am using Ruburt as an example for several reasons. Many of you have a tendency to believe that anyone with such abilities as Ruburt has, has no problems or challenges. Ruburt has often said, “Some of my correspondents expect me to be completely healthy, wealthy and wise, and indeed beyond any human feelings,” and he is quite correct.

In Ruburt’s case, he began with a group of ideas and beliefs that only became restrictive when carried to extremes. (See the 645th session in Chapter Eleven.) In your own experiences, many of you may find yourselves concentrating upon certain areas of activity with such energy that you ignore others, considering them restrictions.

(Slowly at 11:46:) Ruburt’s condition involved a situation in this life. Some of you may find yourselves concentrating upon the physical aspects of existence, which are themselves quite legitimate, but to the exclusion of other important elements. In larger terms, such focusing in particular areas can involve an entire life situation, reincarnationally speaking, where you choose ahead of time, so to speak, to concentrate your attention in certain areas rather than others; you may pick for yourself a body that does not perform normally, or a mind that is not up to par in usual terms.