“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

I would have thought that my friend Ruburt would have realized what he was about.

The book which Ruburt has been reading tended to turn him inward. (Pause.) He is becoming fairly proficient now in the use of the trance state, and in its controls. However, so slowly did he slip into a semitrance state that he did not realize what had happened. His energy today was turned inward more than it was turned outward.

The slight but perceivable feeling of lightness in his hands could have given him notice of this fact. The situation began as he completed his psychological time experiment this morning, and has continued. He was neither wholly oriented to the inner world nor to the outer, and therefore was not efficient in either.

The symptoms of such a semitrance state include the sleepiness and drugged feeling with which he was afflicted; though these were only mildly disagreeable, they should be taken as signs that orientation is inefficient. The lightness of the hands is another such symptom. That is, these symptoms, noticed when the individual is supposed to be going about his normal physically-oriented day, can then be taken as a sign that the personality does not have all of his energies properly directed for the case at hand.

I am going to suggest that our friend take a walk when we are finished here, a brisk one. The situation is in no way alarming. He has been used to the trance, and of course with what you call the normal waking state, and has not happened to become acquainted with this transition phase. He passes through it so quickly as a rule. As a transitional step, it is most necessary. Otherwise however it does not allow efficient behavior in any particular reality.

The state into which Ruburt fell as a rule allows no such focus in either reality, but a suspension. It is necessary only as a transition. I will again suggest that for the present psychological time experiments be carried on once a day. There is no reason to give further time to it, in the evening, at this time. This is aimed at Ruburt. We want contrast. (Pause.) This transitionary stage is rather difficult to perceive. He was beginning to wonder himself, and since it is his first real experience with it as an isolated state, it is understandable that he did not recognize it for what it is.

A plunge into the world of the outer senses will be immediately restorative; although I know Ruburt has no inclination to take a brisk walk this evening, I suggest that he do so.

The semitrance state does not allow a clear awareness in either world. It is passed through very quickly as a rule, both on the way into a trance and on the way out of one. It is of course a part of both realities. This goes without saying. It is true that there is much this evening that could be added to our previous discussions, but Ruburt, particularly after last night’s session, should rest. And I would also suggest that he forget his psychological time experiments until next Monday.

For this reason I will close the session. He should take a brisk walk, and turn his mind into some innocent diversion, play of a sort. My best wishes to you both.