“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

I want briefly to explain a few more reasons why I suggested a change of program. There is nothing wrong with asking “Are you afraid of thus and so?” of the pendulum, for example—particularly when specific events are involved, and where action is possible. For example “Am I afraid of the implications in this letter?” and then, according to the reply and circumstances, Ruburt answers the correspondent in a particular fashion, states his feelings, or does not answer at all.

Such incidents serve as important lessons, for in each case Ruburt will be able to see that the fears are unjustified—that a fear is based on anger instead, or that the fear exists but is exaggerated in degree.

I did not mean to suggest that words like “fear” should not be used, but the day should not be begun by reminding the self of generalized fears. Beginning the day with the positive suggestions will, as time progresses, reinforce Ruburt’s sense of personal energy and power, and trust of the self. This does indeed insert necessary new countering information, and also allows for the expression of fears—for Ruburt will feel safe enough to express them.

Now: in Framework 1 you often use too much force to get what you want. You often ignore imagination, and believe in making things work. You try to force events. That is what Ruburt was trying to do, say, several days ago. Understand that per se, basically, Ruburt has nothing against walking. Not walking well in the past served certain purposes. One was to avoid distractions, as you know—distractions often being things he would otherwise like to do.

Now when you believe that much effort is required, and you let go the effort, you can become only more frightened. Ruburt must gradually try to understand that in that larger sense no effort is required.

I remind you often of the behavior of muscles, and so forth, so that you will not be suddenly upset when Ruburt has bad days, or discomfort, because I realize that that has been largely your framework of reference, and it is of no benefit for me to ignore your beliefs in that matter—and what I have said applies. You are dealing with—in a way, now—two separate sets of “facts,” and each work, so when you insist upon emphasizing the facts of Framework 1, then there is apt to be soreness as muscles readjust, uncomfortable periods, and rules that must be followed, like walking every hour, or walking at least once a day or face feelings of hopelessness, or whatever.

Now Ruburt is a part of the world. Our books are a part of the culture. There are differences in the world, but those differences merge together to form its character. A sense of identification particularly with the natural world lessens any feelings that you would need defenses against it.

Ruburt’s body can perform better. There are no impediments to prevent it. His arms can comfortably release themselves, and his trunk, and in perfect rhythm with his legs, knees, and feet. These ideas, accepted, work automatically, though some time in Framework 1 would be involved necessarily; but the releasing ease and the gradual overall improvement would be quite perceivable.

Ruburt’s feelings about his nap: he finally remembered what I told him some time ago—to relax is to let go. Relaxation makes action possible. It is not lax, does not mean laziness. Relaxation allows the body to rest securely in the source of its being, and refreshes the mind and spirit as well.

I want you to keep Framework 2 in your minds—for that reminder alone can help you understand that your needs are being met in Framework 2, and the physical results will indeed appear. If you do not believe that, then you must deal alone with the set of Framework 1 facts. At the end of a week, say, as you look over Ruburt’s feelings, you will find that they do fall in several categories, and then I will discuss those categories.