“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

(Both of us have been rereading Seth’s own resolutions for the New Year frequently, as given on January 1, 1979. Before tonight’s session Jane read over the questions I’ve written out, derived from my reading of the 367th session. We discussed them briefly. I could list many more, but probably won’t. I still don’t think Seth would want to spend much time discussing that old material in any detail, since he’s said many times that focusing on what was wrong in the past is negative and self-defeating.

Now: it is fruitless to go back to old sessions seeking to find out what is wrong, or what was wrong and self-defeating. It is an excellent idea to look at old sessions with a view toward picking up suggestions that I have given for constructive action, and following them.

Some things are simply difficult for me to explain, and for you to understand. The ideas of your society often make certain ideas invisible to you, though they are given in black and white. I use terms like the overly conscientious self to help you. And then of course you want to know why it does not know when to stop in overly protective devices. (One of my questions.)

Many needs were seemingly met by the physical condition. A lack of understanding is behind the issue, of course, but the spontaneous self was also taken into consideration, so that inner mobility—the acceleration of ideas and experience—was allowed for. Some dampers were put there also, but not because one part of the self conspired against another part. It was a give-and-take situation; protection being used where it was felt it was needed.

(9:48.) Give us a moment.... You must always remember that the self is not static, but a living gestalt of experience. It is best not to say, for example, “I have always been thus-and-so,” or whatever, and still better not to identify yourself with any characteristics that you deplore. Your purpose is in what you are, and when you do not approve of what you are, you cannot see it. You can then, as I have said, lose sight of your own grace, but you cannot fall out of grace.

It would help you both considerably, if when you have the feeling of self-approval really, to sit quietly and try to feel your purposes. Think, however, of feeling, for this is your best clue, and it will bring you some answers.

I have a suggestion, and it is that you mentally speak to what I will call “the basic creative self”—and remember, these are terms. That “self” is a portion of your being that creates all characteristics, and that can therefore help unify them. It is also the Framework 2 self, but the word “creative” is more potent for the two of you to use. It knows of its innate goodness.

The answer to that is simple. You both insist upon applying quite intellectual concepts to creative work, and ignoring Ruburt’s natural rhythms. He works in great bursts of activity, but instead of understanding this, and trusting the quiet periods and the creative self, he is up in arms. The creative self is playful and spontaneous. It follows his natural rhythms. The fear of not producing, however, can inhibit his productivity, and wear him out with worry.

In lovemaking, when you forget yourselves to some extent, spontaneity is also aroused, and the healing processes brought into play through the touch of hand and caresses. It is the most therapeutic of practices in all cases. It reassures both individuals in the basic worth of the self. It increases all healing functions, and despite churchly tales to the contrary, it regenerates and inspires the creative abilities.