Finally, taking the aforementioned information into account, we can see how the three Zones each lead to very different behaviors & ways of interacting with others …

*While all three alternatives believe in the sanctity of the mind and its ability to adhere to the subtle advice of “the gut,” they each actualize the same along distinctly varied avenues. Whereas Zone 1 advocates think the mind is a tool used for observing one#s surroundings and “the gut” is the portion thereof that yearns for security & comfort (primarily using fear to steer the mind’s decisions), Zone 2 acolytes believe that the mind is a tool to be used primarily for observing oneself and that “the gut” is the portion thereof that desires awakening & understanding (most often acquired via passive learning &/or meditative pondering) … Zone 3 assistants, on the other hand, know that the mind is a tool of transcendence and “the gut” is our conscient guide thereto. For while the more primitive portion of the mind tempts us into accepting a dualistic, conflict-based view of our encounters, our brains’ “higher” functions allow us to see others as intrinsic allies anyway. Likewise, while the more primitive facets of our “gut” tempt us react in fear-founded ways designed to ensure our own survival &/or success, our brains’ most “enlightened” feature unifies the inclinations of the Heart & the mind; yearning solely for us to become active agents of the Whole, and allowing us to pro-act choices designed to assist others accordingly.

 

 

*Zone 1 affiliates continually strive for – and thereby regularly attain – enhanced measures of material wealth &/or emotional satisfaction; a practice which leads them to get regularly “drunk” on pleasure &/or ease (and just as regularly experience great suffering when the same inevitably fade away). Divergently, Zone 2 disciples frequently work towards – and thereby occasionally experience – the personal peace &/or inner calm of “spiritual wealth;” a tendency which leads them to get consistently “drunk” on knowledge &/or “emptiness” (and just as often feel the great disappointment that inevitably arrives when those promises prove fleeting & hollow). Zone 3 enthusiasts, on the other hand, neither work towards nor strive for anything; seeking instead to simply be the most potent force for Good – to do the most Good they can, with whatever they already possess, wherever they already are; a practice that has them repeatedly “drunk” on unconditional Love. And it is just such a mindset that brings the greatest wealth possible – societal wealth; an overflowing abundance of Gratitude in times of harmony, Peace in times of conflict, and Joy in times of despair.

 

 

*Zone 1 proponents feel victimized by their times of loss or failure, and use hedonistic coping mechanisms (e.g. substance abuse, complaining, gossiping, moping etc) in response. Zone 2 devotees feel subjugated by their frustrations & disappointments, and employ “healthier” coping mechanisms (coldly erecting “healthy boundaries” against their enemies, callously avoiding strangers & other uncomfortable individuals, naively getting lost in the next “self help” book etc) to deal with them. Zone 3 champions, in bold contrast, steadfastly refuse to “cope” at all. The circumstances of their lives – however daunting or grave they might seem to be – are always humbly acknowledged, willingly accepted, and courageously engaged. “Coping” is a patently self-focused mentality, and as such cannot hope to do anything but intensify the self-founded difficulties that inspired the same. We have not been called to “cope” with our trials & tragedies, but rather are ever-invited to selflessly transcend the same.

 

 

*Zone 1 patrons observe their world through lenses that are inherently judgmental – “seeing” themselves interacting with others; aligning themselves with those who are “nice” &/or friendly, and rejecting (via withdrawal, condemnation, &/or attack) those who transgress against them (those “mean” &/or manipulative). These are the ones who feel justified in “crucifying” their enemies. Zone 2 followers, on another hand, gaze through lenses that are often detached &/or condescending – “understanding” the Oneness that surrounds them, all while interacting with the same as a separately independent (and thus “more important”) self. Such people align themselves with those who are like-minded &/or are “on the same level,” and “care” for their enemies (&/or “forgive” their transgressors) out of a sense of moral obligation (or hopes for spiritual reciprocity) instead of sincere compassion. Indeed, these are the ones who feebly abandon all of life’s potential “crucifixions” (championing the call to “mind their own business” in order to “tend their own gardens” instead). The perceptions of Zone 3 adherents, with shining distinction, are untainted by self-interest. Their observance of others is simultaneously detached from judgment and immersed in empathy; leading them to actively engage others as opposed to merely criticizing, analyzing, &/or noticing them. They know themselves to be living, breathing agents of “the Divine” and thus interact with others accordingly – feeling a heartfelt allegiance with all their sentient brothers & sisters (regardless of another’s politics, religion, &/or species); melding friends and enemies into One (with the former being known as blessings, and the latter being recognized as opportunities to Care anyway). These are the ones who refuse to “crucify” others (i.e. refuse to attack or criticize or ignore or condemn) while ever-looking for chances to “crucify” themselves (i.e. serve others anonymously &/or self-sacrificially – Caring for others without “caring” at all about the consequences to self of the same).

 

 

“This waking up is very simple. For it is not some fantastic, spectacular, one-time event accompanied by blaring trumpets and exploding fireworks. Nor is it any sort of personal achievement. In truth, most of us miss Enlightenment entirely, and we do so because we’re looking for something extraordinary; something amazing; something that will wake us up and enhance our sense of self. And yet with any real Awakening, there is no separation between ‘me’ and you,’ so there is no longer any impulse or desire to say that I no longer identify as ‘me,’ or that I still identify you as ‘you.’ Indeed, in any state of Enlightenment that is in any way smooth & true, all desires and all fears related to ‘me’ or ‘you’ (or anyone else) completely disappear. In these moments of purity, ‘you’ and ‘I’ become ‘us,’ (and all others become ‘we‘), and we cannot help but live accordingly thereafter. All of life becomes deeply intimate – because none of it remains personal.” ~ inspired by Joan Tollifson

 

Filed under: Enlightening Enlightenment by Scaughdt