Look out! You'll Lose Yourself.

Look! Squirrel! #61

Commentary

When we begin to experience a little inner stillness, the mind often becomes convinced we’re in danger of being misled. It responds the only way it knows how: by searching for more experts, more books, more systems, and more certainty, believing that understanding comes from accumulating knowledge rather than directly experiencing life.

The Squirrel isn’t being malicious. It’s sincerely trying to help by recommending 217 brilliant thinkers. After all, if one teacher is good, surely 217 must be better.

Many readers will recognize the moment they’ve interrupted their own peace by wondering if someone else knows the “right” way to be peaceful. That’s exactly the Squirrel trying to help.

Question: When have I traded a direct experience for someone else’s answer?