Haanel speaks of Concentration as total and complete identification with the object of your attention, as a total abandonment of the self.
Concentration is a marriage of minds, a true melding together into one of myriad parts.
Concentration, as communion, reveals the transcendency of mental force.
It is the embodiment of “I AM THAT, I AM.”, which is very different from “I am that I am.”
The Hero’s Journey which we have all undertaken has brought us all to this place of discernment. When we started, we were very much like young Paul Atreides, listening to the wisdom of his Father, but without understanding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iy0omksZw4 (video removed from youtube)
Paul, like any hero, faces many trials and tests, until, finally, he reaches a crossroads. He must choose. Will he continue on as he has been doing? He has learned much. He is a leader of men. Nay, entire armies follow him with absolute respect and loyalty.
But he knows there is something more required of him in order for him to fulfill his life purpose, his destiny.
He must drink the Water of Life. All who drank of this water before paid with their lives. Paul knows that he will pay with his life, but in a very different way, if he does not drink it.
We know that about ourselves as well. Will we settle, or will we “unfasten the prison bars of unbelief, weakness, impotence, and self-belittlement….and [come into] a realization of the joy of overcoming”?
It’s a terrifying decision.
I decided to drink the proverbial Water of Life, to release my authentic self into Concentration, to become the master of the omnipotent power of the Subconscious, to test the truth of “Every obstacle conquered, every victory gained, will give you more faith in your power, and you will have greater ability to win. Your strength is determined by your mental attitude; if this attitude is one of success, and is permanently held with unswerving purpose [Concentration], you will attract to you from the invisible domain the things you silently demand.”
When God gave to Adam the authority to name all things, God gave Adam dominion over them. That is because the name of a thing WAS the thing. As Paul Atreides discerned when he drank the Water of Life, ‘The Spice is the Worm. The Worm is the Spice.” They were one and the same. The name is the thing. When, through Concentration, we learn to become one with that which we name, we are that thing, that quality, that spirit.
What is it that you choose to name as YOU?
Who is the Sleeper that YOU choose to Awaken?
On this Hero’s Journey, we uncover the answers to those questions.
Going Deeper – Love it! (love the movie too!)
Great post, love it! Thanks for sharing!
As always a deep dive for your readers! With gratitude.
I watched the movie Dune at the theater when it first came out. The Dune handout I received at the theater is probably in my file cabinet.
Change awakens the sleeper. Name is identity. When you awaken the sleeper, his name changes, and so does he. Very good, Valeska, thanks for the insights!
Love those last two questions! You are an amazing thinker (and writer). Great post.
Valeska… I haven’t read this blog…but I will when I can… I am trying (again) to get my daughter ready for school and am having much difficulty… in one response to a blog of mine you mentioned that you know an expert in home schooling and would connect me if I wanted…
Could you connect me with that person? I’ve got to do something differently for my daughter…
thank you…
Cindy DiZio
cdizio@comcast.net