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Ordinary and Non-Ordinary Reality – Higher Awareness

In Carlos Castaneda’s book “The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge” and his subsequent works he imparts much knowledge about the states of Ordinary and Non-Ordinary Reality. In the following I am supplying my interpretation of these states of knowing.

Ordinary Reality

Some people claim that Ordinary Reality is a low level of existence. I don’t necessarily agree with that assessment, although it is a much lower level than Non-Ordinary Reality. After all this level of existence is necessary if you are going to experience life on Earth. If you couldn’t experience Ordinary Reality you would be dead (not existing in the physical world).

Ordinary Reality is what is obvious to the senses. It is almost a perceptual way of living. A person who resides mainly in Ordinary Reality is capable of integrating simple concepts—those that require only a few steps in a chain of reasoning. This person is basically unaware of the more complex concepts—and is definitely unaware of the higher stages of awareness.

Highly intelligent individuals are quite capable of integrating a complex chain of reasoning. Unfortunately this type of person may disdain the spiritual or what is called the sixth sense. Some even fail to use the intellectual capacity they’ve been blessed with.

Others rely on intuitive powers only and shun anything that is intellectual. Although they often come up with some profound insights, they have difficulty applying them to everyday life. People often look upon them as “space cadets.”

Consequences

An individual who recognizes only Ordinary Reality is a person who is missing the rich variations of existence. They sometimes feel as if their world is drab and uninspiring. And indeed it is. They are seeing only the tip of the iceberg. Generally this person suffers from much pain, misery and frustration—an unnecessary tragedy, but a tragedy just the same.

Individuals who are highly intelligent and adept at integrating concepts, but shun the spiritual, are still experiencing one phase of Non-Ordinary Reality. Since so few indulge in a complex chain of reasoning—concept integration must be considered as part of Non-Ordinary Reality. However it is not the total landscape. They are missing half the puzzle. Their intellectuality blinds them.

The individual, who lives only in the spiritual, may believe that he is an enlightened being—but he is suffering under great illusion. Yes, he may see what others are incapable of seeing. He may reach nirvana during his meditations. He may walk around in a state of euphoria. However he is oblivious to the rest of the landscape—the integration of complex thoughts and ideas—the integration of concepts.

Non-Ordinary Reality

I believe in mastering ordinary reality first. You can’t be promoted to the second grade when first grade material still baffles you. It is critical to have your feet grounded in reality. Without that, you have no foundation to grow your roots. How can you expect your mind to grow and expand without nourishment? You do want to expand to the highest levels of awareness—don’t you?

When you reside in Non-Ordinary Reality you see, hear, smell, feel and touch what others are unaware of. You not only integrate complex concepts, but your sixth sense is on high. You are an integrated being. Others may not understand you or where you’re coming from—but you know and understand.

Seemingly little things take on a new meaning. The aroma of the honeysuckle on a mild spring day, the depths of your meditations, the sublime feelings from the music you experience, the touch of your lover’s hand, the thrill of integrating complex concepts, the inspiration you receive from a new idea, etc.

Even your body feels different. Some mystics call sexual activities low-level experiences. I believe practicing celibacy is a low-level way to exist. An enlightened person is sensuous and sexual. He or she experiences the pleasures of the flesh to the utmost—and experiences their partners flesh to the max. In fact an individual of high awareness transforms the sexual experience into an ecstasy of the body, mind and spirit. What could be more spiritual than that?

Tapping Into Non-Ordinary Reality

There are numerous ways to tap into Non-Ordinary Reality. Some have used certain substances to cross the line from Ordinary Reality to Non-Ordinary Reality. “The Teachings of Don Juan” explains the different psychotropic drugs that cause an altered state of consciousness and opens gateways to Non-Ordinary Reality. Without a teacher such as don Juan this could be dangerous—so I can’t recommend this method. Meditation is a much safer method of opening doorways to higher consciousness.

I recommend meditating at least 30 minutes per day. I personally prefer to meditate an hour every morning and take several 10-minute meditation breaks during the day. Other disciplines may open the doorway to higher awareness such as Yoga, certain types of dancing and whirling, experiencing oneness with nature on a continuous basic, etc. Anything that raises your energy level could do the trick.

If you decide meditation is the way I have two recommendations for you.

1. Jonathan Parkers “Pathways to Mastership” available at Quantum Quests

2. Bill Harris’ “Holosync” available at Centerpointe Research Institute. This is a powerful technology.

You can Google these if you are interested.

And remember life is supposed to be pleasure and ecstasy—not pain and suffering. You are meant to live a life of personal liberty and freedom. Yes, happiness and fulfillment can be daily experiences.

About the Author

Robert A. Meyer has been investigating and studying economics, philosophy, psychology and metaphysics for 30 years. He realizes there are basic principles of Human Action that will help you become successful. His knowledge that life is to be lived on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level allowed him to discover "The Libertarian Way." He experiences its many pleasures and ecstasies on a daily basis. http://libertarianway.com/

Author Profile: Robert__A._Meyer

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