Scratch Below The Surface

One of the best pieces of advice we receive from good teachers and parents is that we should scratch below the surface; you never know what you might find. By looking beyond superficial appearances, we’ve undertaken an investigation and have moved beyond simple observation. In other words we begin to learn more about whatever it is we’re investigating. As we investigate the inner works of a concept or thing we often realize that they are more than what they seem at first glance.

Say for example that we want to get to know more about a new acquaintance. We begin to focus our “inner radar” on the person. Perhaps we notice she tells plenty of lies; the fibs vary from minor to serious. If we choose to overlook this trait, we risk becoming entangled in further deceits and schemes. The new acquaintance can then drag us along as we rationalize the increasing levels of obvious vulgarity. We then risk becoming a confederate in league with that acquaintance.

Deceit is superficial behavior and credulous, uncritical, inexperienced people believe to be true. When the truth is finally revealed, some of the confederates stand by and defend the deceitful person.

Wiser souls engage in prudent, cautious investigation whenever they encounter new concepts, situations and people. Open-minded skepticism allows the truth to shine forth. Prudent testing and mindful acceptance are the first lines of defense against poor relationships.

The same methods can be used whenever we look within our minds in self-reflection. We can compassionately question the beliefs we have regarding ourselves. We discern which beliefs are self-deceit and which beliefs are our true nature. When we scratch below the surface of our favored self-concepts our inner visions become more clear. When we look within our hearts we begin to see the path to awakening.

“Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.”–Stephen King

It is wise to follow our own instincts to follow our hearts and investigate our inner cores. There, we confront our inner frauds and ally with our inner scientists. There is a place, deep below the surface of our public self where we reside all alone. It can be a place of self-deception or it can be the place where we recover our inner truths and joie de vivre.

Namaste
The Blue Jay of Happiness quotes High Renaissance architect, painter, and sculptor, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni. “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.”