Darkworking and the definition of 'Self'

[darkw0rker]

Here is what confuses me the most, how you define the self. Since darkworking is giving service to the 'self', then it would need to clarify what is this 'self' that we are willing to love, help and glorify.

This 'self' can be your ego, your mental self, your physical self, your spiritual self, your desires, your needs, etc.


Also do darkworkers need self-control and self mastery? Because if they do, then the whole concept of serving the 'self' becomes a paradox. If your life's purpose is to serve your 'self' then self mastery and self-control are ways of restricting your 'self' and controlling your 'self' which does not support the idea of serving your 'self'.

So isn't laziness a better way for darkworking than self-control and self mastery?

I am really confused about it, please help me out, so one day you can get help from someone else.

[Daniel Birdick]

My opinion, don’t over think it. If I were pretending to be some grand and sagely darkworker type, I’d tell my young apprentice to listen to her passion, to find the essence of what she truly wants. I’d tell her that she needs to define her real desires and goals, not her psychological profile. I’d tell her that along the way she’ll have to eliminate any obstacle that stands between her and what she wants, especially any unhelpful habits she herself might have. I’d tell her achievement in the real world is what matters most, not getting all of her philosophical ducks in a row.

[Cran]

The definition of "self" is a kind of spiritual believe, so you'll have to find the concept that resonates with you.
Personally, I believe the self to be a combination of the things you listed, mental self (including sense of self, ego) and physical self. Spiritual self would go into mental for me, because I do not believe in any concept of soul.

Why nearly everybody needs self-control is easily illustrated:

Long-term, I want to master to play the harp. Short-term, it would be much more enjoyable to lounge on my couch, read a book and eat sweets because I am still a very bad player, so practice isn't very enjoyable.
I need self-discipline to make myself see the benefits of practice and the shortcomings of doing nothing (and eating sweets - I'd get fat. Another example for the conflict of two "wants").
Maybe you should read a book that explains advanced epicurean philosophy. Giving in to every wim will certainly not get you anywhere near you longtime goals, because most goals require diligence and even sacrifice.

Working for goals is not always enjoyable. So you need self-discipline to reach them, or you'll end up procrastinating, only reaching simple short-termg goals that give immediate satisfaction, but not achieving anything big. Or do you think it is enjoyable to go begging for credit to start a business these days? It certainly isn't. But if this business is your dream and goal, you will have to get yourself to do it, no matter how shy you are and how bad the times are.

And now make a good guess ho many people can be found that procrastinate putting their dreams into practice (= self-service) because they have not enough self-discipline to deal with the cross before the crown.

[Angela Leeds]

Originally Posted by darkw0rker

Here is what confuses me the most, how you define the self. Since darkworking is giving service to the 'self'...

Well, I'd stop you there with that starting assumption.

Why are you defining "darkworking" as "service to the self"? Where exactly does that come from, and what about that makes it "dark" as opposed to "light"?

I know I've heard people here say "polarity...polarity...polarity!" But...there are many kinds of polarities, and I don't buy this particular one. So I'm wondering what you understand about it yourself. If you are basing your identify in some way on this premise ("I am a darkworker"), I'd love to hear your thoughts on this point.