Inspiration vs. Expectation (Blog)

[Savage]

Use this thread to discuss the following entry from Steve Pavlina's blog:

Inspiration vs. Expectation

[ssandra]

Just wanted to say that I LOVE the new energy that you are radiant with.

It feels like you are so much more real, so much more alive right now then you were before (if that makes any sense )

I'm loving the updates, and I'm loving the fact that they are so often as well!

As my avatar I want to thank you for doing this trial and blogging about it, so I don't have to do anything, except reading the results and getting the learning from it



Oh, and if anyone is interested in doing a group 30 day trial of the same thing of following intention... I'm game!

[skinnyninja]

Yes, this is awesome.

I am excited that you are keeping us up to date.

And I feel selfish about it as well. It is almost like I don't mind what it is that you are going through, as long as it is intense. That way I am sure to learn something! How selfish of me, no?

But I push for intensity in my own life too, and I have learned from that....so I don't feel too bad about wanting to selfishly learn from your experiences, Steve. (For example: I increased from running a max of 6 miles to a max of 14 miles over the last few months, and this Sunday I will bump it up to 16 miles. Awesome stuff!)

I hope you keep updating us, journal-style!

[roxyruby]

This is really fun and exciting. I love that you're writing so much. I want to know more and more. What inspired things is he doing? What was he crying about? And I'm like, I want to know more! It's like you're really good at making people want to "know what happens next" . yes it's influencing me, along with that thread about the movie "yes man" and saying yes to everything possible.

I'm gradually behaving more like, "Yes. I will try that. I will give that a go."

& When you said I could become a mod or admin of the forum that was inspired wasn't it? The thought popped up so you thought you'd just act on it?

It's sort of living more in a thrilling way I guess, just acting on you ideas immediately. Some people probably have to overcome fears first though.

[The Unconquered]

Thank you for writing, Steve. I have been so overwhelmed lately by this rapid transition over the past few weeks that I didn't know what to do about how to express it -- it was all too much all at once. But suddenly my emails to my friends became as precious to me as works of art, and I realized that writing -- or more generally, my own acts of creation -- would be my main source of stillness in this trial. The next source would be you writing these posts. If there are others going through this transition (or were going through it), I'd like to read their writings as well. It's fascinating to watch our levels of consciousness rise simultaneously. Since we're both trying to reason through it (and utterly failing), I figure this must be the stage of Love . . . but the peace I feel of being alive: Is this Joy? I feel happier than ever despite (or maybe because of?) the chaos. No matter, no label is really necessary anymore.

Steve, have your psychic powers increased? I have noticed that when I am grounded in this new way of thinking, I now see auras for the first time, I have some limited telepathy with other highly attuned people, I get oracles/messages from my spirit guides wherever I go, I even seem to have some limited control over traffic lights: They're green for GO! Sometimes I even follow what I call "God GPS" when I am completely lost, and I get instructions from my higher self to the most efficient way to the location I am trying to find. I have no rational explanation for any of these new powers of mine, and I don't talk about them offline openly for fear I'll be misunderstood or labeled as crazy. I know that's more ego I want to burn off.

I've also noticed that when I start questioning it or trying to control this shift for egotistical purposes, I'm "old me" again -- all of the powers are gone. How paradoxical that the less in control my ego is, the more powerful I am. That's, of course, how's it's supposed to work according to all the books. But I didn't realize how identified I was with my ego until now. It feels like it is . . . burning (?) away and dropping off bit by bit. I see this shadow in my mind's eye, burning off to reveal a being of light. I want to ask why is this happening to me but that is useless at this point. It's not like I'm any sort of saint by conventional standards.

Does this make sense to you?

[The Unconquered]

Originally Posted by ssandra

Oh, and if anyone is interested in doing a group 30 day trial of the same thing of following intention... I'm game!

Let's do it.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by The Unconquered

If there are others going through this transition (or were going through it), I'd like to read their writings as well. It's fascinating to watch our levels of consciousness rise simultaneously.

I'm mainly using facebook to update the world (and my poor unaware family members ) on my current state of mind

You and me are friends there, so I'll see you there!

[The Unconquered]

Originally Posted by ssandra

I'm mainly using facebook to update the world (and my poor unaware family members ) on my current state of mind

You and me are friends there, so I'll see you there!

I could post a link to my blog there. 30 days of blogging consistently is a good idea anyway. . . if my intentions go that way

[roxyruby]

inspiration instead of expectation, that is such a nice way to live.

Because being inspired is doing something we WANT to do, for whatever reason we enjoy doing things, helping people we love, for fun, whatever

Doing things cause it's expected of us doesn't seem to have any love or joy in it

But who would be inspired I guess, to pay their taxes? etc lol

[borisg]

Steve, why don't you video tape yourself during this trial? Speak your thoughts to the camera to capture them more efficiently.

It would be more spontaneous and will involve little planning...especially if the camera is ready to go at all times.

Better yet, stream yourself live on your site so we can see the diary of a madman as it happens.

[apl]

This is the Steve Pavlina I love. It brings me back to the polyphasic-sleep experiment days. That's the stuff that really engages and inspires. It's the stuff that makes you, Steve, seem real, tangiable, human and heroic. It's the stuff that gives me the courage to do what I know i need to do.

I also suspect it's the stuff that made you uber-successful and popular.

Perhaps the most fascinating thing about what you are doing right now is that fact that you are struggling and that you are being so open and honest about it. It takes courage to do what you are doing and even more courage to share it with the world.

I've started a similar challenge myself. Rather than following "inspiration" relentlessly, I'm following my intuition, which may be the same thing after all.

Good luck and keep us posted (if you feel inspired to, of course )

[Melchior]

Camera or related idea seconded. While you're inspired, of course.

[Savage]

Originally Posted by borisg

Steve, why don't you video tape yourself during this trial? Speak your thoughts to the camera to capture them more efficiently.

It would be more spontaneous and will involve little planning...especially if the camera is ready to go at all times.

Better yet, stream yourself live on your site so we can see the diary of a madman as it happens.

Of course you'd suggest this because I had that exact same thought about 20 min ago when I was driving home (with my new iPad that I bought on impulse).

[Rose of Cairo]

*hug*

You go boy!

[Plays With Life]

Originally Posted by The Unconquered

If there are others going through this transition (or were going through it), I'd like to read their writings as well.

I don't know about a transition, and I haven't been reading Steve's blog, but I've been feeling outrageously relaxed and SO good these past 2 weeks or so. I almost posted a thread about it - "God I feel good". I don't know what happened, but I sure like it.

[Zach M]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

Of course you'd suggest this because I had that exact same thought about 20 min ago when I was driving home (with my new iPad that I bought on impulse).

Just subscribed to your YouTube channel. Looking forward to it, and have a great remaining 23 days and beyond.

[ellie]

My question to all of this is..what do you think of the ipad?

I've got one, and it's only benefit to me so far is reading books

I love these articles too, I'm a bit lost with it though...mainly because I'm better at understanding concrete examples...but I am sure more examples will be explained overtime.

[cacheborn]

Cool post. I am curious to see how it will unfold. Lots of love to you, Steve.

Btw, I am really getting into Self I-Dentity Through Ho'oponopono method and while searching for more information I came across this cool interview with Ihaleakala Hew Len.

100% Responsibility and the Promise of a Hot Fudge Sundae: An Interview with Ihaleakala Hew Len

[VinceG]

Originally Posted by StevePavlina

Blog Post

Haha! Welcome to reality, Steve! This is what it's all about! Heady ****, no? The illusion of control is gone, totally gone! That's the way it should be! Six weeks from now, this will be second nature. For now, enjoy the rush!

[Uzma H]

wow. Am loving this energy and very drawn to this. I've been doing this, rather following my instinct for the past few days. Then I read Steve's posts. Today as soon as I saw his new post, I also saw some brilliant quotes on following one's intuition. Here they are
"Intuition is a spiritual faculty and does not explain, but simply points the way." ~Florence Scovel Shinn

"Trust your hunches. They're usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level." ~Joyce Brothers

"What I am actually saying is that we need to be willing to let our intuition guide us, and then be willing to fol...low that guidance directly and fearlessly." ~Shakti Gawain.

Would really like it if someone made it clear how we can go about living subjectively. Is it just follow your inspiration?? and recognize that everything is a part of us.?
Also does this work better, when one has a place of stillness to start with, one's internal value system defined?
For example- what would happen if someone more violent in nature(a thief) did this..
So would it be beneficial if one is already on a clear path beforehand ?? Very curious.

Also for Steve, love the new energy ,clarity and sense of peace that is coming from you. Very clear and nice. Thank u for the inspiration!!

[BeyondtheWrap]

Steve, you wrote about how this way of living makes it difficult to predict where you are headed. This reminds me of how one aspect of the principle of Truth was that you should become better at making accurate predictions. So does this new mindset take you out of alignment with Truth? Or do you think a new definition of Truth may be in order?

[neon]

I like the feeling I get from reading this post - reminds me of the very similar energy I get from reading my favorite mystic Osho. No rules, no plans - intuition, inner sense. Thanks for giving me another puzzle pieces for understanding me this kind of living style better.

Steve, I am curious how do you deal with the eating habits - do you allow to be inspired to eat really anything, diverting from the vitarian (or whatever you actually follow) rules about what is healthy or not?

When I allow myself to divert from my macrobiotic diet rules, on the path of intuition, I have found it to be quite dangerous for my health - it starts with white sugar, white flour, milk products etc.. and I am afraid, the intuition is becoming dulled by these types of food and the vicious cycle of loosing my clear intuition starts from there - then I have to stop and begin using logical rules again.

[KingofPeace]

I cant even express how RIDICULOUSLY time full this is Steve. I have been following TOlle and Krishnamurti lately like staying home from work to watch videos... It has taken over. I am just going with it.. I have made SIGNIFICANT improvements in my calm. I am in the zone.. But the question of well HOW do you LIVE your life.. once you are in the now.. keeps kind of coming up..(you know dealing with money and all the obj world crap) And to me i see a parallel from the obj and subj standpoint for me..Its crazy.. everytime in my life i have needed a little guidance.. i kind of cross my fingers and come to the blog.. And for YEARS now your stuff has been SPOT ON.. and once again my friend you have hit it... I will say that... the only fear I have with letting go is literally becoming crazy.. I have bipolar family member.. And i always wonder if thinking like this could lead to a just manic episode.. Anyway thats another topic.. I dont actually have fear its more of an objective guy talking.. but i am totally aware and i dont see insanity coming to me anytime.. just hope the food and a health continue to be there.. other than that.. what can you really complain about

[Piercetheveil]

Mister Steve I like this (and I know you enjoy posting things I like).

This type of thing is interesting for people. It is on my list for my suicide site. I think lots of people secretly (or openly) wonder what it would be like to live life totally in the moment.


Good call.

[Savage]

Originally Posted by BeyondtheWrap

Steve, you wrote about how this way of living makes it difficult to predict where you are headed. This reminds me of how one aspect of the principle of Truth was that you should become better at making accurate predictions. So does this new mindset take you out of alignment with Truth? Or do you think a new definition of Truth may be in order?

I think my predictive mind will eventually make sense of it. Right now it's chewing on so much information that it can't figure out the patterns yet, but I suspect that with more experience on this path, new patterns will be seen. I'm already starting to get a glimpse of that.

[Piercetheveil]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

I think my predictive mind will eventually make sense of it. Right now it's chewing on so much information that it can't figure out the patterns yet, but I suspect that will more experience on this path, new patterns will be seen. I'm already starting to get a glimpse of that.

This has been true of many of your experiments, yes?

I dig what Nassim Taleb says about living without precision and predictability:

If you know what you will do today with precision you might as well kill yourself at the end of it. You are dead already. (paraphrase)

[Christopher Lovejoy]

Hi Steve,

Your "trial" reflects a level of development and fulfillment where you can act on momentary inspirations for an extended period of time.

If you're not already doing it, might I respectfully suggest a brief and regular period during the day when you find your stillpoint within?

This would serve as your point of stability and security amidst the apparent chaos, and give you time to appreciate your gains and losses.

Or, if not "brief and regular", then perhaps "as part of my inspiration".

[firefly]

Steve, I'm so happy and excited for you! *hug*

One thing I'm curious about:

When I'm stuck in a rut - habituated to living by rote or see-sawing between accepting/rejecting what I "should" do - that inner voice of inspiration rarely comes out to play. If you're inspired to do so, I'd love to hear more about how inspiration has been coming to you, and if you're doing anything to consciously develop or draw it out.

Rock on.

[Jake Birkett]

Keep going Steve, you are like Spock floating towards V'ger through all that crazy ****! He seemed exposed and vulnerable but there was amazing beautiful stuff going on around him.

This is an awesomely fascinating 30-day trial! I've always felt that it would be great to follow inspiration on a daily basis, but I find it tough to do because of so many practical considerations like earning money, doing chores and looking after my boys. However, when I do get a chance to follow my inspiration (mostly at weekends and some evenings) I love it! I'm wondering if ancient people lived more like that or if they were equally busy with day to day stuff?

Now I'm on vacation for 3 weeks and that should give me plenty of chances to do what I want to do when the moment strikes. I think it's going to be a very interesting period of time. Yay!

[The Unconquered]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

I think my predictive mind will eventually make sense of it. Right now it's chewing on so much information that it can't figure out the patterns yet, but I suspect that with more experience on this path, new patterns will be seen. I'm already starting to get a glimpse of that.

Have you ever read The Power of Now, got to the section on Tolle's transformation, and thought, "Wow! I wish I was around Eckhart Tolle to watch that happen"? That's what we're watching you do, Steve. You are transitioning levels of consciousness from Love to Joy.

I know I was supposed to tell you this because when I typed in the URL to your forums into Firefox and "New Reply to this Thread" (this very thread) popped up as an autosuggestion. The next autosuggestion was "Share Your Shame." I'll be buying a web cam and be joining you very soon.