The “What If” process
A short but profound practice that
we use to periodically reassess our perspective is the “What If” process. It
consists of a series of considerations in the form of “what if” questions. The
process is to take each of these questions and consider them, meditate on them,
research them, put them on and walk around for a time, and then ask yourself
that if this were true, how your life would change. If you discover areas where your life would
significantly change then you have identified an area where you are clinging to
an idol. This identification allows a Companion to know where he needs to focus
his effort.
The considerations can seem extreme.
Our goal, however, requires that we deconstruct our idols; that we surrender
everything to GOD. This includes the concept of the existence of GOD. It is
important to keep in mind that the idea of GOD beyond concept is in itself a
concept and must be confronted. Our goal is to experience reality. Our faith is
that we have the ability to experience reality. Our path is based on the idea
that we constantly relate to reality without actually being aware of the
relationship. Our practice is designed to remove the barriers to that
awareness. We recognize that each of these barriers to our realization of our relationship
with reality is an idol. We seek to transcend our idols so as not to be
imprisoned by them. We are working towards liberty, freedom, which is what we
are promised that we have been given in Christ.
When you identify an idol, you then
ask yourself what that idol consists of. You challenge the validity of the
concept that is the idol in an effort to see why you are clinging to it. Then
you surrender it. You let go gradually, stage by stage until you can honestly
admit that your life would not significantly change if this idea were or were
not true. You will find life changing in the process. You will find yourself
letting go of the “things” that represent the concept in your life. Often you
will be surprised at what slides away with your surrender. You will be
surprised at what is related to the concepts that you have held onto for so
long. This process will also reveal to you what you actually believe, rather
than what you have convinced yourself that you believe.
This is why they are idols. Belief
is not a matter of confession; it is a matter of investment. In this process
you will discover what you have invested the deepest aspects of yourself in.
Once you discover this, you will begin to learn how you can transform yourself
through a transformation of your belief and faith, a renewing of your mind. You
will be able to answer the questions, “Is your faith in GOD, or the Bible?” “Is
your faith in GOD, or in what the man behind the pulpit tells you GOD is like?”
“Is your faith in GOD, or in a limited concept?” Faith is trust. Faith is the
investment of everything you are. Cultivating Faith, which is what the “What
If” process is for, is cultivating the ability to trust in GOD, rather than what you have learned about GOD. It is going beyond the limitations we have imposed on
life, and learning to experience life. It is developing a relationship with GOD rather than confining our experience of GOD
to the limitations of what you have learned
about GOD.
To start the “What If” process,
especially when you are first learning to do it, it is a good idea to meditate
for a while before embracing the considerations. When embracing the
considerations, do not simply respond with the first thing that crosses your mind.
“Put it on” or consider it; allow yourself to “believe” the consideration for a
while. “Walk around in it” or live your life with this consideration for a
couple of days before you respond to the consideration. Use your journal. Learn
to discuss and to reflect on your experiences, on your responses, and on the
changes you will begin to see within yourself. Be prepared for how difficult
this practice will be. It is designed to challenge your most strongly held
beliefs. You must be prepared with how painful this process can be. Most of us
are not aware of what concepts serve as the foundation for the way we orient
ourselves in the world. The “What If” process will gradually challenge the most
fundamental concepts and constructs in your life. You must also understand that
this depth of transformation will not occur the first time you work through the
considerations. It is a gradual process. There is no rush. Do not force the
process, rather relax through the process and allow the transformations to
occur gradually and gently.
The First Consideration
What if there was no GOD…
What
if the GOD who “judges the quick and the dead” does not exist? What if the GOD
who created the universe is a human construct? What if GOD the Father is a
projection of the human need for significance, security, and order? What if the
GOD who is love is a manifestation of the same need? What if there was no GOD?
The Second
Consideration
What if there was no “higher power”…
What
if there is no” divine universe?” What if there is nothing “out there” guiding,
influencing, providing for us? What if there is nothing we can turn to? What if
there is nothing that we can influence, either positively or negatively? If
this is true, then there is nothing we can do to influence any kind of cosmic
or “spiritual” force. We would have absolutely no control over anything except
ourselves.
The Third Consideration
What if there is no “spiritual self”…
What
if there is no “GOD within,” no higher intelligence, nothing but our physical
selves? What if we are nothing more than walking, feeling, machines; a fluke of
nature? What if there is nothing for us except our normal, everyday lives? What
if there is no “after life:” no “eternal soul?”
Put on and walk around in the idea that
GOD does not exist. How do you feel? Are you afraid or sad? Do you see value in
yourself and the world? If this were true, how would your life change? Would
you relate differently to people? Walk around in this idea and write down your
responses. There is no right answer, there is only growth. If you are afraid or
sad or if your life will change in any significant way then you have identified
an area where growth is needed; an area where surrender is needed. As you
encounter these barriers you will find a sensation of physical, emotional, and
mental tension. Begin with the physical tension and use your breathing to
relax. Allow your tension to melt from your body. This is surrender. This is
the recognition that your sense of tension is a symptom of your clinging to a
concept. As you relax recognize that you are letting go of the concept. You
then repeat the process with your emotions and your mind. We will address
useful techniques for this relaxation and surrender later in this book.
As you walk around in these
considerations talk to GOD about how you feel, what you are experiencing. It
sounds kind of silly to talk to GOD about considering the nonexistence of GOD,
but it works and is a very important aspect of the “What if” process. The
process is to establish and cultivate a relationship with GOD beyond concept.
The process is not concerned with whether or not GOD actually exists; the
process is concerned with growth.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to call
GOD, “GOD.” Call GOD whatever you like. Make up a name, or use a term that has significance
for you. For the “What if” process, it doesn’t matter what you call GOD, what
matters is that you talk to GOD. This process is designed to engage the intellect
in the spiritual process; this is why we use language. You can write letters or
you can talk out loud or you can carry on the conversation in your mind.
Whatever way you do it, it is important that we engage with GOD using the
limited tool of language. This becomes increasingly important as you dig deeper
into the concepts that you hold. You will find layer upon layer of limiting
concepts of GOD. Being able to accurately express your concepts in your
communications with GOD will facilitate greater understanding as you challenge
and transcend these concepts. Being able to express these concepts as well as
articulating your personal experience of the process through the intellect, in
words, completes the process of bringing these elements of your unconscious
into the light of your consciousness, which facilitates self-observation, self-understanding
and growth. Self-observation and self-understanding are extremely important
once we begin to engage in the images and symbols of our tradition found in the
Spiritual Exercises.
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