Seeing Things Part 4
May 5, 2025
Seeing Things Part 4
It is natural to be unduly influenced by our biases. However, one of the ways we can reach a more accurate perception of reality is through the progress of inquiry which helps us see things without the distortions of our biases. Inquiry is based on the premise that the truth is blocked by our prejudices, misperceptions, denials, and aspirations, and that honest inquiry into any situation penetrates those misperceptions. The process of inquiry helps expose the deeper truths within us.
A method used by Socrates to teach his students, Inquiry can be conducted privately or with other persons who ask us critical questions in a place of safety and honoring. There are many forms of Inquiry: a popular format is to be asked the question, then we answer it, and then the question is asked again and again. Repeating answering the same question forces us to go to deeper for answers each time
For example, if we inquire of ourselves about WHY we tend to see the glass half full, we might ask: “Why do I always tend to see the bright side of the picture?” By the time we have answered this several times, we have uncovered regions of our mind and heart that we would never have excavated. Then we uncover why we have this particular perceptual “bias.” Inquiry affords us the self-knowledge to understand why we think, feel and do.
We use the process of Inquiry in the Institute for Conscious Being because we find that our deepest being cooperates with the sacred ritual of asking ourselves for the truth. What we yield as our answers, is wondrous information from our soul that helps us know which way to go and what to do. Our ego’s rationale is usually on the surface, but the soul’s way is in our depths.
Spiritual Practice: What opinion of yours would you like to explore? Inquire of yourself why you have this opinion by asking a repeated question: What are some reasons why I believe (name the opinion)? What did you learn from your inquiry?
Try inquiry with another trusted person. Let them ask you the question, and notice how each time you answer it, you reach deeper into yourself for another, yet deeper answer. If you can change places with them and ask them the question, you will have an even greater understanding of the power of spiritual inquiry.
Self-inquiry: Why do you suppose that our answers get more authentic and deeper each time we answer the question?
Dear God,
As I inquire, help me to accept the truths within myself. Amen
