Starting from Where we Are   When impartial self-observation has been applied for a period long enough to get some clarity on where we are, we need to begin the process sometimes referred to as “work on oneself.”   There are two ways we can approach work on oneself.  One is to make our nervous system a better home for finer energies, thus deepening our presence by refining our level of consciousness and love.  The second way is adjusting our outward manifestations to be more loving and considerate of others. There are many exercises and practices we can use to refine our nervous system.  The foundation for doing this kind of work is the ability to direct attention to the body in part or in whole and make a direct connection.  This takes a lot of practice and there is an unlimited depth that we can connect with.  The process of directing attention to part or the whole of the body is called “sensing.”  Sensing can be practiced at any time, in rest or in action.  When I have made a direct connection I receive an energy of presence in response called “sensation.”  The more I work with sensation, the deeper and stronger my sensation becomes.  With cumulative effect,  sensation of the body appears spontaneously. Along with sensing is conscious breathing.  By being aware of breath, I can increase the benefit derived from breathing.  Breath itself feeds my presence and intensifies loving awareness in a similar way that a flame needs air to continue to burn.  Conscious breathing can also be practiced at any time. Along with sensation and conscious breathing, we can consciously receive vibrations from all around us in the form of impressions.  Light, colors, sounds, smells, tastes, etc. when received consciously also intensify the receptivity of our nervous system and increase our sense of presence. The work of sensitizing the nervous system needs to be engaged simultaneously with adjusting our outward manifestations to be loving and considerate.  Most of our actions and manifestations happen mechanically as reactions to external stimuli. By intentionally acting in loving ways we begin the process of taming the ego.  Our ego is created by separating our self from others, and love reconnects us to others so we can feel the Oneness of All existence. Other people can become our mirrors in ways we don’t expect.  When we react negatively toward someone we can learn precisely what behavior triggered our reactions.   Most often there is  something we do or some way we are unconscious of that is the same or similar as the person annoying us.  The strength of our reaction also shows us the degree of our self-development.  The more developed I am the more I see without attached emotional reactions, and the more I act out of choice rather than reaction.