Self-inquiry, November 12, 2023

Self-inquiry with Jackie McInley

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada

538 Swanwick Rd., Metchosin, BC

 

There was a relatively small turnout of seven people (total) for this Sunday afternoon event at the Metchosin location of the Krishnamurti Educational Centre of Canada. The session was facilitated by Jackie Mckinley, who continues her visit to Canada. She started the meeting with a period of silence which gave time for participants to sit with what they might wish to explore in the group on this occasion. Jackie suggested that people see if there is some issue or question that is resting somewhat heavily in their awareness and which they feel would be worthwhile to explore more deeply. One person revealed that she would be interested in investigating the issue of psychological pain that she found arising in herself somewhat often. Jackie then gave us some guidance as a group, suggesting some questions we might ask ourselves about any such pain that we experience.

 

– What is psychological pain for each one of us?

– How can we explore it?

– Is it to do with our images of ourselves?

– How can we get in touch with it when it may be that we usually don’t talk about the pain and tend to keep it quiet?

 

This led to sharing by some participants on the subject of feeling a sense of lack, not being good enough, and a fear of being nothing or a nobody. One group member spoke of his creating an edifice of himself as a significant person but knowing at the same time that the creation is not authentic.

Jackie asked what it is that’s driving the need to be somebody, which seemed to encourage group members to open up more fully with what was going on in their subconscious minds and which had been shaped and conditioned by their early life experiences. It seemed that a major factor was not getting the love we (and everyone) needed as children.

Another participant brought up the importance of loving ourselves and providing the support we need from our own inner resources.

It was an interesting exploration of some very important questions and issues faced by most – and perhaps all – of us. Jackie pointed out several times towards the end of the meeting that Krishnamurti questioned the activity of looking outside ourselves for love or validation. This subject will no doubt be further explored in future gatherings.

 

DB