The Real Self/Body - Part 4

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READING 1581-2

(Q) Will you give me suggestions as to how to improve my work in school, and my memory?

(A) Let that be rather as this:

That which ye would attain in the studies as to that which is a text, a thesis or a theory, - mull same as it were in thy mind, in thy consciousness. Then lay it aside, and meditate rather upon its application in every way and manner. Do this especially just before ye would rest in physical consciousness, or from physical consciousness, - or in sleep. And ye will find thy memory, thy ability to analyze, thy ability to maintain and retain greater principles will be thy experience.

For remember that the principle is throughout physical, mental and spiritual alike. For thy body is physical, mental and spiritual. Each phase of same has its individual attributes, but ALL - and that alone that is eternal - is spiritual in its essence.

Hence in the physical application ye pass to, through the physical eye, or through the ear, or through the sense of consciousness, that as of a physical law, or as a physical thesis, as a physical theory. This ye pass for judgment to thy mental consciousness, and in the laying aside of thy physical consciousness the spiritual attributes record same as it were upon thy real self.

Hence the GROWTH to encompass same is natural, - just as ye find illustrated in thy interpretation of harmony in thy musical interpretations that are set before thee from time to time.

READING 1581-2 EXPLAINED

In this reading, when 1581 asks how to improve memory and school performance, the response goes far beyond ordinary study advice. It quietly explains how the real self actually learns. It says that when you are studying something — a theory, a text, an idea — you should first turn it over in your mind. Think about it carefully. Let your brain work with it. Try to understand it, not just repeat it. This is the physical and mental level of learning. Your eyes read, your ears hear, your brain analyzes. But then the advice shifts. Instead of pushing harder, it says to lay it aside and reflect on how it applies. Ask yourself how this idea works in real life. Where does it show up? Why does it matter? And then, most importantly, do this especially before you go to sleep. That detail reveals something profound. When you fall asleep, your physical awareness quiets down. Your senses are no longer pulling your attention outward. Your thinking mind is no longer trying to control everything. And in that quiet space, the deeper part of you — what the reading calls the spiritual essence — records what has been understood onto your real self.

The real self here is not your personality, not your mood, not your surface thoughts. It is the deeper core of who you are — the part that endures, the part that is growing beneath your daily reactions. The reading explains that you are physical, mental, and spiritual all at once. Each level has its own role, but only the spiritual essence is eternal. When you study something through your senses, it passes into your mind for judgment and analysis. But when you release physical consciousness in sleep, what you have truly engaged with is impressed upon that deeper spiritual layer. In other words, real learning happens when knowledge becomes part of your being, not just part of your short-term memory.

This is why growth becomes natural. When something is recorded in the real self, you do not have to strain to remember it. It begins to shape how you think. It becomes intuitive. The reading compares this to harmony in music. When you first learn music, you memorize notes. But eventually harmony becomes something you feel. It lives inside you. You do not calculate every sound; you recognize it. In the same way, when principles sink into the real self, they stop being facts you hold and start becoming patterns you live from.

Seen this way, improving memory is not about cramming or forcing information into your brain. It is about engaging deeply, reflecting honestly, and then allowing integration to happen in rest. Modern neuroscience talks about how the brain consolidates memory during sleep. This reading adds another layer — that beyond the brain’s reorganization, there is a deeper identity being shaped. The real self is like an inner foundation that grows stronger each time truth is absorbed rather than just memorized. The physical self gathers information, the mental self examines it, and the real self becomes formed by it. When learning reaches that level, retention increases because the knowledge is no longer separate from you — it has become part of who you are. That is why the process feels natural rather than forced. The real self does not just store information; it grows through integration. And when growth happens at that depth, understanding becomes stable, memory becomes stronger, and learning becomes transformation rather than pressure.

A.R.E. Meeting for 3/2/26

 Leader: John

Six of us gathered in peace to study the chapter “In His Presence.” We read the sections “Experiencing the Abiding Presence” and “Personal Experiences.”

Experiment 1: Whenever you find yourself talking about another person, speak as if God and the soul of that person were present in that place at that moment.

Experiment 2: Be willing to share your awareness of God’s working in the earth, especially with those who don’t have this perspective. Express your feelings to others. Speak of your own experience, as opposed to lecturing to them about what they ought to believe. Brief statements are usually best. Don’t be attached to some expectation about how they should respond to your words. Simply be open and honest about your beliefs. Trust that a seed is planted by what you do. Record (1) situations in which you do this, and (2) situations which, in looking back, you realize would have been good opportunities for this kind of sharing.

The Real Self/Body - Part 3

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READING 1248-1

As we find, these are from the astrological aspects - but know that these are ONLY as inclinations. And the will of the self or of the entity may change these often.

DO NOT confuse self, then, with that which is of a selfish nature and that which is of its import spiritual in its aspect, intent and purpose. For as has been indicated, these will be inclinations in the present experience.

Those influences then from Venus we find making the inclinations for one while not exactly the clinging type, or of a demure nature, we do find it rather eccentric in its friendships, in its inclinations - and these as we find have been questioned by others.

Know that no meeting with other individuals is chance. RATHER should it be - and is - as an opportunity not only for self-expression but for the expression of that for which the real self stands.

Hence we will find that beauty of manner, beauty of speech, ease of expressing itself, will become more and more beautiful - if the ideals and the purposes are set in those desires of a spiritual aspect.

This does not intend to indicate a long-facedness, or never thinking of that as would in the present day parlance be called "a good time," but rather that each activity has a PURPOSE in itself - and these will make for then those influences for a tendency to grow more and more BEAUTIFUL in the expression of self and in the choice of relationships, companionships, associations, those conditions that are to become and are becoming a portion of the real inner self.

Time to the entity appears so oft to be such an important factor, and "This must be accomplished now." Hence those tendencies for impatience must be turned rather to understanding that the seed sown in act or word today brings in due season the flower, the stem and the fruits thereof. For an immutable law in materiality, in mentality, in spirituality, is that what ye sow ye reap. And WAIT on those influences for the KNOWING what the fruit of that act, that deed, that word may be that is given day by day.

This does not make for solemnity, rather does it make for joyousness. And every experience then in life and in the associations may be taken as a beautiful game, as a wonderment, with each day bringing joy, health, strength for the natural inclinations and vitality of the body - barring accidents. And beware of speeding trains, cars, or anything that goes TOO FAST! For THESE are a portion of the inclinations in self. Without these the body in this experience, even from its sojourns in the Venus influence, the environs thereof, should be rather beautiful in mind, in body and in disposition. But the DISPOSITION ye make!

READING 1248-1 EXPLAINED

The influences described — astrological or otherwise — are only tendencies in the personality. They are surface movements. They belong to temperament, to habit, to inclination. But they are not the core identity. The real self is deeper than influence. It is deeper than mood. It is deeper than inherited pattern. The reading makes this very clear when it says not to confuse the self with selfishness. The selfish nature is reactive, impatient, image-driven, or desire-driven. The REAL SELF is spiritual in intent, purpose, and direction.

The real self is the part of you that knows why you are here.

Venus is described as giving certain inclinations — unusual friendships, unconventional attractions, a slightly eccentric relational style. Others may question these choices. But the reading is not concerned with social approval. It is concerned with whether those relationships allow the real self to express itself. No meeting is by chance because every encounter is an opportunity for the real self to become visible. Every relationship is a stage on which the deeper identity either hides or reveals itself.

The real self is not passive. It is not shy. It is not defined by what others think. It expresses through beauty of speech, beauty of manner, ease of presence — but only when ideals are aligned with spiritual purpose. When motives are clear and elevated, expression becomes naturally refined. Beauty becomes the outer sign of inner alignment.

The reading also addresses impatience. The personality feels urgency — “This must be done now.” But impatience belongs to the outer self, the ego layer that wants quick results. The real self understands law. It understands sowing and reaping. It understands that every word, every act, every intention plants something in consciousness. Growth unfolds in season. The real self trusts process.

Waiting, then, is not weakness. It is strength. It is alignment with how reality actually works.

The reading also says life is not meant to become solemn or heavy. The real self is not grim or rigid. It carries joy. It approaches experience as a beautiful unfolding — almost like a game of discovery. Each day becomes an opportunity to express vitality, health, and presence. When aligned, the system is naturally harmonious.

Then there is the warning about speed — about things that go too fast. This is more than physical caution. It reflects the tendency of the outer self to accelerate beyond wisdom. The real self does not rush. It moves with strength but not recklessness. It understands rhythm. It knows timing.

The closing line is the most revealing: the disposition ye make.

Disposition is not destiny. It is chosen. The real self is beautiful in mind, body, and spirit by design. But the tone of life — whether impatient or peaceful, reactive or radiant — is shaped by the will.

In essence, the reading is saying:

You are not your tendencies.

You are not your impulses.

You are not your impatience.

The REAL SELF is the spiritual core that chooses.

It uses inclinations as tools.

It transforms relationships into growth.

It turns urgency into trust.

It refines beauty through intention.

It moves with joy instead of pressure.

And the life you experience outwardly becomes a reflection of how faithfully that real self is allowed to lead.

The Real Self/Body - Part 2

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READING 1157-1

In giving that interpretation, then, as we find from the records here, first let the entity realize more and more within self that while never sufficient unto self, yet the soul, the spiritual development comes from within. Yet never allow that development, those experiences to become so passive as to separate self from material and mental activity. For such become the more often egoists within themselves, and thus become oft stumblingblocks to themselves.

The astrological (so termed) aspects in the present experience make for those influences that are innate of seeking into the mysteries, not only of life but of nature, of those things that deal with the motivative force, the urges. And the urges within the entity from the very experiences in the earth as well as the sojourns about same make for a seeking of an activity that requires that the entity become, or the entity remain, or the entity be, ACTIVE, positive with self, with those influences about self.

For when fear or doubt arises, it makes for that as becomes the natural effect of turmoil, unrest; yet positive forces in the seeking, positive forces in the acting become as harmonious to the entity.

The urges from the sojourns on Venus make for the natural, innate love of beauty in the entity, in EVERY form. That as may be expressed or manifested even in the lowly beetle, that as may be manifested or expressed in a sunshine, in nature, in the song of the bird, in the activity of illumined souls, in the expression of love as manifests through a mother. These with their kindred associations of all natures are urges that swell within the innate forces of the entity, seeking, seeking to find expression.

And with those influences in Jupiter they make for the manners in which they innate may have their effect, these very seekings, upon the masses.

So oft in the experience of the entity has there come a word here, a word there, that something said or done by the entity - in what might be termed an unthoughted way or manner - has influenced the activities of individuals.

Thus as it has been given, it is to all in their own experience, in their own development in the material things as related to that in the expression of materiality as from out the spiritual motivative forces, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little. Or as He gave, "a little leaven that leaveneth the whole lump."

More and more then may it be seen by these very urges how ACTIVE become the experiences, the life, the whole influence about the entity. While necessary as in this experience of every soul to turn aside at times for the quietness of nature, for the influences that come from listening, even with the thought and mind of nature's manifestations; yet those urges that arise from same must find their impulse from the soul within. Yet the entity's activities, the entity's associations must be ever among large groups, those where there are activities even of every nature.

Yet so clothe self with the beauties of those things expressed in nature, those things expressed in the more uplifting moments of individual activity, as to keep that peace, that balance, that makes for the realization that even though there be not fame or even fortune, those that LOVE the Lord, that keep His ways, find that peace which passeth understanding. Not as the world gives peace but rather as the Prince of Peace gave, "Ye that abide in me shall KNOW the truth and the truth shall indeed make ye FREE" from those turmoils, those strifes that make men afraid.

From those influences in Saturn we find the changes of very decided natures; influences when snap judgements, as it were, expressed in a material way have brought material changes in the experience of the entity to such measures that when THOUGHT was taken it has gradually grown to be revolting to others. Yet let the entity know in what it HAS believed, and DOES believe, that which bringeth the greater illuminations to self for these experiences, though innate. And what one does about the urges is ever as has been given by the teachers of old; there is constantly day by day before each soul the opportunities. And these find a greater expression oft in the experiences of the entity than in most, for the entity is a natural leader, a natural one that STRIKES OUT, but must ever be stayed in those things that have prompted, do prompt those urges. For as ye know, as ye are persuaded within thine inner self, TURN then the more oft. For indeed the body is the temple of the soul. The soul indeed is a portion of the Creative Force that we worship as God.

Then as He has promised to meet thee in the temple of thine self, when those forces or influences would make for material or mental changes, turn within and let those guiding forces of thine INNER self, thine REAL self, as communion with Him, be thy guide.

For He hath not willed that any soul should remain disturbed, but hath prepared those ways, those means whereby each soul may know the truth, may know the Lord. For "When ye call I will hear - and right speedily."

These be the promises, these be the sureties upon which every soul may build its own associations with its fellow man. For "As ye do it unto the least of thy brethren, of His children, ye do it unto thy Maker."

Keep in attune, keep in touch, keep in accord with that which prompts from within.

Though the activities of individuals, though the counsel of many may at times make thee wonder, make thee feel as if not well chosen, but if the Lord is on thy side, who can be against thee?

READING 1157-1 EXPLAINED

First, Reading 1157-1 says spiritual growth comes from within. No one can give it to you from the outside. Teachers can guide. Circumstances can shape. But the actual development of the soul rises from inside the individual. At the same time, it warns against becoming passive or withdrawn. The REAL self is not meant to escape the world. If a person becomes too detached from mental and material activity, they can become self-absorbed, isolated, or spiritually proud. So the REAL self must grow inwardly — but remain active outwardly. That balance is critical.

The reading then describes strong inner “urges.” These are deep motivative forces inside the entity. The REAL self is naturally curious about life, about mysteries, about meaning. There is an innate drive to explore truth, beauty, and the forces behind existence. This is not accidental. It is part of the soul’s pattern. The entity is described as active, positive, and influential. When fear and doubt arise, they create turmoil and unrest. But when the REAL self acts with confidence and positive intention, harmony increases. So fear disrupts the inner alignment; positive action restores it.

There is also a strong love of beauty in this soul — beauty in nature, in art, in living creatures, in human love, in noble character. These are not random preferences. They are expressions of the REAL self seeking outward expression. The soul wants to express what it carries within. Beauty, inspiration, and influence are meant to flow outward into life.

The reading says something important: often a simple word or act from this person has influenced others deeply, even unintentionally. That means the REAL self carries quiet authority. Influence flows naturally when inner alignment is strong. It does not always come from planned effort. Sometimes it happens through simple authenticity.

Then comes an important principle: growth happens “line upon line, here a little, there a little.” The REAL self develops gradually through small daily actions. Just like yeast slowly changes dough, small consistent inner alignment changes everything over time.

The reading emphasizes activity again. The entity must not withdraw permanently into solitude. Yes, quiet reflection is necessary. Listening inwardly is necessary. But what rises from that quiet must move outward into action. The REAL self is not meant to stay hidden. It is meant to express itself in groups, in leadership, in involvement with people. This is an active soul.

However, balance is crucial. Fame and fortune are not the goal. Inner peace is the goal. Real peace does not come from outer recognition. It comes from inner alignment. When the REAL self is aligned with the Creative Force (God), there is a peace that is deeper than circumstances. That peace frees the person from fear and turmoil.

The reading then warns about impulsiveness. Strong personalities can make snap judgments or strong statements that create material consequences. The REAL self must guide those impulses. The person is a natural leader, a natural one who “strikes out,” but that energy must be governed from within. Inner persuasion must guide outward action. When unsure, the instruction is clear: turn within.

This is where the core teaching appears clearly:

The body is the temple of the soul.

The soul is a portion of the Creative Force.

And God meets you in the temple of your own inner self.

So the REAL self is the soul-center where communion with the Creative Force happens. It is not the ego. It is not the personality reacting to fear. It is the deeper guiding intelligence within.

When material or mental disturbances arise, the instruction is not to react outwardly first. The instruction is to turn inward and allow the guiding forces of the INNER self — the REAL self — to direct action.

This suggests that the REAL self is:

• The soul’s conscience

• The inner compass

• The intuitive communion point with God

• The source of calm authority

• The regulator of impulses

• The anchor of peace

The reading reassures that no soul is meant to remain in disturbance. There are always ways prepared for each person to know truth and regain alignment. When you call inwardly, guidance comes. This is not superstition in this framework; it is an inner attunement process.

The REAL self is also relational. The way you treat others reflects your alignment with the Creative Force. Service and kindness are not moral duties only — they are expressions of inner attunement.

Finally, the reading says: stay in tune with what prompts from within. Outer opinions, criticism, or confusion may arise. You may feel misunderstood. But if the Lord — meaning the guiding Creative Force — is aligned with you inwardly, then outer resistance cannot destabilize you.

SUMMARY

The REAL self in this reading is the soul-centered, God-attuned inner identity that:

• Generates spiritual growth from within

• Governs impulses and leadership

• Seeks beauty and truth

• Influences others naturally

• Balances contemplation with action

• Anchors peace beyond circumstances

• Serves as the meeting place between the individual and the Creative Force

It is the deeper self beneath personality and fear.

If you would like, I can next connect this directly to your Christ Pattern framework — because this reading strongly reflects the idea of alignment under pressure and inner authority guiding outward action.