Self Enquiry

J. Vincent Michael

Description

Are you ready to cross the threshold?Michael J. Vincent uses his life story to illustrate how experience, no matter how trivial or intense and life-changing, becomes a deep well of learning for us to draw upon in our search for truth.Exploring his journey through life, Michael demonstrates how the Practice of Self Enquiry can quieten the mind-driven anxieties, doubts and fears that grow along the way, moving us to a place of peace, fulfilment and positive action.No doctrine; no belief system; not a crutch, mask or sticking plaster;Self Enquiryis a profound, radical and powerful Practice with one clear message: Believe in yourself.

Sujets

• Mind
• Body

Informations

• Publié par: Troubador Publishing Ltd
• Date de parution: 28 octobre 2020
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781800467613
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 6 Mo

Extrait

About the Author



In New York


Born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in 1949 Michael has been a painter and writer throughout his life. His inspiration is found in nature, in front of the living, vibrant landscape where painting becomes both a connection to the precious Earth and an act of deep meditation.
He specialises in gouache and oil painting using reproductions of his work to illustrate his published books and articles. Several of his paintings have become limited edition prints and his work is in private collections worldwide.
A lifelong interest in meditation has culminated in a deepening understanding of Self Enquiry and his first book on this ancient and profound practice was published in 2010 followed by a second in 2016. He has introduced this Practice to many groups and individuals, notably over the last 10 years.
Michael now lives in Woolavington, a village near Glastonbury, with his daughter Jennifer. Although “retired” he continues to write, paint, meditate and meet with individuals and small groups keen to learn more of this Practice and his work.
For more information on Michael’s work please visit his website:
www.michaelvincentartworks.com
What people are saying about
Self Enquiry: A Testimony


There is great truth and searing honesty in Michael’s enquiry of self. Here is a man who refused to submit to the ways dictated by society and others, choosing instead to listen to – and trust – the voice of his own inner guide.
This has not always been an easy path to follow, but by taking us through his story, Michael shows us “how despair, anger, grief, resistance, fear and doubt can be processed and transformed into positive action, that experiences, no matter how traumatic, have much to teach us.”
Self Enquiry: A Testimony demonstrates not only how the Practice can become a companion on our life’s journey, enabling us to process and understand our experiences, but “a valuable tool in recognising false identity, quietening the mind-driven anxieties, doubts and fears that grow along the way, so moving us to a place of peace, fulfilment and positive action”. With this end in mind the book concludes with a chapter devoted to the practice of Self Enquiry.
To use one’s own life as a personal example of how to deal with – and make sense of – all that is thrown at us is a remarkable achievement, one which not only highlights the benefits of this Practice, but also answers many of today’s pressing concerns about how to live a spiritual life in the 21st century.
Stephen Gawtry, Managing Editor, Watkins Mind Body Spirit Magazine .

In his third, more autobiographical exploration of Self Enquiry Michael Vincent deftly contextualises his practice in a measured and powerful way. His personal story, challenges, enduring love and artistic nature woven with historical events and an ecological imperative illuminate this thoughtful new work with a timely poignancy and strong resonance with today’s zeitgeist. He humbly shares a skilful and profound practice for our turbulent times. He is a living embodiment of its efficacy, the book a true call to authentic spiritual being.
Mark Pogson. Founder Magpie Qigong, Advanced Tai Chi Instructor and Shiatsu Practitioner.

Michael’s writing is astounding. He writes with openness, realness and a willingness to show his vulnerability which in itself is a lesson to all humanity on how one might handle the ugliness of human existence with courage and strength. As you read the book it will touch your heart and soul and will demonstrate that Self Enquiry is all there is. The practical, simple explanation of how one practices Self Enquiry will equip you with all you need. If you are reading this your True Self guided you here so you have already taken the first step into Truth.
Enjoy the journey, the letting go and the unfolding as you delve deeper into the practice. A fantastic book. Highly recommended.
Linda Vincenta Byrne , Certified Coach and IPHM Training Provider.

A gripping and perceptive account of the socio-political turning points that have taken place from the second half of the last century until the present day unfolds before our eyes as we read Michael Vincent’s autobiography. The author takes the reader by the hand and walks him through the meanders of his life in a captivating confession that sometimes has the dramatic accent of a deeply liberating self-scrutiny.
The coming of age, being an Art student in the elitist scene of mid-20th century London, committing to a loving relationship that is artfully kept alive and enduring, following the profound artistic calling with utter devotion and passion – all these threads of the author’s life converge into a most inspiring read. Life circumstances are enveloped into the steady spiritual reflection of an authentic seeker of Truth who is generously offering his wisdom to the world.
In the most methodical and practical way the last chapter of the book summarises the method of Self Enquiry, a meditative Practice that can be adopted straight away to bring serenity, a sense of detachment from suffering and equanimity into the reader’s life.
Carmen Varfalvi Berinde, Director of Studies, Britannica Learning Centre , Bucharest.

Are you ready to wake up? Who Am I? Many of us feel trapped in our story, often asking ourselves these questions but unable to find an answer. Michael writes straight from the heart, exposing roots and all. His honesty, his vulnerability, his love for all beings, especially Mother Earth sustaining all that lives, emanates from every page.
In his book he exposes his life fully, a journey with love interspersed with suffering along the path. Through this experience lessons are learned and Michael not only discovers his creativity but his untouched True Self.
Michael has assisted me in dropping my ever-heavy baggage, escaping a well-rehearsed story and so allowing me to discover who I am.
John Beeney, Self Enquiry Devotee and student.

This is a book from the heart, a powerfully and cogently written personal story set against a backdrop of world-wide political and social events of the times. An amazing record, the personal narrative is juxtaposed with the terrifying narrative of the societal and global “abyss” into which Michael unflinchingly peers.
Painful, even shocking in places, it nevertheless shows, through his lived experience, that there is something we can each do to ease the existential despair. We can adopt the practice of Self Enquiry and find hope and energy, as he, to my certain knowledge from over thirty years of friendship, has done, and is doing in these newly uncertain times.
Hilary Lepine, Author, retired teacher and mental health worker.


Copyright © 2020 Michael J Vincent

The moral right of the author has been asserted.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside those terms should be sent to the publishers.

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ISBN 978 1800467 613

Front cover illustration:
“Suffolk Dusk”. Gouache. 1995.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Matador is an imprint of Troubador Publishing Ltd

“Of many thousand mortals, one, perchance
Striveth for Truth; and of those few that strive –
Nay and rise high – one only – here and there –
Knoweth me, as I am, the very Truth.”

Bhagavad-Gita
The Song Celestial.
Dedication
As I write these words the Covid-19 pandemic is creating fear across the planet. There are many deaths, including amongst medical staff dedicated to helping those who are ill.
None of us know when this will end or the outcome of this catastrophic event. But of this we can be sure. Everything will change as we experience and live through the wake-up call towards which we have been sleep-walking for generations.
I pray this change will be for the good as we re-discover the loving nature of who we are, care for one another and come to love and respect the precious Earth that sustains all that lives.
I dedicate this book to all who are suffering at this time.
May we all live together in peace.
* * *
With heartfelt thanks to Carmen Varfalvi Berinde, Linda Byrne, Stephen Gawtry, John Beeney, Mark Pogson, Hilary Lepine, Justine Grenter and my daughter Jennifer for their love in supporting me in writing this book.
Contents
Introduction: The Purpose of this Book

1. Early Days
2. An Education
3. London
4. Love Unfolding
5. Distractions
6. Lessons Ignored and Learnt
7. On the Suffolk Front
8. To Aotearoa and Back Again
9. To Somerset
10. The Spirit Flies
11. Politics
12. On What Remains
13. The Practice of Self Enquiry

Recommended Reading
Notes



“Woodland Spring”
Gouache. Kessingland, Suffolk, 1997
Self Enquiry:A Testimony
Introduction: The Purpose of this Book
Finding words to describe something that is beyond words will always be a writer’s challenge. Over the years