For more readings, view the Psychosynthesis Blog.

From Learn to Meditate by David Fontana, Ph.D.:  "The Russian mystic Georgei Gurdjieff frequently pointed out that much of human misery is caused by the fact that we live our lives mechanically, never properly attending to what it is to be alive. Contemporary American psychologist Charles Tart describes us as being in a kind of 'consensus trance'. These teachers, and all the great traditions, refer constantly to the need to awaken. This acute sense of being properly awake is really another word for mindfulness. Tart suggests that the concept of mindfulness should be motivated by the assertion, 'I want to know what really is, regardless of how I prefer things to be.' Our lack of mindfulness insulates us from the direct experience of what this mysterious, intriguing, maddening thing called life actually is."

From Albert Schweitzer:  You know of the diseases in Central Africa called sleeping sickness...There also exists a sleeping sickness of the soul.  Its most dangerous aspect is that one is unaware of its coming. That is why you have to be careful. As soon as you notice the slightest sign of indifference, the moment you become aware of the loss of a certain seriousness, of longing, of enthusiasm and zest, take it as a warning.  You should realize your soul suffers if you live superficially."

From Jean McElhaney:  "The key is to increase awareness.  As we become more conscious, we increase our power to change, whether as individuals, groups, or the human race...it's all about love and will, just as we suspected!"

From Ram Dass:  "The moment at which you look up, the moment at which you look in, starts the journey back."

From Pema Chodron:  "We already have everything we need.  There is no need for self improvement. All these trips that we lay on ourselves -- the heavy-duty fearing that we are bad and hoping that we're good, the identities that we so dearly cling to, the rage, the jealousy and the addictions of all kinds -- never touch our basic wealth. They are like clouds that temporarily block the sun. This is who we really are. We are one blink of an eye away from being fully awake."

From Marianne Williamson:  "The purpose of our lives is to give birth to the best that is in us. It is only through our own personal awakening that the world can be awakened. We cannot give what we do not have."

Unknown:  "Every morning the Zen master Zuigan would say 'Today please try to wake up,' then he would answer himself, 'Yes, I will.'"