The Outsiders

The Focus Method is the method the Outsiders use to liberate themselves. It is briefly shown on page 30 when Jason reaches a dead-end in his life and uses this technique to free himself. It is also mentioned again on page 53 when Prof. Grantz explains it in more detail.

The Focus Technique is a tool to help shift one’s awareness from the cognitive dominance that is part and parcel of how we maintain our conditioning, to the immediacy of pure sensory awareness, or just plain “being.”

For most seekers, there is a strong cognitive component in how they approach their spiritual quest. There is usually an element of “figuring out” and analysis. This is usually coupled with a meditative practice of some sort, which is designed to quiet the mind. This approach rarely takes the seeker to their goal.

The real goal is to relinquish cognitive control and just let go. For those that require certainty in whatever they do, letting go is a difficult task. The outcome of letting go is that we come upon a new way of being where direct sensory awareness is the norm. Those that have taken the plunge realize that the immersion in “being” or “pure awareness” is the real goal of the spiritual journey. There are many instances of those in dire straits just letting go of their lives as they know it without any knowledge of the outcome, and then finding this elusive way of being.

The Focus Technique helps one let go of cognitive dominance in order to “be”. It does this by focusing on a sensory element to the exclusion of all other stimuli. The idea is to let sensory awareness become dominant for some period of time while the cognitive mode steps aside. The “shift” may take place in one event or over a longer period of time as one lets the ego step aside.

The Focus Technique is best suited to those that are comfortable with introspection. When the cognitive mode steps aside, one is forced to listen to one’s inner world. This may be frightening for extroverts, and they should consider very carefully whether they are suited to make the journey.

INTENTION is the motive force behind change and should be a component of every method or technique.

The technique may be used as follows:

• Use a room where you will not be interrupted for an hour or so
• Find a focal point in the room (an object, painting or anything without an emotional connection)
• Maintain a visual focus on the object for a minimum of 15-30 minutes
• If thoughts intrude, ignore them and continue to maintain your visual focus

If you can maintain a strict focus for each session, you will find that you create a distance between your thoughts and your perceptions. This is the beginning of the shift from cognitive dominance towards pure awareness.

In the story, the Outsiders were able to have a breakthrough in one event. For those whose life has reached a desperate place, then there is considerable motivation to let go all at once. For the rest, this will just be a technique that one can apply over time. If you are honest you will be able to see your inner life with more clarity. Over time the ego and cognitive dominance will recede, allowing “being” to blossom.