Waking Up: Overcoming the Obstacles to Human Potential

Abstract

In "Waking Up", Dr. Tart takes the reader on a journey of awakening to a life of greater awareness, joy, effectiveness, and peace. He shows how ordinary, "normal" consciousness is actually a kind of trance in which the essential self is suppressed, controlled by mechanical habits of thought, perception, and behavior. To help the reader escape from this condition, the author offers insights and techniques drawn from the teachings of G. I. Gurdjieff as well as his own experience with such disciplines as Aikido, Buddhism, and psychological growth processes. These methods, involving balanced work on the intellect, emotions, and body, are ideally suited for practical use in everyday life.