35. Without delaying what we must do for ourselves

Up to point 34 of this section, the guidelines for preparation are presented. From point 35 onward, the guidelines for application begin. Point 35 addresses the first obstacle that must be overcome.

This point means that we must stop postponing what we need to do for ourselves. If it turns out that most of our time has been occupied with the affairs of others, changing this cannot happen all at once. It may take a long period during which we gradually eliminate the habits that keep us engaged in matters that do not belong to us. And just when we think we have mastered our obvious habits, we will discover others that we had not noticed until that moment.

When we pursue a specific goal, many things constantly appear that try to pull us in different directions, distracting us and diverting our attention. We must repeatedly remind ourselves what goal we are following, and whenever we deviate from it, we must consciously exert our will in order to return to what we are doing.

Stopping our involvement in the affairs of others is not a lack of empathy, but a restoration of our own integrity. Without this restoration, every action directed outward becomes mostly an automatic reaction rather than a conscious choice.

To be continued. The publication of the remaining points follows.