The conditioned mind is a web of patterns; a tightly woven web of self-protective patterns.

Each pattern is like a mini-self that has its own values, world view, and way of functioning.

Each mini-self is a pattern with its own agenda—its own programming.

The pattern doesn’t choose this program—it simply enacts it. The pattern doesn’t have the capacity to pause, reflect and ask, “Is this the best way for me to function? Is this the best way for me to support this person’s life?”

All the pattern can do is react according to its programming—the pattern won’t transform on its own. It can’t.

To transform, the pattern must be infused with awareness and that’s where you come in. (Hint: you are awareness.)

But, here’s the rub:  if you’re identified with the pattern, you can’t infuse it with awareness.

And remember, you’ve been conditioned to identify with the patterns—by your family, your education, and your culture.

You’ve been conditioned to believe that you are the contents of your mind, your personal history, and your cultural inheritance.

You’ve been conditioned to identify with the patterns.

So, the first move, in the process of transformation, is to begin letting go by shifting the center of your identity from the patterns to the object of meditation.

When the patterns object—“This hurts!!!”—you breathe and let go; you return attention to the object of meditation; the breath; the mantra; the present moment.

You let go again and again. As you do, something startling is revealed.

You see that the web of self isn’t really that tightly woven, after all; the conditioned mind—the conditioned self—is fragmented. Each “fragment” of consciousness is identified with being a mini-self; with being a pattern. The various fragments of mind are not integrated.

They’re not supporting a joyful, balanced and meaningful life—that’s not what they’re programmed to do. They’re each focused on pursuing their own agenda and will continue to do so as long as they are given “fuel” to keep running.

What is the fuel?

The fuel is your consciousness.

As long as your consciousness is (unconsciously) identified with the pattern, the pattern will continue to direct, control, and shape your life experience.

This is why the meditation practice is so important; through practice you stop fueling the reactive patterns.

You rest attention more and more fully, more and more effortlessly in the present moment and the object of meditation. You relax the unconscious identification with conditioned patterns and you blossom.

What is a sub-personality or pattern that your mind has been conditioned to identify with?

How has this identification served you?

How has it limited you?

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Ed: Bryonie Wise