The key point in Castaneda’s books is that in order to
change the way in which one is able to perceive, one must adopt a
strategy aimed at Saving Energy and Redeploying Existing Energy
reserves. One then Utilizes this Energy to Shift Awareness in such a manner
as to perceive different worlds.
Save Energy
Redeploy Energy
Utility Energy to Shift Awareness
Perceive different worlds
Perception is a point on a multi-dimensional field of possible points of view.
Our current Perception is a channel on our TV tuner.
Imagine the Elemental Force as a river leading to
your destination of choice. The self-absorbed person stays on the riverbank
and never gets anywhere. Acknowledging the Elemental Force
provides you with a raft that you use for traveling on the river. Since
you cannot control the current or the flow of the river, you must surrender
to this flow, which dictates the general direction in which you
will travel. Even though you cannot control the current, you can however
steer a course for yourself using a paddle. Saving your energy provides
you with a paddle and the strength to use it. Commanding the
Spirit is the act of steering a course for yourself and can be carried out
in whatever manner that one chooses.
the kind of energy that you use to defend the image of the self is
the very energy that you need to save in order to change the things
about yourself that you want to change but can’t seem to change.
“Warriors fight self-importance as a matter of strategy, not principle…
Self-importance is our greatest enemy…(it) requires that
we spend most of our lives offended by someone. Warriors…are
free from self-importance. What restrains their self-importance is
that they have understood that reality is an interpretation we
make”
Release resentments. Eliminate offense. Increase good-will.
bookmark: pg 43