What distinguishes genuine inner work from the countless self-improvement strategies our culture offers? Gurdjieff emphasized two concepts that re-orient our usual approach to personal development: “conscious labor” and “intentional suffering”. Instead of aiming for outer results, Gurdjieff demands that we make an effort, a conscious labor, to attend to our thoughts, emotions and sensations. Our intentional suffering is the willingness to see ourselves as we are, without change or judgment. 

What if suffering is viewed not as a problem to be eliminated, but as a unique and powerful means of inquiry?This exchange invites inquiry into how conscious labor and intentional suffering might serve as foundations for genuine transformation.

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RSVP appreciated but not required: info@gurdjieffasheville.org