Self-remembering

Self-remembering is the core practice of Gurdjieff's Fourth Way. While ordinary life is spent in "waking sleep"—mechanically reacting without awareness—self-remembering is the intentional recollection of one's own presence.

The practice involves dividing attention: part remains on the external activity (working, walking, talking) while another part simultaneously senses "I am here, now." This dual attention breaks the mechanical flow of unconscious existence.

Gurdjieff taught that humans have no stable "I"—we are run by many contradictory "I"s that take turns controlling us. Self-remembering creates a center of gravity, a consistent presence that can eventually crystallize into genuine being. It is practiced throughout the day in ordinary activities, not just in formal meditation.

Throughout the day, periodically remember that you exist. Sense your body, feel your presence, and maintain awareness of yourself while also attending to whatever you are doing. Notice how quickly this self-awareness is lost, and gently bring it back. Start with brief moments and gradually extend the duration.

The main obstacle is forgetting to remember—falling back into mechanical behavior. Another is trying too hard, creating tension instead of relaxed presence. Some also make it intellectual ("I should remember myself") rather than actually sensing presence in the body.