Centers ~ Influences from Within: The Essential Wisdom of Mindfulness and the Fourth Way

In her practical guide for enlightened self-study, Cheryl Shrode-Noble wishes to inspire, encourage and empower you. She has spent over forty years studying esoteric psychology, philosophy and spiritual disciplines for personal transformation. She believes that self-empowerment begins with enhanced self-knowledge using practical methods based in mindfulness and compassion. The term mindfulness originates in Sanskrit as "smrti," and in Pali as "sati," and both translate as, "to remember." In the early 20th century, the Eastern teachings, especially Buddhist concepts, were being introduced to eager Western audiences. The popularity of the Asian and Indian teachings being brought forth to European and American seekers was quite robust. Yet, prior to this, Buddhism was relatively unknown in the Western world, despite it's rich 2,500 year legacy.

The focus of this book is for individuals to attain enhanced self-awareness using practical methods with wisdom derived from the Buddhist tradition, that had also been incorporated into the Fourth Way esoteric system which Gurdjieff revealed in 1915. His ideas were presented as "fragments" based on his studies in Asia, Tibet and India. This system proposes there are four primary "centers" within us which influence everything we feel, think, do and sense. These centers are: the emotional, intellectual, moving and instinctive centers. The concept of the centers within us, had been preserved in symbolic form throughout history, but remained relatively unknown except in hidden esoteric wisdom traditions. The author deciphers and elucidates the symbolism of centers in detail, guiding you to understand yourself and others with astonishing clarity. As used in this system, the four primary centers are symbolized by the four iconic suits in a deck of playing cards. These centers exist within everyone and influence our innate talents, inherent abilities and natural tendencies in life, whether emotional, intellectual, moving or instinctive.

Discovering your personal center of influence will help you gain enhanced self-knowledge, guiding your to your true essential nature, as the "real you." As you live in harmony from your main center of influence, you will also begin to fulfill your authentic life purpose. Mindful self-observation helps one attain enhanced comprehension of emotions, thoughts, movements and physical senses. This encourages us to live from our natural talents and inherent tendencies, as we shed artificially acquired traits, self-doubts and delusions. Mindfulness with self observation is the key to unlock self-knowledge.

The author puts esoteric ideas into practical terms to incorporate into your life naturally. She believes that awakening and enlightenment are certainly possible for those who possess the sincere desire to gain self-awareness and higher consciousness. She elaborates on the history of esoteric psychology, the characteristics of the four centers, and describes in detail how to evaluate your personal center of gravity. The mystery of esoteric psychology is clearly revealed as a practical method to help you gain self awareness as you balance your centers with mindfulness to awaken to your highest potential.

Self discovery is the key to living life harmoniously in one’s true essential nature. These practical esoteric concepts, combined with mindful self-observation, have the power to lead you to your own enlightenment. She writes that awakening and enlightenment are not reserved for monks or recluses living in remote monasteries, but are realistic goals for us in our normal daily life. You truly do not need to go anywhere or search for anything. The author believes that awakening is your birthright and you can begin right now in this moment with sincere mindful self observation.

Cheryl Shrode-Noble hopes her writings inspire your quest for self-knowledge to awaken to your natural potential. She believes, "Your path is within you."

Cheryl Shrode-Noble graduated high school with a drama scholarship and studied theater. She began modeling as a teenager and later spent eight years working as a model in Paris, Milan, Dusseldorf, and London. While living in London, she was introduced to the Fourth Way and recognized similarities to both Taoist and Buddhist philosophies. She decided to explore these new esoteric ideas in depth and studied in various Fourth Way schools for ten years.

After retiring from her modeling career, she worked as an account executive for Ralph Lauren fragrances. Subsequent to her studies in Fourth Way schools, she studied Tibetan Buddhism with humble Tibetan monks, Zen Buddhism in a Soto Zen temple, and Taoism with a Taoist priest. Later, she returned to college to study art and graduated with honors in 2007. She cares deeply about climate change and believes in a conscientious, responsible approach to environmental protection. Several years ago, she organized a group of friends to replant trees in a burned area of the Angeles Crest Forest. When she is not writing, she appreciates fine art museums, creativity, and spending time in nature. She hopes her new book will inspire you to follow your own unique personal path to reach your highest natural potential to awaken.