Thanks so much, John. :-)

9) What did you experience at the moment you awoke?

It feels wrong to use the past tense. The awakening is still happening.

In general, the experience is of a great lightness of being. :-)

10) Describe your experience in the hours and days following awakening.

Wonder. :-)

Hi Liz,

These are the one's left. :)



Thanks so much!

7) Is there an experiencer experiencing, or is there only experience?

The sensing, doing, thinking, moving, experiencing just happen without anyone there to make it happen.

8) Actually look. Does experience belong to the body, or does ...

5) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look? was there a specific moment when seeing happened or was it gradual? what exactly happened?



I don't remember any one specific moment. There was just a rising sense that I am not what I think I am.

I work in computers, and part of ...

3) How does it feel to see this? describe in detail.

Oops, I forgot this one. I think I covered it in the answer to question 1, but if you want me explore it more or pull it out separately, just let me know. :-)

Best wishes,
--Liz

Hi John:

Hi Liz,

Really enjoying what is being shared and appreciate you writing like wind. :)

Warm wishes,
John

Oh, cool! Thanks! :-)

4) How would you describe it to somebody who has never heard about this illusion but is curious about it.

Heh. Well I tried with my husband today. He's ...

Ugh... I never know what's going to come out when the writing starts. Some of this is not so uplifting, but I guess it doesn't need to be...

Language also plays a big role in the initial separation. For convenience's sake, we agree to call that huge living thing in the backyard a tree. And then we ...

2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self is, when it starts and how it works.



The illusion of separate self...
I am the doer and other people do unto me. I am fragile. I can be harmed. I must protect myself. Fear is at the root of the illusion of separate self.

Babies don't ...

1) Is there a 'me', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever? how about self, is there anything that is separate from everything else?

There was certainly a belief in a "me" -- a person who did things and experienced things. But the belief is unfounded -- unsubstantiated.

Now ...

Hi John:

Ok. I hope it's okay to take them a bit out of order...

6) When you say "I", what are you referring to?

"I" is a label, a convenient convention that allows me to communicate.

You and I both agree that the thing outside, above the houses and trees, is called the "sky." Same sort of ...

Hi John:

Please write like the wind. LOL :)

<big grin> :-)

How would you describe what has been seen through?

Before the inquiry, I thought I did things: hear, see, taste, touch, smell, think, understand, move...

And now...

The sensing happens... without me there to sense.

The movement ...

Hi John:

So let's check where we're at right here, right now - who/what is looking out reading these words?

Answer 1: Oh wow... The seeing and understanding are just happening. The same way those "BAM" thoughts just happen.

And all this time I thought it was me... :-)


Answer 2: The same ...

Hi John:

Sorry. Never mind. I need to muddle this one in writing, or I'm not gonna get it.

Your question implies that there is more to Liz than subject/object. Though, at the moment, I can't imagine what.

The object, "Liz," is easy to understand, now that I see it. How to loosen the awareness ...

Hi John:

I still don't know. Do you want me to guess? Sometimes surprises pop up when I try to muddle something through in writing.

Sometimes I just have to let it "hatch." Though I think writing will help with this one.

What do you think?

Best wishes,
--Liz

Is that all you are?

Best wishes,
John

I don't know. I'll have to come back to this too.

Many thanks. :-)
--Liz