The greatest value you provided was your mere existence. Someone who went through the same process is enormously comforting.

To those who read these words, understand that you must do all the work yourself. No teacher, no guide, no book can do that for you. They just gently (or not!) push you back ...

1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?
No. Never. That's all I have to say about that.

2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self is, when it starts and how it works from your own experience. Describe it fully as ...

Hi Silvia,

Thank you for all your generous help and guidance. It made a real difference in the process!

Do you feel ready to answer the 6 confirmation questions?

I can't find a valid reason why not!

maybe grow into a good trusted guardian dog than only barks when necessary

A beautiful story ...

No disrespect intended if I don't answer all your questions, Silvia. I've seen through all this and it's just very simple!

There is that which happens in reality, prior to labeling/storytelling. And there is The Story. It's as black and white as can be. The storytelling is real, the story is not ...

This is good noticing! Tell me a bit more about what you mean by imagination vs. thought.

As I used the terms, thought was "real" and imagination was "unreal." Now I feel like it is all "unreal" relatively speaking. I suppose thoughts that literally describe what is sensed, or mathematical ...

Good morning, Silvia!

Thank you again for your willingness to help. The caring really comes through and is returned.

So Mark is imaginary? Could you tell me a bit more about this. What does it mean in your experience?

"I" or "Mark" only occurs in the thoughtstream. Using the word imagination vs ...

Sorry to jump in again before you've had time to see my response, but I just had a flash of insight.

Thinking and imagining are synonyms. Mental pictures and storytelling. And I can't claim a "me" without using it. Ergo, I am imaginary.

Am I on the right track?

It's great to have your pointers, Silvia.


What are your expectations about seeing through the illusion of self? What do you think will happen? What will it feel like?

My expectation is that it will be very hard. It's been on the tip of my tongue for years, so close, and yet it's like there is a ...

Thank you for accepting the challenge, Silvia!

I agree to all terms.

As an update, last night I was reading the Gatecrashers book and now my sense of I does feel less substantial than it has in a long time. It's almost flickering, metaphorically. I will put the book aside for now and I'm giving ...

Hi,

Is there a guide out there ready to take on a challenge? Lifelong spiritual seeker crammed full of too many approaches.

I've been at the non-dual/self-inquiry approach for 15 years now. I see "it" but the realization doesn't stay. Oh it will stay if I "watch the fireplace constantly to prove ...