Hi Rick,

Yes the emotional playing field is where some really good work can be done.

So while this is going on welcome it as a valuable resource to work with.

When these strong and difficult emotions arise ask questions like (I'm using fear as an example but of course you can substitute whatever ...

Hi Rick,

Yes, it is hard to find what is inside or outside in the experience of seeing. Also it can feel like 'I' am looking 'outward', a sense of direction. And yet, at least according to scientists, light is being received, coming towards. So this is worth observing to, how does it feel to ...

Hi Rick,

How's things? Haven't heard from you for a while.

Vali

P.s. I'm in Vietnam for 2 weeks now. I'll keep replying but there maybe days when I have no internet so do t worry if you don't hear from me :)

Behind the eyes, in the head. I have never experienced awareness outside this. I imagine it's linked to this body until death. Beyond that, who knows.
Ok, but try this. Sit and look at an object, for example an apple on a table. Relax and take time to explore this. Observe what is happening as you ...

Hi Rick,

Damn, I'm having a problem w this whole "quote" mechanism...
They worked well in your latest post :)

Well done for exploring seeing.

When I look, I cannot find an "I", but a "point of view" or location that I imagine is separate and distinct. It is thinking that makes what I imagine ...

Hi Rick,

Thanks for checking in.

Seems to make me much more compassionate to both them and my "self."

Yes, can be one of the side effects :)

Vali

Hi RIck,

Sounds good - nice bit of careful looking and questioning.

Ok let's explore a different angle for a while. Lets look at how experiences occur through the senses.

To start with notice the sense of sight. Try looking at things (like a tree etc) and notice if there is an "I" that sees ...

Hi RIck,

So I'm confused here. I feel a little stuck.
That's ok. It's often part of the process to feel confused. From the perspective of the "I" and of thought, this can't be understood. The "I" is based in a world that is made up of dualities, of separate things, so how could it understand a ...

Hi Rick,

Thanks for your replies here. One adminy point - when you quote things I've written can you use the quote function? You just highlight the bit of text you want quoted and then click the quote button in the formatting menu bar above the text box. Easy. (see here for more info: http ...

Hi Rick,

Feelings of "uh oh, not doing it right"
There are no right or wrong answers here - and no judgement - you are safe to relax into this space and be 'yourself' :)

Yes, I AM reaching for something. Yes, an experience like I had when I "got it." A unity experience. Joy and openness.
What ...

The "I" that this animal feels stuck to is memories, feelings, outstanding sensations remembered, things I'm proud of/ashamed of, compliments, insults, resentments. In looking, these are all thoughts, and not all present all at once.
So the "I" is a collection these things that aren't' always ...

Hi Rick,

Some good work there. Keep going!

It all makes sense, but this animal feels pretty stuck to the "I"
Can you describe this "I" that the animal is stuck to? If you look, where is it to be found? Or is it just an idea?

Can you describe the experience of feeling stuck to this "I"?

Thanks ...

Hi Rick,

Well done for working with this exercise.

They don't seem to come from nowhere spontaneously, but to be consciously directed.

Can you find anything that is consciously directing? If so is that Rick? Where is it?

Another similar exercise to try. Over the day look at points when choices ...

Hi Rick,

So far, so good. Ok try this:

Sit in a chair. Take a bit of time to notice what is happening in the moment - notice any sounds in the environment you are in, any sights, any smells. Notice any thoughts, feelings, sensations, emotions. Just let it all be there. Do this for a few minutes ...