HappyOne's Thread

[forgetmenot]

Hello Sarah,

Thank you for your lovely responses and your ongoing dedication to LOOKING.

Can you make a sound appear when you want it to appear, or make a sound leave when you want it to leave, or a sensation, or a thought, or a colour etc?

Besides the sound of my own voice, no. No, I cannot make any of these appear or leave upon my own wanting.

This is always a tricky one! What is the AE of “sound of my own voice”? Is there a “sound of own voice”, or is it sound with thoughts about it being your voice?

How is it known that you are controlling your own voice? Because a thought said so?

What do you mean when you say “The AE is seeing it all happening”?
Can colour see? Can smell see? Can taste see? Can sensation see? Can thought see? Can sound see?

No, I just mean that I am experiencing it, witnessing it, or observing it.

Okay…now drop the “I” and tell me what is happening. Is an "I" needed for this to happen?

When you look at the word label ‘GREEN’, what is the actual experience?
Is the colour red experienced, or is the colour green experienced as the label suggests?

The colour red is experienced. The colour is more prominent than the label, even though when thought is experienced about the colour green it doesn't match up with the AE of seeing it.

Yes! Something that happens constantly on a daily basis. The labelling/thoughts of AE that don’t match up!  And this is a good way to see emotions as well.

Is green-ness inherent attributes of the experience of the colour red, or is green just a word label on the experience of the colour red?

Yes, it is just a word label on this experience of the colour red.

And this is how it goes with the emotions. The sensation ‘fear’ appears, for example, and it is just a label on AE of sensation. The sensation itself doesn’t suggest that it is fear!

Okay…let’s continue on with control, decisions and choices.

The aim of the following exercise is to discover whether the function of choice can really be found or confirmed in actual experience. The idea of making ‘choices‘ is a very clear example of a function that we wrongly identify as the basis of our identity.

Here's what’s needed - A chair, a table and two different drinks. Any two drinks you like are okay for this: coffee, tea, milk, water, juices, smoothies, beer, wine, etc.

Preparation - Place the two drinks side by side on the table in front of you, sit comfortably on the chair and mentally label them as drink A and drink B.

Experiment - Finding the function of choice

Sit for a few moments, take a few relaxed breaths and let the dust settle. When you feel ready:

1. Look at drink A and at drink B. Think about their respective qualities, the things you like about them, compare and weigh the pros and cons of each. See if a preference is manifesting for one or the other.
2. Count to 5.
3. Choose one of the drinks. Pick it up and take a sip.

Questions:
Remember that we’re looking for some kind of function, a something, an ‘I’ which is doing the ‘choosing’.

In step 1 when thinking about their respective qualities, did you ‘choose’ the qualities? Or did they kind of appear by themselves? If some preferences manifested, did you ‘choose’ these preferences? Or did they just pop up by themselves?

In step 2 when you counted to 5, if the preferences took the back seat while the numbers took the front seat, did you ‘choose’ this sequence of event? Did you ‘choose’ to shut down the preferences to give way to the counting? Did you directly experience a mental function or faculty doing the ‘choosing’? Have you seen this function in action?

In step 3 where you made a choice, did you actually witness or directly experience a mental function or faculty doing the ‘choosing’? Did anything arise that announced, ‘I am the chooser’? If so, what does this function look like?

Sometimes we describe this sense of choosing as a ‘feeling’: It feels like ‘I’ did the ‘choosing’. But the question is, can a feeling ‘choose’? Is it in the nature of a feeling to ‘choose’?

Love, Kay

[HappyOne]

Hello Kay,

Thank you for your amazing guidance and your dedication to assisting me on my way. I am beyond grateful.

This is always a tricky one! What is the AE of “sound of my own voice”? Is there a “sound of own voice”, or is it sound with thoughts about it being your voice?

Yes, thank you for articulating this. There is a sound with thoughts and the thoughts carry with them the label of "I" or "mine". That is all.

How is it known that you are controlling your own voice? Because a thought said so?

Yes, it is only a thought. A thought arose that said "I hear my voice." That is all.

Okay…now drop the “I” and tell me what is happening. Is an "I" needed for this to happen?

Yes, this feels authentic! Where as labeling everything with the label "I" does not. This "I" is not needed for ANYTHING to happen.

And this is how it goes with the emotions. The sensation ‘fear’ appears, for example, and it is just a label on AE of sensation. The sensation itself doesn’t suggest that it is fear!

Because it is just a sensation! This is so fantastic! I am going to use this with my 6 year old. He is very open to understanding a lot of this on his own and this particular piece will really help. Thank you so much!

Okay, on to the experiment! I want to start with the following idea first, just simply because it seems to make sense to do so.

Sometimes we describe this sense of choosing as a ‘feeling’: It feels like ‘I’ did the ‘choosing’. But the question is, can a feeling ‘choose’? Is it in the nature of a feeling to ‘choose’?

No, feelings feel, they do not choose. Thoughts choose, or arise with the thought "I choose". Sometimes even, when a few different thoughts arise that may be conflicting, it isn't that one is chosen over the other, it is that there is a thought that arises that states "I" am choosing one over the other. But this is simply a thought. There is no value on the chosen one being "better", "first" or even "chosen". It just IS and the only reason the "I" label it as the "choice that I made" is because that is a thought that arises. Nothing more.

In step 1 when thinking about their respective qualities, did you ‘choose’ the qualities? Or did they kind of appear by themselves? If some preferences manifested, did you ‘choose’ these preferences? Or did they just pop up by themselves?

In step 2 when you counted to 5, if the preferences took the back seat while the numbers took the front seat, did you ‘choose’ this sequence of event? Did you ‘choose’ to shut down the preferences to give way to the counting? Did you directly experience a mental function or faculty doing the ‘choosing’? Have you seen this function in action?

In step 3 where you made a choice, did you actually witness or directly experience a mental function or faculty doing the ‘choosing’? Did anything arise that announced, ‘I am the chooser’? If so, what does this function look like?

Step 1: So, thoughts of the qualities just arose. Thoughts about how my body was feeling came up next. And last, thoughts about how each would make me feel and how I wanted to feel arose (i.e. preferences). The drink that was chosen carried with it the label or thought of "I choose... because". To fully answer you question, yes, they just popped up themselves.
Step 3: No, nothing announced itself as the chooser or even that "it" was choosing. Thoughts just arose regarding preference and with the label "I".

Thank you, again, Kay!

Lovingly,
Sarah

[forgetmenot]

Hey Sarah,

Thank you for your amazing guidance and your dedication to assisting me on my way. I am beyond grateful.

Thank you Sarah, it is truly my pleasure. :)

This is always a tricky one! What is the AE of “sound of my own voice”? Is there a “sound of own voice”, or is it sound with thoughts about it being your voice?

Yes, thank you for articulating this. There is a sound with thoughts and the thoughts carry with them the label of "I" or "mine". That is all.

Yes, so just to clarify….

The thought, “sound of my own voice” is AE of thought and not the AE of the sound of your own voice.
The sound LABELLED as “my own voice” is the AE of sound and not the AE of your own voice.

How is it known that you are controlling your own voice? Because a thought said so?

Yes, it is only a thought. A thought arose that said "I hear my voice." That is all.

And it is only a thought that say you are one who is controlling whether or not you use your voice and when you use it!

And this is how it goes with the emotions. The sensation ‘fear’ appears, for example, and it is just a label on AE of sensation. The sensation itself doesn’t suggest that it is fear!

Because it is just a sensation! This is so fantastic! I am going to use this with my 6 year old. He is very open to understanding a lot of this on his own and this particular piece will really help. Thank you so much!

Wonderful…please let me know how you go with him seeing this. It would be great to know!

Sometimes we describe this sense of choosing as a ‘feeling’: It feels like ‘I’ did the ‘choosing’. But the question is, can a feeling ‘choose’? Is it in the nature of a feeling to ‘choose’?

No, feelings feel, they do not choose.

There are no feelings. If the so called feeling is not an actual sensation, then it is just an idea/thought. I don’t know if I have shared the following with you, but it gives an example about feelings!

Imagine you lost your keys and you could swear you left them in your purse. But when you go to check, they are not there. You empty the purse, still no keys. You feel very strongly that they must be there because that was the last place you saw them. But they are simply not there. In this case, your actual experience contradicts what it is you are feeling. This happens all the time. The problem is that believing in your feelings and not your direct experience will keep you from understanding clearly. It is important to understand that just because you feel something is true, does not mean that it is. You can simply look and see what is true and what is not.

Thoughts choose, or arise with the thought "I choose". Sometimes even, when a few different thoughts arise that may be conflicting, it isn't that one is chosen over the other, it is that there is a thought that arises that states "I" am choosing one over the other. But this is simply a thought. There is no value on the chosen one being "better", "first" or even "chosen". It just IS and the only reason the "I" label it as the "choice that I made" is because that is a thought that arises. Nothing more.

Totally…..you hit the nail right on the head!

Step 1: The drink that was chosen carried with it the label or thought of "I choose... because". To fully answer you question, yes, they just popped up themselves.

If there is a ‘because’ then you know that it is going to be about a thought story. ‘Because’ is always about a reason why something was chosen, done, not chosen, said, not said etc.

If you love someone 'because'….then it is the 'because' that you love about the someone and not the someone themselves!

Okay, we are about to move onto looking at the body. Is there any questions to date about what we have looked at so far, or anything that needs further clarification?

Love, Kay

[HappyOne]

Hello Kay,

The thought, “sound of my own voice” is AE of thought and not the AE of the sound of your own voice.
The sound LABELLED as “my own voice” is the AE of sound and not the AE of your own voice.

Yes, I understand this.

And it is only a thought that say you are one who is controlling whether or not you use your voice and when you use it!

Yes, I understand this, as well.

There are no feelings. If the so called feeling is not an actual sensation, then it is just an idea/thought. I don’t know if I have shared the following with you, but it gives an example about feelings!

Yes, I can see that feelings are simply thoughts. What about love? Sure there are "feelings" (or thoughts) of "love" and there are bodily sensations. Is there anything more to this thing called "love"? Other emotions arise and pass, they are thoughts with bodily sensations as well. Is this what love is? Just wondering if you might be able to share your thoughts on this.

Okay, we are about to move onto looking at the body. Is there any questions to date about what we have looked at so far, or anything that needs further clarification?

I think the above question is the only one I have a question about. I have been looking through all of our notes so far and made a list if bullet points just to keep things fresh. I will update my list and get back in a little while with any other questions if I have them. If I don't, please let's move forward with looking at the body!

Thank you, kindly.

Lovingly,
Sarah

[HappyOne]

Hello Kay,

I have no other questions at this point. Let's proceed!

Lovingly,
Sarah

[forgetmenot]

Hello Sarah,

There are no feelings. If the so called feeling is not an actual sensation, then it is just an idea/thought. I don’t know if I have shared the following with you, but it gives an example about feelings!

Yes, I can see that feelings are simply thoughts. What about love? Sure there are "feelings" (or thoughts) of "love" and there are bodily sensations. Is there anything more to this thing called "love"? Other emotions arise and pass, they are thoughts with bodily sensations as well. Is this what love is? Just wondering if you might be able to share your thoughts on this.

Why is love any different to any other emotion? Love is something that comes and goes like fear does. Are you aware of love 24/7? No. You are aware of the concept of love when it appears, but when it isn’t at the forefront of the ‘mind’, then it certainly isn’t in your direct experience in that moment. And it isn’t love that is in your direct experience, you are aware of the sensation labelled ‘love’ and the thoughts about love. Love is no different to hate, they are both concepts which you are aware of, but what is actually appearing is the sensation + label and thoughts about the sensation.

Love seems to be the preferred emotion. However, how is that known? Because a thought said so? Everything is neutral until thoughts appear that ‘pit’ one concept against another! But that is only thoughts appearing and thoughts know nothing.

Here is an exercise on the body.
Sit with eyes closed for about 15 minutes.

Paying attention only to the pure sensations, without relying on thoughts or mental images:

Can it be known how tall the body is?
Does the body have a weight or volume?

In the actual experience does the body have a shape or a form?
Is there a boundary between the body and the clothing?
Is there a boundary between the body and the chair?

Is there an inside or an outside? If there is an inside - inside of what exactly?
If there is an outside, the outside of what exactly?

What does the word/label ‘body’ ACTUALLY refer to?
What is the ACTUAL experience of the body?

Look very carefully, especially with the last question. Take your time, don’t rush. You can look several times during the day while doing other things (like washing hands, showering, having a short break from work, walking, etc.) before replying.

Love, Kay

[HappyOne]

Hello Kay,

Why is love any different to any other emotion?

Yes, it isn't any different. I know this through AE, but I just needed to make sure. I realize that upon entering LU and being guided, I was asked to forget all that I have ever known/learned, but some things still linger...not holding on by much, but still, they do. Day by day they seem to be working themselves out, or passing, as thoughts do.

Can it be known how tall the body is?
Does the body have a weight or volume?

No, by laying here it is not known through AE how tall or how heavy the body is. Could you please break down the AE of weighing or measuring the body so that I can understand from that perspective?

In the actual experience does the body have a shape or a form?
Is there a boundary between the body and the clothing?
Is there a boundary between the body and the chair?

No, there is no boundary. As I lay here with eyes closed, I feel as I am one with my pajamas, the heavy blankets and with the cool air. There is no separation. I can sense no shape or form.

Is there an inside or an outside? If there is an inside - inside of what exactly?
If there is an outside, the outside of what exactly?

No, with eyes closed there is no inside and no outside. The cool air and heavy blankets are sensed just as hunger sensations are. There is no 'inside' and no 'outside' that is sensed, there are just sensations.

What does the word/label ‘body’ ACTUALLY refer to?
What is the ACTUAL experience of the body?

We'll, I think that it refers to the colors that we see and the sensations that we experience. This color that seems to be separated from everything around it is what I refer to as my body. Without sight, what is sensed is oneness with everything around me - sensations, sounds, smells. But, when sight is added in, there is separation. I am finding this to be a sticky point for me.

Thank you for you help with this, Kay.

Lovingly,
Sarah

[forgetmenot]

Hello Sarah,

Why is love any different to any other emotion?

Yes, it isn't any different. I know this through AE, but I just needed to make sure. I realize that upon entering LU and being guided, I was asked to forget all that I have ever known/learned, but some things still linger...not holding on by much, but still, they do. Day by day they seem to be working themselves out, or passing, as thoughts do.

The AE of an emotion is thought + sensation.

I don’t want you to believe anything I say…otherwise I just become another seeming guru who knows stuff. I want you to check it with AE. Don’t believe anything that thought says, always check it with AE.

For every thought that comes up, to determine whether it is referring to actual experience or whether it is pure fantasy, replace it with “blahblahblah” and check whether what it was referring to remains.

So for example, if the sensation labelled ‘love’ appears. Replace the label with ‘blahblahblah’ and see what remains. You will see that only the sensation, in this example, is what remains. If the sensation was really love, then the sensation would cease as soon as you replaced the label ‘love’ with blahblahblah.

Can it be known how tall the body is?
Does the body have a weight or volume?

No, by laying here it is not known through AE how tall or how heavy the body is. Could you please break down the AE of weighing or measuring the body so that I can understand from that perspective?

Without thought, how would it be known that there is a body and how heavy or tall this supposed body is?

The label ‘body’ is the AE of thought and not the AE of a body
The thoughts about the body (ie weight, height, what the body is and does etc) is the AE of thought and not the AE of a body
The sensation labelled ‘aliveness/energy/body is the AE or sensation and not the AE of a body, aliveness or energy.
The images labelled as the ‘body’ is the AE of colour and not the AE of a body
The smell labelled as the ‘body’ is the AE of smell and not the AE of a body
The taste labelled as the ‘body’ is the AE of taste and not the AE of a body.

So what is actually appearing is label/thought, sensation, colour, smell and taste. Do they suggest in any way that they are a body or that they know anything about a body?

In the actual experience does the body have a shape or a form?
Is there a boundary between the body and the clothing?
Is there a boundary between the body and the chair?

No, there is no boundary. As I lay here with eyes closed, I feel as I am one with my pajamas, the heavy blankets and with the cool air. There is no separation. I can sense no shape or form.

So what is the actual experience when you look to see if there are any boundaries between body, clothing and chair/bed?

Is there an inside or an outside? If there is an inside - inside of what exactly?
If there is an outside, the outside of what exactly?

No, with eyes closed there is no inside and no outside. The cool air and heavy blankets are sensed just as hunger sensations are. There is no 'inside' and no 'outside' that is sensed, there are just sensations.

Yes :) So then how can there be a you and an object? The perception seems to be that the body is the centre, but there is no inside or outside of the body...so how can the body then be the centre piece of any experience?

What does the word/label ‘body’ ACTUALLY refer to?
What is the ACTUAL experience of the body?

We'll, I think that it refers to the colors that we see and the sensations that we experience. This color that seems to be separated from everything around it is what I refer to as my body. Without sight, what is sensed is oneness with everything around me - sensations, sounds, smells.

I don't want you to think, Sarah...I want you to LOOK.

Imagine you lost your keys and you could swear you left them in your purse. But when you go to check, they are not there. You empty the purse, still no keys. You feel very strongly that they must be there because that was the last place you saw them. But they are simply not there. In this case, your actual experience contradicts what it is you are feeling. This happens all the time. The problem is that believing in your feelings and not your direct experience will keep you from understanding clearly. It is important to understand that just because you feel something is true, does not mean that it is. You can simply look and see what is true and what is not. That the purpose of these exercises.


The word/label ‘body’ ACTUALLY refers to thought.

The ACTUAL experience of the body is thought.

It is only thought that labels colour as the body and smell as the body and sound as the body etc. Where in actual experience is the body? Is the body known or only thoughts about the body are known?

But, when sight is added in, there is separation. I am finding this to be a sticky point for me.

That is normal. If you are waiting to somehow meld into the room and become one with the room….well, let me just say…I wouldn’t hold your breath! But let’s have a further look.

Here another exercise that helps to see how the illusion of the body is ‘created’, so to speak. Normally we believe that sensation is coming from sight - the object seen. In this example, the object being the ‘hand’.

1. Close the eyes and hold up one hand. Pay attention only to the felt sensation ‘of the hand’.
2. Open the eyes, and now observe the hand by looking only.
3. While looking at the hand, pay attention to the felt sensations.

Repeat 1 to 3 as many times as needed and investigate…

Is there any link between the sensation and the sight, meaning that the sensation is ‘coming from’ the sight (labelled as ‘hand’) or only thought and mental constructs link them?

Love, Kay

[HappyOne]

Hello Kay,

The AE of an emotion is thought + sensation.

Yes, I have tested this the way you suggested and it is a very good tool. Thank you for sharing!

Without thought, how would it be known that there is a body and how heavy or tall this supposed body is?

Yes, I see this through AE. Only sensations, colors and smells. All else is thought about 'body'.

So what is actually appearing is label/thought, sensation, colour, smell and taste. Do they suggest in any way that they are a body or that they know anything about a body?

No, these experiences don't suggest anything about something called the 'body'. They are just what they are in AE.

So what is the actual experience when you look to see if there are any boundaries between body, clothing and chair/bed?

There is no division, no boundaries between body and clothing, body and chair. In AE they everything is seamless.

Yes :) So then how can there be a you and an object? The perception seems to be that the body is the centre, but there is no inside or outside of the body...so how can the body then be the centre piece of any experience?

It isn't. What is experienced in AE is a blending of all these experiences. Seemingly like there is no division and no center to any of it.

It is only thought that labels colour as the body and smell as the body and sound as the body etc. Where in actual experience is the body? Is the body known or only thoughts about the body are known?

Only thoughts. There is no such thing as the 'body'. These sensations, smells, colors, tastes are experienced and that is all. Once each is labeled, they become thoughts. Once they are given position on the 'body' (a thought), they become the content of thoughts..and so on. This is what I experience.

Is there any link between the sensation and the sight, meaning that the sensation is ‘coming from’ the sight (labelled as ‘hand’) or only thought and mental constructs link them?

Great technique! No, there is no link between the sensations and sight of the hand. The sensations are not coming from the sight of the hand. In fact, although it was difficult, seeing the hand without feeling the sensations made the sight of the hand almost foreign. Almost as if it did not belong. However, when I was able to look at them together it was as if the sensations took over the hand...made it come alive, in a sense. Strange for sure!

Fun stuff, Kay! Thank you so much. I needed to take a little bit of time with this one simply because of the nature of the tasks. Thank you for your patience.

Lovingly,
Sarah

[forgetmenot]

Hi Sarah,

So what is the actual experience when you look to see if there are any boundaries between body, clothing and chair/bed?

There is no division, no boundaries between body and clothing, body and chair. In AE they everything is seamless.

Yes, but the AE is sensation. It is only though that says that the sensations belong to a body because of clothes and a chair.

Close your eyes and put both palms down on a table. IGNORE all thoughts and images about hands/palms and table….and what is the actual experience?

It is only thought that labels colour as the body and smell as the body and sound as the body etc. Where in actual experience is the body? Is the body known or only thoughts about the body are known?

Only thoughts. There is no such thing as the 'body'. These sensations, smells, colors, tastes are experienced and that is all. Once each is labeled, they become thoughts. Once they are given position on the 'body' (a thought), they become the content of thoughts..and so on. This is what I experience.

Nice! :)

Is there any link between the sensation and the sight, meaning that the sensation is ‘coming from’ the sight (labelled as ‘hand’) or only thought and mental constructs link them?

Great technique! No, there is no link between the sensations and sight of the hand. The sensations are not coming from the sight of the hand. In fact, although it was difficult, seeing the hand without feeling the sensations made the sight of the hand almost foreign. Almost as if it did not belong. However, when I was able to look at them together it was as if the sensations took over the hand...made it come alive, in a sense. Strange for sure!

Terrific LOOKING. So let’s do a little more of that. Let’s take a deeper look at the body :)

Fun stuff, Kay! Thank you so much. I needed to take a little bit of time with this one simply because of the nature of the tasks. Thank you for your patience.

You are doing such a wonderful job of LOOKING and I know that you take your time with them…so it is not a problem. Thank you for making guiding such a pleasure 

Here is an even deeper investigation of the body. Please follow each step, don't leave out any. Take your time. Don't move to the next step until the previous one is clearly seen. Repeat the exercise several times.

Stand in front of a bigger mirror.

(1) First, close the eyes and feel the sensations labelled ‘body’.

(2) Then open the eyes and look into the mirror while still paying attention to the sensations.

Is there any connection between the felt sensations and the image in the mirror?
Or just thoughts (and/or mental images) suggest that there is?


(3) While still paying attention to the sensations move one hand and observe the movement from the mirror.

Is there any connection between the felt sensations (labelled ‘hand’) and image of movement in the mirror?

(4) Now do the same movement with the hand, but this time look at the hand directly, not from the mirror.

Is there any connection between the felt sensations (labelled ‘hand’) and the image ‘of movement’?
Or only thoughts suggest it?

(5) Now, pay attention only to the image in the mirror.

Does the image by itself suggest in any way that is ‘you’ or ‘your body’?
Does the image itself suggest in any way that it is a ‘body’ at all?
Or are there only colours and shapes?

(6) Where the mirror ends, some parts of the body (probably legs) cannot be seen.

Just by the image in the mirror, is there any ‘knowledge’ that there must be legs, or only thoughts and mental images suggest so?

(7) Now turn away from the mirror and look forward (don’t look directly to any body parts).

Is there a ‘body’ anywhere when all thoughts and images are ignored, or are there only sensations?

(8) Start to walk slowly.

Is there a ‘body walking’, or are there only sensations?
Is there actual experience of ‘walking’ at all?
Or just THOUGHTS ABOUT ‘walking’?
Can such a thing as ‘body’ be found OR just THOUGHTS ABOUT a ‘body’?
Can such a thing as ‘walking’ be found?

(9) Are the sensations localized in space, like ‘going through the room’; OR is there only an image that is labelled ‘room’ and appearing sensations without any location?

Love, Kay

[HappyOne]

Hello Kay,

Yes, but the AE is sensation. It is only though that says that the sensations belong to a body because of clothes and a chair.

Yes, this is what I experienced. Sorry for not being more specific.

Close your eyes and put both palms down on a table. IGNORE all thoughts and images about hands/palms and table….and what is the actual experience?

I experience sensations. Thoughts of the body kept appearing, but then I was able to just focus on the sensations. After a few moments I began to take notice of sensations all around and I got the sense that they were just floating.

Is there any connection between the felt sensations and the image in the mirror?
Or just thoughts (and/or mental images) suggest that there is?

No, there is no connection, just thoughts. When I opened my eyes they were blurred in a way and the felt sensations seemed primary, while the visual (and correlating thoughts about where the felt sensations were coming from) seemed secondary.

Is there any connection between the felt sensations (labelled ‘hand’) and image of movement in the mirror?

This is a hard one. It seems that thought is automatic making it hard to fully experience just the sensations as I felt when my eyes were closed.

Is there any connection between the felt sensations (labelled ‘hand’) and the image ‘of movement’?
Or only thoughts suggest it?

Again, this is hard, but I certainly experienced some disconnect. The sensation and the visual did not compleatly match up.

Does the image by itself suggest in any way that is ‘you’ or ‘your body’?
Does the image itself suggest in any way that it is a ‘body’ at all?
Or are there only colours and shapes?

We'll, there is certainly a disconnect. It is hard to explain with words what is being experienced.
No, without thought the image itself does not suggest that it is a body. Yes, there are only colors and shapes.

Just by the image in the mirror, is there any ‘knowledge’ that there must be legs, or only thoughts and mental images suggest so?

No, there is no indication by just looking at the mirror, only thought suggests so.

Is there a ‘body’ anywhere when all thoughts and images are ignored, or are there only sensations?

There are only sensations. This I have experienced in this experiment as well as throughout my day. This is known.

Is there a ‘body walking’, or are there only sensations?
Is there actual experience of ‘walking’ at all?
Or just THOUGHTS ABOUT ‘walking’?
Can such a thing as ‘body’ be found OR just THOUGHTS ABOUT a ‘body’?
Can such a thing as ‘walking’ be found?

No, walking cannot be found. Just floating sensations.

Are the sensations localized in space, like ‘going through the room’; OR is there only an image that is labelled ‘room’ and appearing sensations without any location?

There are sensations, and there are images with labels. There isn't necessarily a location, all is just sensed.

I had real difficulty with these exercises. Thought is everpresent. I was able to however, experience senses not matching up with movement and with body. I have noticed this for some time here and there throughout experience in daily life. Although I do not feel I was able to experience it to the extent that your questions reached, I will continue.

Thank you, Kay!

Lovingly,
Sarah

[forgetmenot]

Hello Sarah,

Is there any connection between the felt sensations (labelled ‘hand’) and image of movement in the mirror?

This is a hard one. It seems that thought is automatic making it hard to fully experience just the sensations as I felt when my eyes were closed.

It is difficult…because there is no control over thought. You can’t stop thoughts and you can’t choose what those thoughts will say! It just shows that there is no control or choice over where the ‘focus’ goes and what thoughts appear about what is appearing!

Did you feel because your eyes were closed, and only with eyes closed, could you see that there was no connection between hand and movement; therefore the experience was not fully experienced? Was there still not a seeing that it is only thought that connects the hand with the movement?

Is there any connection between the felt sensations (labelled ‘hand’) and the image ‘of movement’?
Or only thoughts suggest it?

Again, this is hard, but I certainly experienced some disconnect. The sensation and the visual did not compleatly match up.

I don’t know if you would ever experience a disconnect, however, as long as it is seen that it is only thought that connects the sensation with the image of movement, then that is all that is needed.

Does the image by itself suggest in any way that is ‘you’ or ‘your body’?
Does the image itself suggest in any way that it is a ‘body’ at all?
Or are there only colours and shapes?

We'll, there is certainly a disconnect. It is hard to explain with words what is being experienced.

This idea of being able to disconnect. What is it exactly that says there is a connection or a disconnect? If you break it down, what is appearing ‘simultaneously’ is colour, sensation and thought. There is only further thought stories about connection and disconnection.

Is there a ‘body’ anywhere when all thoughts and images are ignored, or are there only sensations?

There are only sensations. This I have experienced in this experiment as well as throughout my day. This is known.

What is known - can you explain what you mean please?

No, walking cannot be found. Just floating sensations.

And where exactly are these sensations floating? That means that there is a place where they are floating and a something which is floating!

Are the sensations localized in space, like ‘going through the room’; OR is there only an image that is labelled ‘room’ and appearing sensations without any location?

There are sensations, and there are images with labels. There isn't necessarily a location, all is just sensed.

Sensed by what exactly?

I had real difficulty with these exercises. Thought is everpresent. I was able to however, experience senses not matching up with movement and with body. I have noticed this for some time here and there throughout experience in daily life. Although I do not feel I was able to experience it to the extent that your questions reached, I will continue.

And you won’t experience them to the extent of my questions. These questions are about putting cracks into the idea/beliefs about time, space, body. When the ‘mind’ starts to see these beliefs are just thought stories and have no reality, then that is enough to begin the rug unravelling. Hence my continuous ‘nagging’ about LOOKING….so that the beginnings of the unravelling continue.

Love, Kay

[HappyOne]

Hello Kay,

Did you feel because your eyes were closed, and only with eyes closed, could you see that there was no connection between hand and movement; therefore the experience was not fully experienced? Was there still not a seeing that it is only thought that connects the hand with the movement?

Yes, when I wrote this post that is what I was saying. But yes, I see what you are saying. It IS only thought that connects the hand with the movement.

This idea of being able to disconnect. What is it exactly that says there is a connection or a disconnect? If you break it down, what is appearing ‘simultaneously’ is colour, sensation and thought. There is only further thought stories about connection and disconnection.

Yes, it was thought that was calling it a 'disconnect' only because it was pulling from what has previously been learned, thought stories; sensations and movement are paired.

What is known - can you explain what you mean please?

I just meant that I have been practicing this throughout the day for many days now and I experience sensations + colors + thoughts.

And where exactly are these sensations floating? That means that there is a place where they are floating and a something which is floating!

This was speaking from my mind which is trained to pair body + movement + sensations. If the body is not there then what I am experiencing are sensations surrounding me...not floating. I hope that makes sense.

Sensed by what exactly?

I think what I meant here was 'experienced', not sensed. Sensations are experienced.

Thank you for your patience and your guidance, Kay.

Lovingly,
Sarah

[forgetmenot]

Hello Sarah,

And where exactly are these sensations floating? That means that there is a place where they are floating and a something which is floating!

This was speaking from my mind which is trained to pair body + movement + sensations. If the body is not there then what I am experiencing are sensations surrounding me...not floating. I hope that makes sense.

Where exactly is this me that is experiencing sensations surrounding it?

Ignore ALL thoughts and images about a body/me. Are there sensations floating about anyone or anything, or they are just appearing?

Sensed by what exactly?

I think what I meant here was 'experienced', not sensed. Sensations are experienced.

You think what you meant? Thinking is not the tool for this exploration. You either LOOK and know from looking or you are only guessing and going along with thought.

Does the body experience sensations? If not, then what exactly is it that is experiencing sensations? Can you find anyone or anything?

Where is the dividing line between ‘experience’ and ‘experiencer’?

I am going to use the body as a way to introduce the LOOKING at time. Just look in the mirror a few times during the day with the following questions in mind.

Is the ‘body’ that is seen in the mirror, the one that was born on a certain date?
Or is the ‘body’ that is seen in the mirror, different to the ‘body’ that was born on a certain date?

Other than this thought, how else is it known that the ‘body’ was born on that specific date?
Or is thought the only link?

So, can this body have a past?
Or everything that is labelled as ‘past’ is just a mental story?
Other than contents of thought stories, is there a ‘past’?

Can time be experienced?


Love, Kay

[HappyOne]

Hello Kay,

Where exactly is this me that is experiencing sensations surrounding it?

This is needing to be worked out (through experience) from beginning to end because it's not yet at the point where it it is innate. So, here is goes!
Eyes are closed and there are sensations, sounds, smells, colors, and thoughts. Eyes are open and there are more colors, sensations, sounds and smells and thoughts arising and passing. All arise and pass. The story that makes up this 'me', and all that surrounds this 'me', seems to hold weight, to be actual, until the thought passes.
So, to answer your question, there is no me, except for the story. And, there is nothing surrounding it, except for stories.

Ignore ALL thoughts and images about a body/me. Are there sensations floating about anyone or anything, or they are just appearing?

No, sensations just are. There are no stories until thought aries with one. There is no anyone or anything for sensations to float about. There are only thought stories.

Does the body experience sensations? If not, then what exactly is it that is experiencing sensations? Can you find anyone or anything?

The sensations are not being experienced, they just are. In writing this, it is realized that nothing is experienced then. Something can only be 'experienced' with a thought story of 'I'. An 'experience' is had by someone, again a thought story. However, there is no I, there is no someone, so there can be no experience. Just the same, sensations are sensed by a someone. If there is no someone, and so no one to sense, then what?
I am not sure where else to go with this.

Where is the dividing line between ‘experience’ and ‘experiencer’?

Well, an experiencer is a someone that has an experience, but as I was beginning to discuss above, how is there even an experience without someone having it? There isn't. Just as the philosophical thought points out, if there is a tree in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? And, is there even a tree?
So, I guess I do not know where the dividing line is. It seems there isn't a line at all.

Is the ‘body’ that is seen in the mirror, the one that was born on a certain date?
Or is the ‘body’ that is seen in the mirror, different to the ‘body’ that was born on a certain date?

It is not the same in any way. The only reason it is looked at and seen as the same is because of the story that is carried with it.

Other than this thought, how else is it known that the ‘body’ was born on that specific date?
Or is thought the only link?

Well, the body seems to age, but this idea is only because of thought. Without thought of past, there is only now. A birthdate is only a thought, just as age is only a thought.

So, can this body have a past?
Or everything that is labelled as ‘past’ is just a mental story?
Other than contents of thought stories, is there a ‘past’?

No, the body can not have a past. The 'past' is simply a story. There is no such thing as a 'past' outside of the thought story.

Can time be experienced?

No, it can not be 'experienced'. The dictionary defines time as, "The indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole." But, experience is only in the moment. Anything other, such as past or future, is a thought story. This definition only supports the thought story of time. And thus, since 'time' is only a thought story, it can not be experienced.

Thank you, as always, Kay. I really appreciate your support with this process.

Lovingly,
Sarah