Looking for some help please

[Lindylou]

Hi Paula

Bit of a brick wall feeling...= confusion feeling, so it's all the same.

1) See thought as typewritten sentence in the mind's eye - apply AE to see if the content of the thought is really there (i.e. is there actually confusion in the label CONFUSION?)

The label "confusion" can't of itself have any confusion or be confused - it's just a label.

[2) Then ignore everything else but the sensation (feeling of confusion) itself.
Inquire into the sensation and ask if the sensation itself knows anything about an “I” who is “confused”.
Apply AE to see if there is an "I" related to the sensation

How can a sensation know anything?
Is there an I in the taste/touch/smell/sound/thought of the sensation of confusion? Sensation of confusion has no DE. Just more thought about sensation of confusion. And thought about confusion is just a collection of words that doesn't contain any confusion. Does that mean confusion doesn't exist?

Look and see if the sensation itself is the confused self

.
Couldn't get this - if the self doesn't exist how can a sensation be the confused self?

And then look to see if there is anyone/anything in the sensation or behind the sensation that can be ‘confused’.

If there's no self there's nothing that can be confused. That doesn't mean confusion isn't occurring. It just isn't occurring to anyone?

3) First look at your own "body" - it has colour(s), and also shapes. Then, then close the eyes and look at the mental image/outline of your own "body" and ask:

Do the colours / shapes / sensations labelled as ‘me/I/body’ know anything about ‘confusion’?

The brain stores memories and information, so there may be recognition/recollection of a sensation previously experienced and a definition of confusion.

Are the colours / shapes / sensations labelled as ‘me/I/body’ confused in anyway?

I suppose not

Does the image/outline itself know anything about an “I” who is confused?

Not if there is no self

4) With eyes still closed look everywhere and see if you can find anyone or anything that is confused or in confusion.
Can anyone/anything be found?

Just confusion itself. No one or anything that is confused or in confusion.

Sorry I don't think these answers are getting anywhere.

Lynne

[Lindylou]

Good morning Paula...hopefully a little more clarity this morning.

Confusion, frustration isn't happening. Thinking is happening and labelling it as confusion, frustration

If other ‘loud’ thoughts appear...

..yes there was a loud anguished midnight scream of aaaaaagh! Is this what you meant ;-)

So what is actually known (ie actual experience) is label + sensation + colour + thoughts ABOUT confusion? But is confusion actually known? Is there any actual experience of confusion?

So confusion is understood as an intellectual concept, that's it. It's a label so in the same way as the self it's not real. And just to confirm, there is no AE of confusion.

The label ‘confusion’ is the AE of thought and not the AE of confusion
The sensation labelled ‘confusion’ is the AE of sensation and not the AE of confusion
The image labelled ‘me/I/body’ is the AE of colour and not the AE of confusion
The thoughts ABOUT confusion are AE of thought and not AE of confusion

I see this though when looking deeply .... though seemed to meet a lot of mental resistance...all thought I guess

Notice how there is no 'confusion' in the knowing of colour.
Notice how there is no 'confusion' in the knowing of sound.
Notice how there is no 'confusion' in the knowing of taste.
Notice how there is no 'confusion' in the knowing of smell.
Notice how there is no 'confusion' in the knowing of sensation.
Notice how there is no 'confusion' in the knowing of thought.
So where is this 'confusion'? Is there any confusion in the knowing of the known?

Explained like this as a logical conclusion - no. So therefore everything is known?
So no confusion...just thoughts....eg "Im.confused", "this is difficult " , "I can't do this", " I can't think", "I don't understand". Lots of "I". Does this ever stop?

Thanks for challenging me Paula :)

Best wishes

Lynne

[Lindylou]

At the end there...should say

Explained like this as a logical conclusion - no. So therefore everything IN ACTUAL EXPERIENCE is known?

[BeHereNow]

Hi Lynne,

Thank you for all your hard work in Looking deeply!

The label "confusion" can't of itself have any confusion or be confused - it's just a label.

Yes.

Sensation of confusion has no DE. Just more thought about sensation of confusion.

Yes.

That doesn't mean confusion isn't occurring. It just isn't occurring to anyone?

We established above that the sensation of confusion has no DE, so if there is no sensation and it is only thought, what is occurring?

if the self doesn't exist how can a sensation be the confused self?

It can't. It's just sensation.

there may be recognition/recollection of a sensation previously experienced and a definition of confusion.

Yes. Sensation plus thought.

loud anguished midnight scream of aaaaaagh!

As you begin to realize the truth that there is only AE, your ego will protest. It wants to know, wants to be in control. This is normal. You will have fear, anger, confusion, wanting to know, wanting to argue. This is all thought. The same process can be carried out with any thought emotion. Ultimately it is all sensation + thought.

there is no AE of confusion.

Yes.

Lots of "I". Does this ever stop?

One way to work with this "I" and all the thoughts is to begin to focus instead on sensations. Allow the sensations to be there and flow through, be willing to experience the sensations associated with emotion. There will be lots of thought, and each thought comes accompanied with sensation. Allow the sensation with compassion and love.

therefore everything IN ACTUAL EXPERIENCE is known?

We can only ever know what is in AE. Any attempts to know the future or past or opinions about what is happening are all thought.

Ok! Let's try the final questions one more time... will send in a separate thread...

[BeHereNow]

1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?

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 you see it now.

3) How does it feel to see this? What is the difference from before you started this dialogue? Please report from the past few days.

4) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?

5) Describe decision, intention, free will, choice and control. What makes things happen? How does it work? What are you responsible for? Give examples from experience.

6) Anything to add?

Please remember to answer each question by Looking deeply in AE. Not intellectually.

Looking forward to your answers, Lynne!

Warm wishes,
Paula

[Lindylou]

Hi Paula

Thank you for your explanations :)

1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?

No and no.

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 you see it now.

From around the age of about 3 we move from pure experiencing to start to identify with the body. Partly use of language to ease communication and partly development of a belief system that we are separate entities controlling our lives our thoughts and our bodies. It is a powerful illusion and difficult to break free from. And rarely questioned. The terms "me", "myself" and "I" are used to label "things" which reinforce sense of separate self. Illusion of separate self fosters feelings of being different, alone in the world, suffering. Humans are sucked into drama and over thinking, a distraction from reality.

3) How does it feel to see this? What is the difference from before you started this dialogue? Please report from the past few days.

It still feels strange, unfamiliar, disconcerting at times. But a relief at the same time. Have to gently "remind myself" when old thought patterns reappear. Ego has had a good shake up!!! Last few days have been the most challenging, meeting and overcoming resistance. When I started the process the idea of no separate self was brand new and deeply disturbing/upsetting. Lots of tears then, fear based. Frustration based tears last night, but generally tears have stopped.

4) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?

Realising that thinking was happening labelled confusion rather than confusion happening. And that everything that is not AE is thought. And that there was no AE of confusion. Therefore confusion just a thought.

5) Describe decision, intention, free will, choice and control. What makes things happen? How does it work? What are you responsible for? Give examples from experience.

Decisions/choices - just looping thought until finally a decision/choice is made.

Intention - just more thought ... "remember to ...."

Free will and control - there isnt any. Life is just happening on its own

What makes things happen - they just happen - on their own - without a "doer". How does it work - it just does. Instructions are received....from various forms of input....thought kicks in...or may remain silent...and stuff just happens. So 5pm not hungry but I decide to make a start with dinner ... but end up making it and eating it earlier than originally intended....for no reason. I walked and took a route I hadn't planned...thought would jump ahead looking at route options...choice made...repeat.

What am I responsible for? Nothing and everything. Every thought, every interaction, shining the light of human kindness.

6) Anything to add?

If we are not in control and do not have free will, how can we be accountable/responsible for our actions?

Thanks Paula

Best wishes

Lynne

[BeHereNow]

Thank you, Lynne!

Two follow up questions for clarification:

What am I responsible for? Nothing and everything. Every thought, every interaction, shining the light of human kindness.

In AE, who is responsible for every thought, every interaction and shining the light of human kindness?

If we are not in control and do not have free will, how can we be accountable/responsible for our actions?

In AE, who is to be accountable / responsible for whose actions?

Thank you, Lynne!

I will be away until Monday, once these are complete I will pass on your thread to the other guides to see if there are any further questions and get back to you next week.

Have a beautiful day!

Cheers,
Paula

[Lindylou]

Hi Paula

In AE, who is responsible for every thought, every interaction and shining the light of human kindness?

Exactly! No one! So there is no responsibility or accountability?!

In AE, who is to be accountable / responsible for whose actions?

No one! But how can there be no accountability? How can society exist if no one is responsible for their actions? But even in writing this recognising that there is no one to be accountable or responsible.
Sensation arising in AE - labelled resistance by thought

Have a great weekend Paula!

Thank you

Lynne

[BeHereNow]

Hi Lynne,

I hope you had a lovely weekend!

It's great that you noticed the thoughts starting up and then recognized the sensation / resistance.

Here is an additional question from another guide:

Based on your own question:

how can there be no accountability? How can society exist if no one is responsible for their actions?

Could you describe, without saying there is no one, or using the term AE, who takes actions in society?

Thank you, Lynne!

Cheers,
Paula

[Lindylou]

Hi Paula

You guys know how to ask tricky questions!!!

Could you describe, without saying there is no one, or using the term AE, who takes actions in society?

Society has a set of rules to (theoretically ha ha) allow people to live in peace and harmony. We have moral values and "the law".

Humans are those judged under law, humans are those perceived to be acting "against the law" for example. A human could be tried in court, consciousness could not!

So consciousness "acts" through humans. Within society it appears that humans are acting out their lives but in actual fact they have no personal responsibility and their lives are being acted out for them.

Thanks Paula!

Best wishes

Lynne

[BeHereNow]

Thank you, Lynne! I will let you know if there is anything further.

Have a beautiful day :-)

Cheers,
Paula

[BeHereNow]

Hi Lynne,

I hope you are having a great day! Let's look at what you call "consciousness".

Can you describe what consciousness is?

If you Look deeply, can you catch the moment when "consciousness" acts through humans?

Looking forward to your answers, Lynne!

Have a wonderful day :-)

Cheers,
Paula

[Lindylou]

Hi Paula

Happy Wednesday!

Can you describe what consciousness is?

How do you describe something that is indescribable?
It is what is always here, formless, infinite, intelligent, divine, alive, being, presence, awareness.
If it had a colour it could be seen everywhere, like a vibrating mist (but thats the wrong word) and whilst formless it can also take the form of all things - humans, trees, cars, the space in between them, everything. Nowhere it isnt.

If you Look deeply, can you catch the moment when "consciousness" acts through humans?

There is no such moment. It is continuous, a flow. It is always here.

Thanks Paula

Lynne

[BeHereNow]

Thank you, Lynne! I will let you know if there is anything else.

Have a beautiful day :-)

Lots of love,
Paula

[BeHereNow]

Hi Lynne,

I hope you had a lovely weekend!

Your work now is to move beyond intellectual understanding to a truly experiential, day to day understanding through deeply Looking in the present moment. Please continue to observe and investigate present moment experience and explain it based on that knowledge. As soon as you start to try to understand or conceptualize, come back to what you are actually experiencing.

Let's try a few more questions:


Does what you call “awareness” exist?

Whether yes or no, what is it that you experience that some people call "awareness"? What does it look like and feel like to you?

Could you please tell me what “consciousness” is in your everyday life? Please describe it in mundane words, based on clear examples.

Thanks so much, Lynne! Have a beautiful day!

Cheers,
Paula