Truth

[Anastacia42]

You're welcome, Chuck.

Good. Glad you're getting it.

Just one: "uncomfortable" is also a label, is it not?

This takes it a little farther:

Friend/Stranger

Bring up a thought about a character labeled "friend."

Then bring up a thought about a character labeled "stranger."

Compare these thoughts.

Is there a difference in these thoughts?

Is there a true difference or is it just different content?

Now, bring up a thought about a character labeled "friend."

After that, look at a thought about the character labelled "me.”

Is there a difference?

Is there anything special about thoughts with the content "me-character?"

Let me know what is found.

Labeling the day, the Sensations, etc. does nothing to reduce their beauty or joy, but can hide them from our awareness.

Loving,

~ Stacy

[ChuckV]

Just one: "uncomfortable" is also a label, is it not?

Yes it is. Using language in this case can be tricky sometimes!

Bring up a thought about a character labeled "friend."

Then bring up a thought about a character labeled "stranger."

Compare these thoughts.

Is there a difference in these thoughts?

Is there a true difference or is it just different content?

I couldn't see any difference. The content was definitely different but they felt the same.

Now, bring up a thought about a character labeled "friend."

After that, look at a thought about the character labelled "me.”

Is there a difference?

Is there anything special about thoughts with the content "me-character?"

Let me know what is found.

Again I didn't notice any difference. Only thing was it was easier to bring up a thought about me and continue with that thought. But other than that they both felt like thoughts that I was observing.

Thank you,

Chuck

[Anastacia42]

Good! Now we understand that labels change nothing, try this one:


Stream Exercise

Imagine for a moment a scene, one of a little mountain stream which is tumbling down a hillside gully, not far from its source. It has been raining and so the level is quite high.

Consider in your mind's eye, if you can, how it flows to the right over a little rock (where, had the level been lower, it would probably have gone around the rock), then the flow goes to the left over a tree bow, and then slows a little in a broader place, before splashing over a small cascade into a pool, and so on down the mountain side.

Does it choose any of its directions? Is it even really a separate entity different from the water deposited in it, the rocks, the depressions in the ground etc? Is it even the same entity moment by moment, or more the product of weather conditions and water, like an ever-changing pattern?

1. Can you find anywhere where "Chuck" autonomously intervenes into life, choosing something that is not the product of all the elements; that is not a part of the overall flow?

2. Now please consider a regular decision made eg; what to wear in the morning, or what to eat for lunch, and describe to me what happens. There are environmental factors, there are colour preferences (but where did those come from - any autonomous intervention there perhaps?), practical issues (such as what is available), available time for preparation, purpose (eg; need to fill up for the day, or to look hip and cool for that person!) etc.

Where in there is an autonomous entity intervening in the flow of life? Can you find someone somewhere?

3. Can anything be found for which 'Chuck' is responsible – if so responsible to what and for what?

As always, relax & have fun!

Loving,

~ Stacy

[ChuckV]

Does it choose any of its directions? Is it even really a separate entity different from the water deposited in it, the rocks, the depressions in the ground etc? Is it even the same entity moment by moment, or more the product of weather conditions and water, like an ever-changing pattern?

No, its directions are determined by what's around it.

If you look at it in isolation it seems like a seperate entity that we can call a stream of water. But really it is really a product of all the things contained it, as well as around it, because if it wasn't for those things being the way they are it wouldn't exist the way it is. For example it may flow a different way if the depressions in the ground were different or it may not flow at all.

It is also changing moment to moment as the weather conditions etc change.

1. Can you find anywhere where "Chuck" autonomously intervenes into life, choosing something that is not the product of all the elements; that is not a part of the overall flow?

This was tricky. It feels like Chuck makes decisions and take action etc. But when I look at it closely the decisions are determined by a lot of factors which I don't think I consciously consider when making the decisions and taking action.

Only case I can think of would be like a long term decision like changing jobs or buying a car etc - where Chuck would weigh up the pros and cons of a decision and then pick. But even then it almost is done by feel - like looking at the pros and cons generates a feeling towards one choice over the other. I can also see how external things may be influencing the choice.

So again it is hard for me to think of an example where Chuck is the sole decider - because you can only decide on what's possible to deicide on and that is determined by a variety of factors.

2. Now please consider a regular decision made eg; what to wear in the morning, or what to eat for lunch, and describe to me what happens. There are environmental factors, there are colour preferences (but where did those come from - any autonomous intervention there perhaps?), practical issues (such as what is available), available time for preparation, purpose (eg; need to fill up for the day, or to look hip and cool for that person!) etc.

Where in there is an autonomous entity intervening in the flow of life? Can you find someone somewhere?

What to wear - what the weather is plays a major role. Then what is available that is clean. Out of what is available there will be a preference for one over the other. This preference almost feels like a habit like I have worn this before and I like the way it looks better than the other choice so I'll pick that. Hard to say if its autonomous - maybe someone told me that it looked good on me and so I'm conditioned that way. Or I have an affinity to a certain colour - I don't know why this is.

It feels like I make some choices but I can't say its intervening in the flow of life. Because the flow of life determines what choices I have. So there isn't an autonomous entity that is intervening, the flow happens.

3. Can anything be found for which 'Chuck' is responsible – if so responsible to what and for what?

Chuck is responsible for the way in which he responds to things/events/people in life. Chuck has no control over what happens in life, how people treat you etc but he is responsible for responding appropriately when needed - this response could even be to do nothing.

[ChuckV]

Stacy,
Thank you once again for taking your time to help people like me get to get this. Forgot to say it and hit submit too excitedly in the last post!

[Anastacia42]

Hi Chuck.

You're welcome.

You're still using logic & not LOOKING.

Please explain EXACTLY how any person called "Chuck" decides or intends a thing.

Do this exercise again. Let go of thinking & believing thinking & carefully observe. Don't be afraid to admit no one is in control & you are responsible for nothing at all.

LOOK

Spend some time with this. Allow yourself to SEE not think. Relax. Enjoy the ride.

Loving,
Stacy

[ChuckV]

Hi Stacy,

I see what you mean. It was all logical thought based answers.

LOOK

I will do this. Just to clarify - you mean look in my direct experience? That is the only place right? As we have done before with previous exercises.

Don't be afraid to admit no one is in control & you are responsible for nothing at all.

I am not afraid of this, I want this to be true! I just want to see it for myself, not add another belief ( I guess that is a fear though!)

I will take some time and get back to you.

Thank you,

Chuck

[Anastacia42]

Hi Chuck,

This...

This is how to LOOK for no self in the exercises - we call them "pointers' - that we will be doing here:

Colored Socks

There is a big difference between knowing that there is nothing to give up and seeing that there is nothing to give up.

Here is an example to illustrate the difference:

If I ask you what color socks you are wearing right now you have two ways to come up with an answer:

• You can think about it, you can think back to this morning and try to remember putting your socks on, and you can probably tell me what color you think they are.

• Alternatively, you can take a quick look at your socks and tell me what color they actually are!

Hopefully you would agree that you can only be 100% certain by looking.

For the purpose of seeing this "no self" idea, it is very important that you are clear about this difference.

Knowing is about knowledge which is all in the mind and we are not interested in that

We are only interested in looking at and seeing what is actually going on in your present moment-to-moment experience. We are only interested in your Direct Experience in the moment..

Direct or Actual Experience is

Seeing
Hearing
Feeling (Sensation, not emotion. Emotion is Sensation plus made-up thoughts & labels)
Tasting
Smelling
Thoughts Arising (but not their content)

Relax.

Loving,

~ Stacy

[ChuckV]

Hi Stacy,

Does it choose any of its directions? Is it even really a separate entity different from the water deposited in it, the rocks, the depressions in the ground etc? Is it even the same entity moment by moment, or more the product of weather conditions and water, like an ever-changing pattern?

This I can see. I see that the mountain, the stream, the water, the rocks are all one thing. It is just what is seen. Changing from moment to moment. The mind likes to label stream, rocks, water etc and focus on the parts of it, but they are just labels or thoughts. It is all one thing when you look without going into thoughts.

1. Can you find anywhere where "Chuck" autonomously intervenes into life, choosing something that is not the product of all the elements; that is not a part of the overall flow?

2. Now please consider a regular decision made eg; what to wear in the morning, or what to eat for lunch, and describe to me what happens. There are environmental factors, there are colour preferences (but where did those come from - any autonomous intervention there perhaps?), practical issues (such as what is available), available time for preparation, purpose (eg; need to fill up for the day, or to look hip and cool for that person!) etc.

Where in there is an autonomous entity intervening in the flow of life? Can you find someone somewhere?

3. Can anything be found for which 'Chuck' is responsible – if so responsible to what and for what?

I have been looking at every day things. When I look directly - there are just things happening. I walked across the room. I sat down etc I cannot see anyone that makes those decisions. When I look back after a thought will say something about it.

There are also times where there is a thought about doing something e.g doing dishes. But when I get up to go and do that I can't see anyone who decided it should be right there and then.

But it is not as clear as the stream exercise. I can see clearly with objects like this computer that I don't know what it is. Computer is a label, it is made of metal, glass etc but they are all labels and so on. So I can look at everything and see a bunch of labels and but not really know what it is.

Am I not seeing as clear with the self as there is nothing physical to look at ? When I look like this I sometimes feel pressure around my head, jaws etc and things Im seeing look different ( I don't know how to explain it, like they are glimmering or something) and I can hear a static sound. Its quite enjoyable, I'll keep looking as I want to see it more clearly.

Thank you,

Chuck

[Anastacia42]

Hi Chuck,

Am I not seeing as clear with the self as there is nothing physical to look at ?

WHAT "self?"

Is there anything to look at at all?

when I get up to go and do that I can't see anyone who decided it should be right there and then.

Correct. No "self." No deciding, none of that. Yes, it is all a made up story.

When I look like this I sometimes feel pressure around my head, jaws etc and things Im seeing look different ( I don't know how to explain it, like they are glimmering or something) and I can hear a static sound. Its quite enjoyable,

Yes! True seeing changes everything. I call it glowing. Yes, glimmering. Yes, very enjoyable!

That is how it feels to see no "self."

Continue until you're certain that there is no self to make any decisions or have any free will, etc.

Here's a pointer that can help:

Explore ‘Sense of Self’

Let’s say that you have lost your keys and you swear that you left them in your coat. You go to look and check all the pockets - the keys are not there. You swear they must be as that was the last place you remember them. You have a vivid memory of putting them there after you left the house. But when you check they are not there. At this point you can keep believing that the keys are in your pocket, or you can admit you were mistaken.

This is just like that. You may see clearly that the self is an illusion but still feel a sense of self - just like the keys. But feeling something to be true and seeing that it is or is not is different. This is why we may find ourselves coming back to your expectations at the start and at the end.

Now, I’d like to ask you to explore this SENSE of self very-very thoroughly. Not by thinking about it, but by FEELING it. Keep the focus of attention on the sense of self and inquire:

Does the sense of self have a location?

Does the sense of self have a shape or a size?

Does the sense of self say or communicate anything?

If the answer is yes, how does the sense do this exactly?

Does the sense of self have any characteristics or attributes?

What is the sense of self ‘made of’? An image? Sound? Taste? Smell? Sensation? Thought?

What is found?

Loving,

~ Stacy

[Anastacia42]

Hi again,

I want to invite you to one our Zoom meetings (again?)

Our next one is: July 4, 2022 05:00 AM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

Then fortnightly

Jul 4, 2022 05:00 AM
Jul 18, 2022 05:00 AM
Aug 1, 2022 05:00 AM
Aug 15, 2022 05:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting here

Meeting ID: Passcode: 083035" original_font_attr="-1" original_line_height_attr="" style="">869 9148 5768
Passcode: 083035

If this doesn't come out with a link, PM me your email & I'll forward the link.

Use https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter

to find the correct time for your timezone.

Much love,
Stacy

[Anastacia42]

That link isn't there. Email vinceschubert@gmail.com to get the right link.

Or maybe you're already on his email list.

Thanks,
Stacy

[ChuckV]

Hi Stacy,

WHAT "self?"

Is there anything to look at at all?

No there is not anything I can see.

You may see clearly that the self is an illusion but still feel a sense of self - just like the keys. But feeling something to be true and seeing that it is or is not is different. This is why we may find ourselves coming back to your expectations at the start and at the end.

This! this is where I feel I am. I cant find a self anywhere I look but I still feel like there is a self. This is not constant though - Sometimes when I'm really focused on DE then its clear and I can look at my hands/legs and they dont feel like they are 'mine'. There is sort of a lightness feeling but it doesnt last.

Does the sense of self have a location?

Not that I can find

Does the sense of self have a shape or a size?

No

Does the sense of self say or communicate anything?

If the answer is yes, how does the sense do this exactly?

Sometimes it feels like it if get lost in thoughts for a moment but they are just thoughts, so no it doesnt say anything.

Does the sense of self have any characteristics or attributes?

Thoughts try and give it attributes and charecteristics but I can see this is just a thought story.

What is the sense of self ‘made of’? An image? Sound? Taste? Smell? Sensation? Thought?

Not any of those.

What is found?

Nothing but a bunch of thoughts.

I'll keep working on it - there is still something not quite letting go fully. I dont know if it has to do with my expectations, I feel like once its clear then I would know and I should trust my instinct on that rather than think about it.

That link isn't there. Email vinceschubert@gmail.com to get the right link.

Thank you for that, I would be keen but its an awkward time for me. Perhaps on a Monday when I dont have work I can attend. I'll email and get added to list in any case.

Thank you,

Chuck

[Anastacia42]

Hi Chuck,

I dont know if it has to do with my expectations, I feel like once its clear then I would know and I should trust my instinct on that rather than think about it.

There is sort of a lightness feeling

When I look like this I sometimes feel pressure around my head, jaws etc and things Im seeing look different ( I don't know how to explain it, like they are glimmering or something) and I can hear a static sound. Its quite enjoyable,
Yes! True seeing changes everything. I call it glowing. Yes, glimmering. Yes, very enjoyable!

That is how it feels to see no "self."

Yes, nothing but expectations. Thoughts about how it should be.

Can you see how that is just thinking and not what is SEEN?

Did I send these already? This is where you are. It could be like this for years. That doesn't mean you haven't seen. It only means you are stuck in a fantasy about what that should look like. You can stay there forever or you can question your expectations.

https://youtu.be/vJQcD588g2w

and

https://youtu.be/PUDzrCLlrj4

Loving,
Stacy

[ChuckV]

Hi Stacy,

Can you see how that is just thinking and not what is SEEN?

Yes when I look I can see that. But it takes effort and I'm not always looking. This is known to me now though, and whether a thought comes up to question it or not doesn't really matter.
I'll just keep looking in different situations so it becomes clearer and clearer. Ilona talks about staying rooted in your being in that video? Have you got any tips to do that ? Is there something I can use as an anchor? Does it get to a place where it becomes natural to always look ?

Thank you,

Chuck