Feet first (or should it be head first?)

[jrm72]

Morning Vince,

I've stopped reading every book about awakening thatbI can lay my hands on and stepped back from most other stuff, meditation etc. But unable to drop seeking completely. Three things remain, on a practical level - I fall asleep listening to a relevant podcast, I post here everyday, and I attend a meeting on Sundays. I could drop the podcast, but if I drop the other two, I feel (think) that I would be lost and there would be no possibility of 'seeing' (for want of a better word).


J❤️🖖

[vinceschubert]

Good evening James,

I would be lost and there would be no possibility of 'seeing' (for want of a better word).

That's a story. How do you know?
I'm not suggesting that you do it, but do you see that you created a story and believe it?
It takes skill for a golfer to be lucky enough to get a hole in one.

vince

[jrm72]

Hey Vince,

I would be lost and there would be no possibility of 'seeing' (for want of a better word).
That's a story. How do you know?
I'm not suggesting that you do it, but do you see that you created a story and believe it?
It takes skill for a golfer to be lucky enough to get a hole in one.

Yes, once you point it out, it's obviously a story 🙂
Love the golfer analogy.


J❤️🖖

[vinceschubert]

it's obviously a story

So, assuming that you had control and couod choose how to respond, what would be a 'good' response to a story?

vince

[jrm72]

Morning Vince,

it's obviously a story
So, assuming that you had control and couod choose how to respond, what would be a 'good' response to a story?

It's a story so I can enjoy it if I like it or stop "reading it" if I don't.
Either way it can be put on the bookshelf to go back to or in the bin.
I can laugh or cry, it's up to "me". (Not sure what the hell "I" and "me" are referring to anymore).


J❤️🤣

[vinceschubert]

James,

So, assuming that you had control and could choose how to respond, what would be a 'good' response to a story?

It's a story so I can enjoy it if I like it or stop "reading it" if I don't.

Ok, so now assuming that you don't have control, etc. How did you respond?

vince

[jrm72]

Hey Vince,

Ok, so now assuming that you don't have control, etc. How did you respond?

Because the story was mildly depressing, I responded with body contractions and associated negative emotions, making the story feel more real.


When you pointed out it was a story, there was a sense of release and freedom in the new story - the story of the other story being a story.


J❤️😂

[jrm72]

Morning Vince,

On a completely practical level, how does this all relate to waking up with a stiff back.
I jest.
I did wake up, with a stiff back, but that's just the way things are.


J❤️

[jrm72]

Morning Vince,

Going to have coffee today with a friend who's having a hard time.
It feels (I think) it's me going to listen, even though there's an understanding that all this is just happening.


J❤️🖖

[jrm72]

Afternoon Vince,

Have been "looking" and trying to remove the labels, but everything just feels "sticky" today.


J❤️🖖

[vinceschubert]

'morn'n James, let's objectify a (possible) behaviour and call it a technique. Do this; whatever arises consider the details.
Hone in and magnify what is noticed, then pick one aspect and magnify that.
You will quickly get to the point where words are totally inadequate. Don't stop there.

everything just feels "sticky"

Of course, it becomes a private exploration. Impossible to share.
Is that "stickiness" experienced in a particular part of the body? (or not?)
Is it sticking to something?
is it stuck away from..?
Is it seen to be sticky?
Is it felt?
Is "everything" identifiable?
Is it actually everything? ..or just something?
Does "sticky" change as you do this?

v

[jrm72]

Wow.

[jrm72]

Ps: Feel the need to add a little more to my last post.

The amount of detail that comes up when I look and apply your suggested method, as well as trying to answer all the questions about "sticky", is overwhelming.


J❤️🖖

[vinceschubert]

Ok, let's look at "overwhelming"...
Is that "overwhelming" experienced in a particular part of the body? (or not?)
Is overwhelming a reaction to something?
is it the overwhelm away from..?
Is it seen to be overwhelming?
Is it felt?
Is it actually the amount of detail? ..or a story about what it means?
Does "overwhelming" change as you do this?

[jrm72]

Morning Vince,

When looking, "Overwhelming" is just another story, and yes everytime a story is recognised it changes/dissipates.

Another story is the one where I'm fed up with stories.

Another story is there feels like there's no end in sight.

Serious question - how do you know when your not telling yourself stories?


J❤️🤣