Regarding samadhi, my suggestion is: Meditate and concentrate as much as you wish, but without an idea of creating future change in the mind, just do it when you want the effects it has right away, or as a way to pay attention to what is going on.
And do this exercise:
Introductory Body Exercise
Sit with eyes closed for about 15-25 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 - the 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.
It’s already present
Re: It’s already present
With love,
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Re: It’s already present
Hi, I’m sorry for not answering yesterday. Maybe let’s talk about it in therapy…I had a busy day but trying to put it into words here fails
Anyway:
Regarding tall, weight, and shape. It’s funny, I know from my studies about proprioception, which is the ability to know my bodies location. So I feel like the knowledge of this ability is intertwined with the experience. I feel like when I’m doing it on a small bit, like a finger, it has a shape and length… but for the whole body, sometimes when closing my eyes it feel endless, shapeless. But it doesn’t feel like one is more real than the other.
Regarding boundaries, I’m not sure. When using my head, sure there is a boundary, when moving my feet… but only in direct experience as you say, I don’t know. I’m really looking carefully but right now I’m either thinking of boundaries or thinking about how it should feel like no-boundaries.
Inside and outside. Sometimes lately when looking at my body it just feels like part of the image, so outside. But that too feels like an illusion a bit… sound and sensation have a pretty clear boundary as to being inside or outside. But again, looking at my body makes it feel more surreal in a way.
The word body… this triggers something emotionally. It suddenly feels now that this body captures everything so it is everything. Ideas about this and experience are mixed up.
I also notice a patience growing. Being here not knowing about the body is fine. Thank you very much.
Anyway:
Regarding tall, weight, and shape. It’s funny, I know from my studies about proprioception, which is the ability to know my bodies location. So I feel like the knowledge of this ability is intertwined with the experience. I feel like when I’m doing it on a small bit, like a finger, it has a shape and length… but for the whole body, sometimes when closing my eyes it feel endless, shapeless. But it doesn’t feel like one is more real than the other.
Regarding boundaries, I’m not sure. When using my head, sure there is a boundary, when moving my feet… but only in direct experience as you say, I don’t know. I’m really looking carefully but right now I’m either thinking of boundaries or thinking about how it should feel like no-boundaries.
Inside and outside. Sometimes lately when looking at my body it just feels like part of the image, so outside. But that too feels like an illusion a bit… sound and sensation have a pretty clear boundary as to being inside or outside. But again, looking at my body makes it feel more surreal in a way.
The word body… this triggers something emotionally. It suddenly feels now that this body captures everything so it is everything. Ideas about this and experience are mixed up.
I also notice a patience growing. Being here not knowing about the body is fine. Thank you very much.
Re: It’s already present
Awesome with the patience 🌼
Regarding the body exercise. It's clearly hard for you to differentiate sensations from thoughts, includ
Regarding the body exercise. It's clearly hard for you to differentiate sensations from thoughts, includ
With love,
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Re: It’s already present
Ups.
Including the theoretical knowledge you have, which is very useful for conventional life. But here it's all about separating direct sensation from ideas (body images, body.maps), many of which function high speed automatic below the threshold of conventional thinking. This is normal.
Investigate more. Sit on a chair and just feel the area where butt meets chair. Is there a boundary that can be felt in direct experience? What is directly felt and what is images and thoughts added to direct experience?
Including the theoretical knowledge you have, which is very useful for conventional life. But here it's all about separating direct sensation from ideas (body images, body.maps), many of which function high speed automatic below the threshold of conventional thinking. This is normal.
Investigate more. Sit on a chair and just feel the area where butt meets chair. Is there a boundary that can be felt in direct experience? What is directly felt and what is images and thoughts added to direct experience?
With love,
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Re: It’s already present
Looking very closely at where I meet the chair/ sofa, and it just felt like if there is an inside and an outside, then we’re not in the same world, me and the sofa. But if I feel it then it feels like we’re all in the same world and there is no in and out. It lasted a second, but it felt like it’s all out there in a way - body and chair. Right now I’m feeling like the fact that I can move my body makes a difference- I see that that’s a thought but it works on me for the time being
Thank you for the book, and for writing to me.
I read the first sentence (the truth is that there is just no self) and closed it immediately:) still panicking a bit. Something about this way of speaking directly really shuts me (usually I use humor to hide it). I know I say this a lot, but just to explore this more maybe. I’m also excited and going to read it further, of course. Just sharing.
Thank you for the book, and for writing to me.
I read the first sentence (the truth is that there is just no self) and closed it immediately:) still panicking a bit. Something about this way of speaking directly really shuts me (usually I use humor to hide it). I know I say this a lot, but just to explore this more maybe. I’m also excited and going to read it further, of course. Just sharing.
Re: It’s already present
Regarding the fear: Ask it what it wants to protect. Just listen to it, write about it if you want, give it space. After giving it ample space listening look what is behind it. What is it actually referring to, behind the stories?
Regarding butt-chair: Simplify. Don't add new elements like movement. Just see that the mental images and thoughts are not direct experience. So is there a border in direct experience of the sensations?
Regarding butt-chair: Simplify. Don't add new elements like movement. Just see that the mental images and thoughts are not direct experience. So is there a border in direct experience of the sensations?
With love,
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Re: It’s already present
In direct experience border doesn’t mean anything… sometime it feels like it’s all inside, sometime it feels like it’s all outside. But I guess that the question feels more inaccurate when looking more and more closely.
About the fear. I come to write about it and it’s just not the day for it. It’s here, but it feels really dull and widespread. So it’s not really answering these questions today. I’m
Still trying to just feel it for now. I’ll try again tomorrow
I’m having these moments in the past few days where the body is doing normal stuff - brushing teeth, locking the door, and I’m looking if there is a self needed to do these tasks. Or simply - feeling like that is just that.
Thank you very much. I’m feeling the process unfolding in so many ways… and also just one basically.
About the fear. I come to write about it and it’s just not the day for it. It’s here, but it feels really dull and widespread. So it’s not really answering these questions today. I’m
Still trying to just feel it for now. I’ll try again tomorrow
I’m having these moments in the past few days where the body is doing normal stuff - brushing teeth, locking the door, and I’m looking if there is a self needed to do these tasks. Or simply - feeling like that is just that.
Thank you very much. I’m feeling the process unfolding in so many ways… and also just one basically.
Re: It’s already present
Wonderful!
Play with this exercise today:
Write a sequence of numbers. See how each number emerge. What controls it? Where does it come from?
If a logical sequence emerges, what chose this particular logic to come about? If the sequence is broken, what/how was that chosen?
Write me what is experienced.
Shabbat shalom 🤍
Play with this exercise today:
Write a sequence of numbers. See how each number emerge. What controls it? Where does it come from?
If a logical sequence emerges, what chose this particular logic to come about? If the sequence is broken, what/how was that chosen?
Write me what is experienced.
Shabbat shalom 🤍
With love,
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Re: It’s already present
I don’t really know…
I’m doing it and the numbers just flow… like even when I’m saying them in my head or not saying them and just writing them, they appear to be more “nothing”. Also the thought saying (now let’s do random numbers, or the same number each time, or a sequence), where did that come from?
It’s also interesting to move between watching these numbers appear and being part of it. Like I feel I can “distance” myself a bit to look at them, or be more “involved” in a way that feels like normal thinking.
I see where this is going - no control even in apparent control. But still something feels like control. It seems to lie deeper than the thought.
I’m doing it and the numbers just flow… like even when I’m saying them in my head or not saying them and just writing them, they appear to be more “nothing”. Also the thought saying (now let’s do random numbers, or the same number each time, or a sequence), where did that come from?
It’s also interesting to move between watching these numbers appear and being part of it. Like I feel I can “distance” myself a bit to look at them, or be more “involved” in a way that feels like normal thinking.
I see where this is going - no control even in apparent control. But still something feels like control. It seems to lie deeper than the thought.
Re: It’s already present
"seeing where this is going" doesn't matter at all. We both know that. What matters is only that you actually look here and now while doing the exercise, and when you actually look and find no self and no doer, answer/write from "that place". The excercise is experiential. If the response is analytical/ego, this is to be seen, let go of, and then answer from the place of seeing.
Do the numbers exercise again and answer only what is seen, clear and to the point.
Also, write what feelings come up about what is seen. Again analysis and ideas about how it works and doesnt work are not the point, they are ego. Just feel and share what is direct feelt/seen.
Do the numbers exercise again and answer only what is seen, clear and to the point.
Also, write what feelings come up about what is seen. Again analysis and ideas about how it works and doesnt work are not the point, they are ego. Just feel and share what is direct feelt/seen.
With love,
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Re: It’s already present
I’m really looking. When a sequence emerges, then it’s just running alone. Then a thought form saying something needs to be different and I change the number. I’m not sure where does it come from neither. Emotionally, it’s something with a need to choose something more unique, but where does that, or the thought come from? I’m looking and I’m not sure. It’s so familiar but so nothing.
I’m actually feeling an anger doing this exercise again. I’m just looking and I’m not sure where to look, perhaps. I see how this is ego speaking, but I feel a bit stuck here.
I’m writing numbers, looking at them form, looking at them go.
I’m actually feeling an anger doing this exercise again. I’m just looking and I’m not sure where to look, perhaps. I see how this is ego speaking, but I feel a bit stuck here.
I’m writing numbers, looking at them form, looking at them go.
Re: It’s already present
"It's so familiar but so nothing."
Yes! Orient to that, if you stay with that what happens? If you take many short moments of just resting there, letting go of all efforts to understand, experience something else, change anything, then what happens?
Do it many times, just for split seconds or as long as its natural, don't try to maintain it or prolong it.
Anger and other feelings, feel them, and then look to where do they come from and what/who do they refer to?
On the human level, as we spoke of, we are all a work in progress and sometimes I will not understand you or guide you optimally. Lets aim to learn from that and have that be part of the discovery and growth.
Yes! Orient to that, if you stay with that what happens? If you take many short moments of just resting there, letting go of all efforts to understand, experience something else, change anything, then what happens?
Do it many times, just for split seconds or as long as its natural, don't try to maintain it or prolong it.
Anger and other feelings, feel them, and then look to where do they come from and what/who do they refer to?
On the human level, as we spoke of, we are all a work in progress and sometimes I will not understand you or guide you optimally. Lets aim to learn from that and have that be part of the discovery and growth.
With love,
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Re: It’s already present
I took many small breaks yesterday orienting to the “so familiar so nothing” quality. It just feels more and more like the body is on its own, or that I’m hovering above it in a way.
It just feels like I really know what being is like, but I can’t grasp it. And for split seconds I can stay in that.
Regarding feeling, I look at them and they just are. Being. When you’re asking what do they refer to - all I have is the thought level of “why am I angry”, which usually can also make sense or be useful. But I guess you mean something more simple, that I don’t see right now.
It just feels like I really know what being is like, but I can’t grasp it. And for split seconds I can stay in that.
Regarding feeling, I look at them and they just are. Being. When you’re asking what do they refer to - all I have is the thought level of “why am I angry”, which usually can also make sense or be useful. But I guess you mean something more simple, that I don’t see right now.
Re: It’s already present
Sounds crystal clear.
Today ask your heart several times: what needs to be seen and felt with clarity and love and just see /feel what happens.
Write me what is seen.
Today ask your heart several times: what needs to be seen and felt with clarity and love and just see /feel what happens.
Write me what is seen.
With love,
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Elad
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
- Kahlil Gibran
One gets there by being there.
- Master Woof (Gilbert, Ta Hui)
Re: It’s already present
First of all a a lot of tears are coming. I’m feeling something, when looking with love and clarity, and I’m not sure what it is because I’m crying, but it doesn’t feel so bad either. It feels more clear, not in the way of understanding it more, but just clearer, just tears, not even emotion.
I have these glimpses lately of just being, maybe. Like I just saw earlier for a second an option of there being no self, and now there is fear rising writing this (and tears). It just felt like nothingness.
I found myself praying right now after asking your question again. To god. Saying I’m far more desperate then I admit, that life are unclear, fragmented, messy. Just asked to be shown the way home. It’s weird because even while saying this another voice said you don’t suffer that much, you don’t need a way home, or god for that matter. Intuitively, I feel I should believe the first. Yet it’s very hard, even illogical, to admit I’m that depressed. It hurts seeing this. I feel like again, there is a lot of depression I don’t even go into.
Love and clarity…
I have these glimpses lately of just being, maybe. Like I just saw earlier for a second an option of there being no self, and now there is fear rising writing this (and tears). It just felt like nothingness.
I found myself praying right now after asking your question again. To god. Saying I’m far more desperate then I admit, that life are unclear, fragmented, messy. Just asked to be shown the way home. It’s weird because even while saying this another voice said you don’t suffer that much, you don’t need a way home, or god for that matter. Intuitively, I feel I should believe the first. Yet it’s very hard, even illogical, to admit I’m that depressed. It hurts seeing this. I feel like again, there is a lot of depression I don’t even go into.
Love and clarity…
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