Hi Elad,
I have been going through a lot of mental and physical stress the last few weeks which has resulted in lots of attachments to thoughts. I began to believe that I was regressing or going backwards on my path bc I was getting sucked into the energy of the emotions and the physical pain. I believed that my sense of identity was so much stronger and therefore I was just not going to be able to wake up. And so much resistance to what was happening.
What a story huh? 🤣🤣
2 days ago I was sobbing and believing that I couldn't go on with this pain. 8 hours ago I was raging at my daughter.
I feel like I have been unconscious for the past few weeks and am seeing things clearly again. Right now I am just noticing everything. There is hot throbbing sensation called pain but no suffering thoughts. The anger is no longer here. There is just me lying in bed, typing to you. At this moment there is just allowing of whatever wants to show up. I don't feel like doing anything. I don't want to read, watch videos or work on investigating self. I just want to watch what is happening right here, right now.
I guess I'll write more when there is an urge to start investigating again.
I hope you are well and safe in your part of the world.
much love,
Sharon
Grateful for any help
Re: Grateful for any help
Dear Sharon, certainly in life sometimes what is most helpful is just attending caringly and lightly, dropping any other effort driven by ideas. I support you honoring that, whenever it feels natural.
Re relational challenges, I recently came upon this ChatGPT bot that has been trained in coaching Byron Katies "the work". If you haven't tried it yet, I am quite impressed with how clear it can be. Of course the quality of its responses depends on the quality and depth and breadth of information you feed it. If you wanna play with it:
https://chatgpt.com/g/g-tRFAZymCM-the-work
And when you feel ready, return to SIMPLE inquiry.
What is thinking the thoughts?
What is sensing the sensations?
Is there a separate self agent whatsover?
Warmth from here, may all being be safe, free from suffering
Re relational challenges, I recently came upon this ChatGPT bot that has been trained in coaching Byron Katies "the work". If you haven't tried it yet, I am quite impressed with how clear it can be. Of course the quality of its responses depends on the quality and depth and breadth of information you feed it. If you wanna play with it:
https://chatgpt.com/g/g-tRFAZymCM-the-work
And when you feel ready, return to SIMPLE inquiry.
What is thinking the thoughts?
What is sensing the sensations?
Is there a separate self agent whatsover?
Warmth from here, may all being be safe, free from suffering
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: Grateful for any help
Hi Elad and thank you for your kind response. I'm glad to see you are recommending the chatGPT. I mentioned to you last month that I had found a chatbot related to The Work and how it shifted my belief in 1 quick session. It's been updated since I first started using it to include the word Sweetheart in its responses. Now I feel like I am having a conversation with Byron Katie herself 😂. I've used it with much success over past month and love it.
I've noticed that when I inquire What notices thoughts?, What is thinking thoughts? What notices sensation?, the mind doesn't have an answer and thinking will stop for a few seconds. Thoughts are just here, sensations just here. My mind understands there is no entity that notices. I don't know how to inquire or look further than this. My inquiry shuts down. Any suggestions for what to do?
Thanks,
Sharon 🙏
I've noticed that when I inquire What notices thoughts?, What is thinking thoughts? What notices sensation?, the mind doesn't have an answer and thinking will stop for a few seconds. Thoughts are just here, sensations just here. My mind understands there is no entity that notices. I don't know how to inquire or look further than this. My inquiry shuts down. Any suggestions for what to do?
Thanks,
Sharon 🙏
Re: Grateful for any help
Oh nice :)
Inquiry:
Whose mind understands?
What stops for a few secounds?
Is there anything separate and controlling at all?
Inquiry:
Whose mind understands?
What stops for a few secounds?
Is there anything separate and controlling at all?
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: Grateful for any help
I thought you might enjoy this quote:
"The ephipany [seeing that self is just a thought - Elad] is an event. Then there is the mind's reaction to it. Claiming it. The mind says "I, this long-lasting independent separate entity, just had this spiritual experience." Yes? It just neutered the whole event by claiming it. The epiphany was not an experience you had, it was the absence of selfing! [or: It was seeing selfing for what it is - Elad].
- Paul Hedderman
Bottom line:
Every time you believe there is someone who sees or doesn't see clearly, look:
Does this someone actually exist? What does this someone who see/doesn't see actually refer to or consist of?
"The ephipany [seeing that self is just a thought - Elad] is an event. Then there is the mind's reaction to it. Claiming it. The mind says "I, this long-lasting independent separate entity, just had this spiritual experience." Yes? It just neutered the whole event by claiming it. The epiphany was not an experience you had, it was the absence of selfing! [or: It was seeing selfing for what it is - Elad].
- Paul Hedderman
Bottom line:
Every time you believe there is someone who sees or doesn't see clearly, look:
Does this someone actually exist? What does this someone who see/doesn't see actually refer to or consist of?
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: Grateful for any help
Hi Sharon, hope you are okay, with several big changes in your part of the world. You have not answered the last questions for quite a long time. How are tings, how is inquiry? And what is your understanding of the absence?
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: Grateful for any help
Hi Elad,
I've questioned why I have not been writing. There is still selfing. I have not seen through the illusion. There is still seeking but a more relaxed way. I have been looking closely at thought. Where does it come from, where is it known. Who/what is knowing it. What is here before thought. And being with emotions when they arise. Lots of situations where emotions are arising. Lucky me! I say that jokingly, but I am lucky for the opportunities to see what is wanting to be seen.
I am leaving today for a 7 day silent retreat with Angelo D. My oldest dtr had a very vivid dream yesterday that I died. It was very intense for her. My younger dtr had a dream that I was gifted a killer whale and a polar bear. Two animals that she considers deadly, I guess. I am amused by their dreams and secretly hoping they are foretelling the death of "Sharon". My sense of self is strengthened by the beliefs about their needs. Their needs for their mom. I really am ready to drop that.
So we'll see what, if anything, happens.
Hope you are well.
Thanks for all the help you provide to me and others.
Very grateful for your time.
❤️ Sharon
I've questioned why I have not been writing. There is still selfing. I have not seen through the illusion. There is still seeking but a more relaxed way. I have been looking closely at thought. Where does it come from, where is it known. Who/what is knowing it. What is here before thought. And being with emotions when they arise. Lots of situations where emotions are arising. Lucky me! I say that jokingly, but I am lucky for the opportunities to see what is wanting to be seen.
I am leaving today for a 7 day silent retreat with Angelo D. My oldest dtr had a very vivid dream yesterday that I died. It was very intense for her. My younger dtr had a dream that I was gifted a killer whale and a polar bear. Two animals that she considers deadly, I guess. I am amused by their dreams and secretly hoping they are foretelling the death of "Sharon". My sense of self is strengthened by the beliefs about their needs. Their needs for their mom. I really am ready to drop that.
So we'll see what, if anything, happens.
Hope you are well.
Thanks for all the help you provide to me and others.
Very grateful for your time.
❤️ Sharon
Re: Grateful for any help
Thank you for your beautiful sharing Sharon. Glad you touch space.
What is believed to be me?
What is the sense of self? What is it refering to?
Is there a thinker in the thinking?
Is there a doer in the doing?
Is there a seer in the seeing?
When it is seen again and again that "I" is an empty spaceholder, how is the illusion maintained?
Etc etc
Just keep at it. Sooner or later, when you keep sincerely looking and inquiring, sooner or later the illusion will be seen with full clarity.
Please write about your experiences at the retreat when "you come out on the other side". I am curious! I am sure it will be valuable.
Love from here.
This is actually very helpful, that you are clear on that. It means you can continue to look:There is still selfing. I have not seen through the illusion. There is still seeking but a more relaxed way.
What is believed to be me?
What is the sense of self? What is it refering to?
Is there a thinker in the thinking?
Is there a doer in the doing?
Is there a seer in the seeing?
When it is seen again and again that "I" is an empty spaceholder, how is the illusion maintained?
Etc etc
Just keep at it. Sooner or later, when you keep sincerely looking and inquiring, sooner or later the illusion will be seen with full clarity.
Please write about your experiences at the retreat when "you come out on the other side". I am curious! I am sure it will be valuable.
Love from here.
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: Grateful for any help
Merry Christmas! What new?
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: Grateful for any help
Happy New Year Elad!
There is excitement and curiosity for what will show up next in the new year. Fear arises when there are thoughts about situations that have to be dealt with. But I allow the fear. Right now there is clarity that what is happening is just being seen and heard. There is no I that is seeing or hearing. There is no I that has to figure things out.
At the retreat, a lot of emotions came up that I was able to welcome and be with. There was a great sense of peace at times. Realization occurred that doubt is just a thought.
At this time, there are no questions. I'm just sitting here looking around, waiting for something to arise to share but...nothing lol.
Thank you for checking in! As always, feedback or questions are welcome.
Much love,
Sharon
There is excitement and curiosity for what will show up next in the new year. Fear arises when there are thoughts about situations that have to be dealt with. But I allow the fear. Right now there is clarity that what is happening is just being seen and heard. There is no I that is seeing or hearing. There is no I that has to figure things out.
At the retreat, a lot of emotions came up that I was able to welcome and be with. There was a great sense of peace at times. Realization occurred that doubt is just a thought.
At this time, there are no questions. I'm just sitting here looking around, waiting for something to arise to share but...nothing lol.
Thank you for checking in! As always, feedback or questions are welcome.
Much love,
Sharon
Re: Grateful for any help
Lovely to hear this Sharon!
Can you describe the difference between when you and I started corresponding here and now? And if there was a particular moment where the difference came about?
Can you describe the difference between when you and I started corresponding here and now? And if there was a particular moment where the difference came about?
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: Grateful for any help
Also, you speak about that you were able to welcome and be with feelings at the retreat. What is it that is able to do that, what is acting to manage emotions, welcome feelings?
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: Grateful for any help
Ah yes - great pointers/questions. Who is allowing the fear? Who/what is allowing/managing the emotions at the retreat? Looking at this, i guess it is the awareness of the feeling. There is just awareness of a sensation then a reaction of crying but no story gets attached to it. There is no ownership or resistance to the feeling.
I know there is no self. I have no experience of a self. However, there is not a major shift in my identity. Nothing is different really. There was no event that defined a change. After the retreat I got very sick. For a over a week I could do nothing but sit and stare. There were few thoughts and the body was just doing its thing to get better. Something happened during the two weeks but I can't really say what. There is such difficulty right now writing all this bc what if anything is different? It feels different but I can't explain how.
I don't know what to work on now. Mostly trusting that what is needed will show up. Sometimes frustrated that a big shift hasn't occurred. Do you have any suggestions? I know it will be hard because I've given you almost no information lol. I probably shouldn't start writing when I am in bed and so tired.
Thanks Elad.
I know there is no self. I have no experience of a self. However, there is not a major shift in my identity. Nothing is different really. There was no event that defined a change. After the retreat I got very sick. For a over a week I could do nothing but sit and stare. There were few thoughts and the body was just doing its thing to get better. Something happened during the two weeks but I can't really say what. There is such difficulty right now writing all this bc what if anything is different? It feels different but I can't explain how.
I don't know what to work on now. Mostly trusting that what is needed will show up. Sometimes frustrated that a big shift hasn't occurred. Do you have any suggestions? I know it will be hard because I've given you almost no information lol. I probably shouldn't start writing when I am in bed and so tired.
Thanks Elad.
Re: Grateful for any help
Ah yes - great pointers/questions. Who is allowing the fear? Who/what is allowing/managing the emotions at the retreat? Looking at this, i guess it is the awareness of the feeling. There is just awareness of a sensation then a reaction of crying but no story gets attached to it. There is no ownership or resistance to the feeling.
When you say "who" rather then "what" it seems to entail a someone... Is there anything indicating that there is a "who"?
Also...
Can awareness that "meets" the feeling be found in direct experience?
Can awareness that is in any way separate from experience be found?
Your wording "I guess" is a tell tale that thinking rather then looking is taking place...
I know there is no self. I have no experience of a self. However, there is not a major shift in my identity. Nothing is different really. There was no event that defined a change.
What knows that there is no self, how is it known?
How is the difference between belief and seeing experienced?
After the retreat I got very sick. For a over a week I could do nothing but sit and stare. There were few thoughts and the body was just doing its thing to get better. Something happened during the two weeks but I can't really say what. There is such difficulty right now writing all this bc what if anything is different? It feels different but I can't explain how.
I don't know what to work on now. Mostly trusting that what is needed will show up.
Good... What trusts?
Sometimes frustrated that a big shift hasn't occurred. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer the above questions and we will take it from there...
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: Grateful for any help
When I typed the who, there was an immediate feeling that who is not correct so then I added the what. When I’ve done inquiry, Who am I? never resonated with me. Where am I? is what rings true. There is no who.When you say "who" rather then "what" it seems to entail a someone... Is there anything indicating that there is a "who"?
Can awareness that "meets" the feeling be found in direct experience?
Can awareness that is in any way separate from experience be found?
Awareness is not a separate thing. There is just awareness of or knowing of. Even this is not correct. The “of” implies a separation but that is not what is experienced. The feeling is there. It is known to be. It just is. Awareness is an added thought to what is.
Good point! Definitely thinking about my past experience at the retreat and how to put into words now. Isn’t any time I explain something that already happened just thinking? Past is just thoughts. Looking is checking in with what is happening right now correct?Your wording "I guess" is a tell tale that thinking rather then looking is taking place..
It is just known. it is not a who. It is not a what or a where. It just is. I am. Even that is too much. Am-ness. Knowing-ness.What knows that there is no self, how is it known?
Belief is a thought. Thoughts appear. Appear “here”. Seeing is also occurring “here”. Both are experienced. No real difference.How is the difference between belief and seeing experienced?
The first thought that came is Life. Life trusts itself. ?? Ok this is a thought. Intuition? Thought. What does know? What trusts? It’s all thoughts isn’t it?What trusts?
When dtr was a toddler and I found her blue in the face, unconscious and drooling. There was no thought “What do I do”? Mind went silent and Life did what it needed to do. I write Life but that is just a word bc I can’t describe what knows what to do. It’s just life happening. That is what trusts. The knowing of this Life, this knowing. This knowing that what needs to be done will be done. Dtr needed to be lifted up, turned over, carried out of the room away from her brother, 911 called. There were zero thoughts about this. It all just happened.
Trusting is a concept. Life is happening. Just is.
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