Looking for a guide to help

[EricP]

LU is focused guiding for seeing there is no real, inherent 'self' - what do you understand by this? I "understand" that there is no inherent "self". That what we believe to be a self is a lifetime of conditioning and beliefs that we have obtained from friends, family, teachers etc. Ultimately self is like a character that we play.

What are you looking for at LU? I "conceptually" understand "no self". I may have even had glimpses of it at times but nothing has ever stuck so to say. I'd like to be guided by an experienced guide to pass the gate and confirm when I pass.

What do you expect from a guided conversation? Help to see where I might be stuck. The extra little push in the right direction to see the truth. Someone to help guide me in the right direction and answer any questions that arise. Someone to keep me looking in the right areas when I get distracted.

What is your experience in terms of spiritual practices, seeking and inquiry? Daily Meditation, non duality silent retreats, self inquiry dyads. I've been aware of something "greater" for the past 20 years but only really started seeking about a year ago.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how willing are you to question any currently held beliefs about 'self? 10

[Julesdickson]

Hi Eric, I'm Jules, a guid here. I would be happy to explore with you and really peel back these layers.

If you decide that you would like to move forward with me, start by telling me what I should call you–followed by an explanation of what you experience to be you IN direct experience.
cant wait to hear,
Jules

[EricP]

Hi Jules. I'd be happy to have you guide me and peel back the layers. I'm ready to dig!

You can just call me Eric.

The simplest explanation of what I experience to be "me" in direct experience is the awareness of sensations, thoughts and emotions.

Then there's the whole other side of getting lost in those sensations, thoughts and emotions and feeling like there's a me attached to them all.

[Julesdickson]

Hi Jules. I'd be happy to have you guide me and peel back the layers. I'm ready to dig!

You can just call me Eric.

The simplest explanation of what I experience to be "me" in direct experience is the awareness of sensations, thoughts and emotions.

Then there's the whole other side of getting lost in those sensations, thoughts and emotions and feeling like there's a me attached to them all.

Can you explain what it's like to get lost in a sensation? what does it feel like? there is no wrong answer, lets just start by breaking this down.

[EricP]

Can you explain what it's like to get lost in a sensation? what does it feel like? there is no wrong answer, lets just start by breaking this down.

Hey Jules,

What I mean by getting lost in a sensation would be things like the feeling of anxiety or energy in the body that when noticed fills the mind with stories about whatever is causing the sensation. The sensation could be anything from tightness in the chest, fluttering in the stomach, or the energetic feeling in my legs or jaw that's always there. When the mind takes notice it forms a story about the source ie, relationship, work, money etc.

[Julesdickson]

Can you explain what it's like to get lost in a sensation? what does it feel like? there is no wrong answer, lets just start by breaking this down.

Hey Jules,

What I mean by getting lost in a sensation would be things like the feeling of anxiety or energy in the body that when noticed fills the mind with stories about whatever is causing the sensation. The sensation could be anything from tightness in the chest, fluttering in the stomach, or the energetic feeling in my legs or jaw that's always there. When the mind takes notice it forms a story about the source ie, relationship, work, money etc.

What if you actually do let the mind take notice? I wonder if you can notice a difference between when there is a subtle attempt at "understanding" the stories versus simply letting them roll? Lets try something out...


Hold a hand in front of you; palm turned down. Now turn the palm up. And down...and up and so on.

How is the movement controlled?
Does a thought control it?
Can a ‘controller’ or and entity that is choosing be located?
How is the decision made to turn the hand over?
Track any decision point when a thought made the choice to turn the hand over and let me know what you find or any questions you have next.