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[graceabounds]

There is no separate me, so it doesn’t go anywhere.

<3
:)

I’m not quite sure what you mean by direct experience?

Direct Experience is:
Seeing
Hearing
Feeling (not emotion - emotion is sensation plus thoughts/labels)
Tasting
Smelling
Thoughts Arising (but not their content, what the thought is ABOUT)

When I look within my attention moves to what I think of as inside only because I drop my attention from external stimuli like sound or visuals. But you are right there is no boundary and in fact that space can expand to include everything. Hmm now I’m not sure what this is. I feel like I have to tune into it, but I feel like it is always present even when I’m not specifically looking for it.

Is there any one who comes and goes? Who is in control of attention or 'tuning in'?
How is attention known in direct experience?

[Emac1122]

Hmmm, can I feel that space in direct experience...yes, I think so. It is definitely a feeling of open awareness. I see thoughts and emotions arise within that space.

Is there any one who comes and goes? Who is in control of attention or 'tuning in'?

I don't think there is anyone in charge . IT seems to be more of a natural state to me. I guess when I think about it, I tune into it. It is kind of like you hear a bird singing but then you stop and actually listen. One you notice the other you actually hear. It seems to be attention or awareness to me. Things move into and out of my awareness. I'm not always consciously aware of everything, such as thoughts, feeling, or even emotions pass through without my really noticing. Although, I have to say I feel like I'm better at noticing things as they come up now, so things register even if I just let them pass or I notice that somethings I want to push away and others seem to grab my attention more.

How is attention known in direct experience?

It seems like awareness to me. I'm aware of thoughts, feelings, sensations, but also things like sights and sounds. I think I've always had this, but the difference now seems to be that I'm more likely to notice thoughts arise or sights or sensations. But they also seem to have a different quality that I'm having difficulty describing. Maybe this is a temporary state.

[graceabounds]

Here's an exercise that I would like you to try as many times throughout the day as you can. Label daily activities simply color/image, sound, smell, taste, sensation, thought.

So for example, when having breakfast, become aware of:
Seeing a cup, simply= image/color
Smelling coffee, simply = smell
Feeling the warmth of the coffee cup, simply = sensation
Tasting the coffee, simply = taste
Hearing the spoon stirring the coffee, simply = sound
Thought about drinking the coffee, simply = thought

Just break down daily activities into these categories (which are all direct experience) and report back how you go. Perhaps give me a couple of lists like the above.

Much love!