The Gate

Dear Wesley,

I've been eagerly anticipating hearing from you tonight. Thank you for your message! And I love the way you began:

Wow, this was a wonderful post to read tonight!

Thank you! It was tempting when writing in the wee hours to edit the reporting, having thoughts that perhaps something was amiss given that the thoughts and feelings were all over the place. It was wonderful on this end when the clarity arose this morning.

I can understand worry of ending the inquiry too soon, etc, but I want to assure you there is always support and this is by no means the end.

Wesley, that's so reassuring to know.

Seems like it's unfolding pretty naturally here :) and that you've gotten the hang of 'looking'. All sorts of questions come up when thinking, and that's okay of course, but when looking things tend to be clearer.

Ahhhhh. Excellent point regarding thinking and looking. And I love how there's room for all experiences -- there's such a sense of acceptance of all of it when you write.

Could you please tell me about time, truth, and responsibility?
-Exactly how fast is the present moment actually moving?

Wow, time. The present moment. The present moment isn't moving at all. It's always the present moment.

-When does the future become the present?

The future only exists as thoughts or the spoken word - a concept. There is no actual future in reality. (I love this topic of inquiry.)

When does the present become past?

Wesley, this is a new question I don't recall ever having considered. The present doesn't become past -- there's only always the present.

What's the actual experience of 'time'?

Time is a model, a concept, not an experience. The only experience is of the present.

What's truth?

Yowie. Hmmmm... Perhaps that which is apparent when looking. Perhaps present experience is truth. It also occurs to me that truth could also be said to simply be a concept that is imposed atop experience.

What are you responsible for?

This is a tricky one! There is no 'me,' so it's impossible to say 'I'm 'responsible' for anything. Weird - again, a label or construct. (Completely antithetical with "what 'I've' been taught it means to be a good person." The thought popped up that the answer sounds heretical.)

Wesley, thank you from the bottom of my body's heart ;-) for your guidance. Such generosity!

Wishing you a spectacular day and sending hugs,

Robyn

Hello Robyn,

Very busy day here, I will get back to you tomorrow.

A wonderful day to you too :)

Wesley

Absolutely, Wesley.

Thank you for letting me know.

I would like to address the questions again.

-Exactly how fast is the present moment actually moving?

0. It's not moving at all.

-When does the future become the present?

Never.

-When does the present become past?

Never.

-What's the actual experience of 'time'?

None.

- -What's truth?

Nothing.

- -What are you responsible for?

Nothing. There is no "me" to be responsible for anything.

Thank you, Wesley!

Hugs,

Robyn

Hi Robyn,

Wonderful answers, thank you.

Yowie. Hmmmm... Perhaps that which is apparent when looking. Perhaps present experience is truth. It also occurs to me that truth could also be said to simply be a concept that is imposed atop experience.

Nothing.

Simply a concept imposed atop experience! Great.

Robyn I think you are ready for the final questions. What do you think? Let me know if there's anything you're dying to look into. Otherwise, here they are:

1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form (other than in the content of thoughts of course)? Was there ever?

2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self is, when it starts and how it works from your own experience and understanding. Describe it fully as you see it now.

3) How does it feel to see this? What is the difference (if anything) between now and before you started the guidance?

4) Was there something specific you looked into or something that was mentioned that made you fully realise? Was there a specific moment where you 'tipped over' into realising 'no self'?

5) Describe decision, intention, free will, choice and control as you understand it now. What makes things happen? How does it work? What are you responsible for? Please give examples from experience if you can, and explain what you have realised.

6) Do you have anything further you would like to add?

I look forward to your answers

A big hug!

Wesley

Thank your for your message, Wesley.

I have read it and the questions and will get back to you tonight.

XOXOXOXO

Robyn

Hi Robyn

Wonderful! Take your time :)

Hug

Wesley

Hi, Wesley,

I hope you had a wonderful day and are enjoying your evening.

I think the restaurant last night mistakenly served me caffeinated coffee and I couldn't get to sleep until 6am. I don't ever intentionally ingest caffeine except decaf. So, I'm very tired. I'm going to start the addressing the questions, but suspect I won't get done tonight.

I'm not sure if I have something I'm dying to explore, but the brain isn't very sharp at the moment, so I'll get back to you on that.

1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form (other than in the content of thoughts of course)? Was there ever?

No, there's no separate entity, 'self,' 'me', 'I' at all, anywhere, in any way shape or form (other than in the content of thoughts. Nor was there ever.

2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self is, when it starts and how it works from your own experience and understanding. Describe it fully as you see it now.

The illusion of self is a label imposed by society, via parental figures, upon young children. Until that time, we are innocent, undifferentiated expressions of life. Once we are "assigned an identity," all kinds of mischief arises. This labelling creates a system of illusion that makes it seem as though the body, thoughts and feelings constitute a separate being and that this being is not only separate but also unique and that the thoughts that happen are manifested by, owned by and evidence of this "self." Then, the thoughts are believed to be 'true' and that they are they constitute volition -- and off we go on a ride of a myth. This myth robs us of peace and separates us from reality.

Wesley, I have run out of steam for tonight. I'm going to pick up where I left off tomorrow.

Sweet dreams to you.

Hugs!

Robyn

Hi Robyn,

Oh no! That will definitely keep you up late :D. I hope you get some rest, and some sleep. Take your time with the questions. Lovely answers so far.

Hugs
Wesley

Hi, Wesley,

Thank you for the support and encouragement.

2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self is, when it starts and how it works from your own experience and understanding. Describe it fully as you see it now.

Last night, I wrote:

The illusion of self is a label imposed by society, via parental figures, upon young children. Until that time, we are innocent, undifferentiated expressions of life. Once we are "assigned an identity," all kinds of mischief arises. This labelling creates a system of illusion that makes it seem as though the body, thoughts and feelings constitute a separate being and that this being is not only separate but also unique and that the thoughts that happen are manifested by, owned by and evidence of this "self." Then, the thoughts are believed to be 'true' and that they are they constitute volition -- and off we go on a ride of a myth. This myth robs us of peace and separates us from reality.

To continue:

The long-believed concept of a separate "I" has led me to a lifelong struggle against "my selfishness," being judgmental, issues with "my" having been adopted, envy, "self" criticism, pressure to perform and greed, to name a few things. It has robbed "me" of such gifts as peace of mind, unconditional love and living present to the present.

It has had me misconstrue thoughts as truths and thoughts as evidence of "my" volition. It has robbed "me" of the experience of being in the flow of life. It has given "me" a false sense that there is a temporality outside of now, which had "me" dealing with "my" past and both projecting "my intentions" into "the future" and worrying about same. In short, there was little real freedom to be.

3) How does it feel to see this? What is the difference (if anything) between now and before you started the guidance?

Wesley, to flesh out this answer, I'm going to just use "I," etc., as a shortcut.

It feels exhilarating, exciting, fun, freeing. It feels as if life has just begun. The emotions are joy and amazement. There are many differences between now and before I started the guidance. I'm no longer angry in traffic. I experience a sense of delight at just about everything -- especially noticeable when I go outdoors. I've always been a "stop and smell the roses" type, but now the sense of appreciation has multiplied. I used to be easily offended and thin-skinned. Now I don't get upset almost at all, and the few times I have gotten upset, the upset has seemed much less intense and it passes naturally. It has become easy to be kind, generous and considerate. Way less rigid. There's a sense of ease about everything. When judgmental thoughts come up (which is way less than before), they are recognized as just thoughts and they pass along. I'm not compelled to have attention, not worried about embarrassment in groups. Envy has virtually disappeared and the couple of times it has showed up, it dissipated quickly. Being so much more present, everything now seems to flow and all is well with no effort. I was trained at Landmark to generate "all is well," now it's that way without having to do anything. I am no longer compelled to give un-asked-for advice nor to have to state my opinions or wisdom.

Before being guided, people were afraid of me because I was so judgmental and harsh and righteous (and was usually spot-on in terms of assessments). Since I recognized these as flaws, I tried to overcome them and, failing to do so, to pretend I was not those ways, but it didn't work at all. This has altered greatly. Here's a fresh example: I had a massage scheduled for 4 pm today and my massage therapist, who's very reliable and has become a friend, didn't show up. I texted and left her a voicemail and got no response. After 45 minutes, I called a mutual friend to see if she knew anything or had an alternate phone number for her. I was concerned about my massage therapist. She called a little while later to let me know what happened and I was so happy to find out she was fine. I had had no anger toward her at any point during this incident. In the past, I probably would have been somewhat concerned about her (and certainly would have expressed it) and I also would have been angry with her. This time, there was nothing but love and concern. In fact, she commented that her experience of me through this incident was different for her.

People would tell you I'm friendly, outgoing and loving. That's true, but, there was always a lot of "ego" involved and because I was so self-centered, I would often feign more concern and interest in others than was authentic. I now find myself caring about others as much as myself, genuinely. Pretense in general seems to be falling away -- there's nothing to protect. Woo hoo!

4) Was there something specific you looked into or something that was mentioned that made you fully realise? Was there a specific moment where you 'tipped over' into realising 'no self'?

There was definitely a moment that made me fully realize. It was the day after I had first heard of Liberation Unleashed. I was reading the book, Gateless Gatecrashers. I was reading the dialogue with, I think, Shane, and the topic was that "I' was something that was imposed at a young age. Then, there was a sentence something like, "I is just a label." It was upon reading that sentence that it suddenly dawned on me and was obviously the reality -- then it was as if everything took a new shape.

Wesley, my dear, I'm thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to explore these topics. Eager though I am to continue, I'm finding myself fatigued. I still have some gazpacho to finish making and a tap dance to practice before bed. I will continue tomorrow. Thank you for encouraging me to take my time.

I'm so grateful for your generosity, Wesley. The loving, compassionate space you create is a huge gift. Your guidance is invaluable.

Good night.

Warmest regards + a big hug!

Robyn

Good evening, Wesley,

I hope all is well with you. Life is lovely here.

I'd like to add one more thing to question number three. Another change is that my senses are heightened. Food tastes better, colors are more vivid, smells stronger...Come to think of it, everything seems heightened, new.

(As aside -- Have you ever seen The Princess Bride? The hero is named Wesley, Wesley. Wonderful association!)

Onto the next question.

5) Describe decision, intention, free will, choice and control as you understand it now. What makes things happen? How does it work? What are you responsible for? Please give examples from experience if you can, and explain what you have realised.

All of these -- decision, intention, free will, choice and control are non-existent as I understand it now. It is simply life living itself that "makes things happen." "My" observation of how it works is that it all simply happens on its own; it's the nature of life that things simply happen. There is no "I" to be responsible for anything -- so "I" am responsible for nothing. An example from experience is the assignment that you gave me, Wesley, to observe as I was raising and lowering my arm; there was no separate entity or being "behind the scenes" raising or lowering the arm. There were only thoughts and the arm going up and down and the sensation of the arm raising and lowering. Over and over, I have looked to see if there is "someone" that "I am" who/which is pulling the strings and there is no such thing. it is merely a concept, a construct, a superstition that there is some kind of internal decision-maker in the body (or, I guess, elsewhere).

6) Do you have anything further you would like to add?

This is a great question. I would like to add that every day since having crossed the gateless gate, there are more changes. I have not before known such peace. This experience has become my main topic of conversation. I never imagined that this shift would or even could happen -- I wasn't looking for it -- and I'm ecstatic. A variety of feelings arise and subside and they are no problem. Everything seems like the best I've ever experienced, every person I encounter, a precious gift. The freedom is beyond what I ever thought possible; the ease is --- well...easy!

I am overflowing with gratitude. Thank you, Wesley, for guiding me.

Thank you, Elena and Ilona, for Liberation Unleashed.

Love,

Robyn

Hi Robyn,

Thank you! I will get to your answers in the morning :)

Hugs
Wesley

Hi Robyn,

This myth robs us of peace and separates us from reality.

I know what you mean here, but does it actually separate us from reality?

(As aside -- Have you ever seen The Princess Bride? The hero is named Wesley, Wesley. Wonderful association!)

Hah, of course! Great movie, and in fact I am *half* named after that character ;).

This is a great question. I would like to add that every day since having crossed the gateless gate, there are more changes. I have not before known such peace. This experience has become my main topic of conversation. I never imagined that this shift would or even could happen -- I wasn't looking for it -- and I'm ecstatic. A variety of feelings arise and subside and they are no problem. Everything seems like the best I've ever experienced, every person I encounter, a precious gift. The freedom is beyond what I ever thought possible; the ease is --- well...easy!

Wonderful, this makes me happy to read. Enjoy it :).

I am overflowing with gratitude. Thank you, Wesley, for guiding me.

It is my pleasure, I didn't need to do much here.

Robyn, I am going to present your questions to the other guides for confirmation. They may have further questions to ask just to make sure everything is clear, otherwise you will be invited to the Liberation Unleashed Aftercare group on Facebook, and there you can get support and continue more avenues of inquiry as this is just the beginning in a way. But to me it seems you should just enjoy it and take some time to let the new perspective settle in.

For now we'll wait for the other guides to look over the thread, I'll be in touch soon, it has been an absolute pleasure guiding you :)

A big hug :)

Wesley

Dear Wesley,

That's great that you were "half" named after Wesley in The Princess Bride!

I apologize for not having replied sooner. Oddly, I didn't receive an email notification of your reply yesterday. I was curious as to whether you'd written back, so just came and checked and discovered your message.

Thank you for this question.

I know what you mean here, but does it actually separate us from reality?

In looking, i see now that that what I wrote is conceptual -- and in fact, a bit dramatic. It is simply that "I' is a label. It seems that in believing the concept, "I," is real, the reality is not apparent.

It is wonderful that there is Aftercare. I'm eagerly anticipating friends crossing the gateless gate and I'm so excited to have an entire community through Aftercare.

I look forward to hearing back, Wesley.

WIshing you an amazing day!

WIth love,

Robyn

Hi Robyn,

That's great that you were "half" named after Wesley in The Princess Bride!

One friend of mine still calls me 'farmboy' ;)

No worries about the reply! Sometimes the email notifications don't work.

In looking, i see now that that what I wrote is conceptual -- and in fact, a bit dramatic. It is simply that "I' is a label. It seems that in believing the concept, "I," is real, the reality is not apparent.

Exactly. Just one more thing that can be looked at; As you may have heard, crossing the gate is just the beginning of distinguishing what is 'thought content' and what is 'direct experience'. The self being just one of the things we invented/imagined and took to be real.

It is wonderful that there is Aftercare. I'm eagerly anticipating friends crossing the gateless gate and I'm so excited to have an entire community through Aftercare.

That's great ;). It's in no way the end, still plenty of fun ahead!

The other guides have looked at the thread and confirmed. So I'll be in touch soon - hopefully in the next day - and we'll get you invited into the Aftercare group :).

Again, it's been a real pleasure guiding you!

Big hug and wishing you a wonderful day as well.

Wesley

Dear Wesley,

Thank you for the message.

The other guides have looked at the thread and confirmed.

This is wonderful - the confirmation is, well, confirming!

As you may have heard, crossing the gate is just the beginning of distinguishing what is 'thought content' and what is 'direct experience'. The self being just one of the things we invented/imagined and took to be real.

I am eager for more! Particularly because, for the first time since the realization of there being no "I," thoughts and feelings have arisen that are unpleasant and persistent and less than generous in nature. From what I've read, this may not be unusual. Wesley, is there any advice you have about this?

I do have some other questions I'd like to ask you before we stop communicating. Is that permitted?

Again, it's been a real pleasure guiding you!

I"m so glad that it has been a pleasure for you --- it has been that for me, as well!

BIG hug and tons of gratitude,

Robyn