Howdy Howdy!
I'm great! Thank you dear!
I´ve been busy turning my life upside down but still finding regular time for some self-excercices:)
No worries! I'm glad you have some spare time for these exercises! You can always find me waiting here on this calm shore!
I can see a lot of clarity in your answers! We have tackled the labeling mechanism, decision-making and thoughts. Let's return to something we left earlier...
I´ve actually had quite a few opportunities to look into this closely pretty much every day.
It´s been easier to notice the movement and not to pay so much attention to the thoughts. Also I´ve noticed the gap between thoughts becoming much bigger. I wanted to write it´s easier to notice it but noticing only happens as another thought at the end of the gap. During the gap there is only direct experience, a perception of some sort which, in some point, thoughts start to evaluate.
...and that is the gap, that you've just mentioned!
Below is the exercise from before. Since you've had some experience with it - let me point to something extra here.
I don't like to describe our experience too much - it puts "frames" on one-experience and creates separation. However - I will break the rule here and point to something important. Let's remember that the moon is what is essential - not the finger pointing to it.
You've mentioned the gap "in-between thoughts" and the descriptive nature of thoughts that comes before and after. Many people describe this gap as "calmness", "peace" or "unattached being", "pure existence" etc...
...so here comes a very interesting experiment that works very well with "the gap exercise":
1. Put on your lab coat and some ravishing shades.
2. Notice whatever arises.
Here comes the fundamental part!
3. When you sense "the gap" - try to notice if it really ends when thoughts (or anything else) arise. Is it temporary? Does it have a beginning or an end? Is the peace temporary?
Please have the above points in mind as you approach the exercise! It is a different take on it and might give us some interesting insights! Also - as always - remember the Direct Experience (no rationalizing).
"The Gap Exercise"
Here is a step-by-step description of how to look at thoughts. First thing is to sit for at least
10-15 minutes quietly somewhere, several times throughout your day. Close your eyes
and just notice thoughts. Don’t engage with any thought, just notice them.
1. Notice the current thought that is present.
Like when you sit observing the body, a thought might arise “this is my feet” or “here is a
pain” or “my breathing is too quick” or “I am bored with this exercise” or “I have better
things to do” or any sorts of thoughts.
2. This thought will pass and another thought will come. So just observe this thought
passing.
3. Then wait for the next thought to come.
4. When the next thought is present, just notice it, and see how it passes.
5. Then wait for the next thought to come.
6. Repeat #4 and #5 many-many times.
Between the 2 thoughts there is a gap. It can be very short or subtle, just a second or a
few seconds before the next thought come in.
This is how to look at thoughts:-
Looking how they come and go, and observing the short gap between them.
Noticing how the current thought is passing.
And waiting for the next thought to come.
Please do the following exercise:
Throughout your waking day, try to observe the gap between thoughts as often as
possible. It can be done by noticing that ‘thinking’ is happening right now, then stop and
just simply wait for the next thought to come. In the ‘waiting’ there is a gap between two
thoughts.
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Please let me know how it went!
I hope you are doing well!
Sending huge hugs and unicorns your way!
Adam