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Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 6:01 pm
by Sarah7
Hi Jessica
Yes, I smiled a few times today after seeing the stories.
Keep at it! It may turn into a right good belly laugh!
But after thoughts had finished doing their thing, then something else happened. Stripped of story, there was no pain there, no anger. That happened only briefly, but the labels of '"pain" and "anger" also disappeared. But then thoughts came back again and said, "That exercise is really useful.", "Do it every time you feel these intense emotions", "This exercise is a really great tool".
Oh – fabulous Jessica!
Sometimes thoughts say really interesting things, sometimes they are annoying.
To what – other thoughts????? LOL.
Thoughts are like children looking for attention. They seem to be trying to report back to something. "Look I made a funny joke!", they say. Or "Look, I said something profound!". If the joke is funny is the head it will be later relayed verbally to others. But thoughts sometimes sound absolutely crazy.
Look at how story builds up the power thoughts have story! Are they different from clouds crossing the sky?
It doesn't seem like I have control, but I really want to continue looking. Or thoughts are saying, "This 'looking' thing is pretty cool!" Thoughts like it because it gives them something to talk about.
Im not going anywhere Jessica until our conversation is not needed anymore and you are sure. OK. Keep look for where you think you have control. Look at doing, look at decisions, look at thoughts and thinking, look at responsibility, look at labelling etc. Look everywhere. As soon as you think there is control – and a you that believes it – look. See what comes up!
Much Love Sarah xxxxx

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:01 pm
by jessica07
Hi Sarah,
Keep at it! It may turn into a right good belly laugh!
Yes, I saw story a few times today. And there are probably lots of other stories that go unnoticed.
Sometimes thoughts say really interesting things, sometimes they are annoying.
To what – other thoughts????? LOL.
Well, the body seems to have a physical reaction to some thoughts. Does that physical reaction come from labeling? A thought says, "I am angry" and the body does something in response?

I don't know who they are talking to but sometimes it's like a dialogue. Today the thoughts seemed absolutely crazy. Thank goodness they are not all completely believed anymore.

Lots of questions came up today, like what is the purpose of thoughts? Also, if there is no longer a belief in "I", will doing still get done? Looking happens mostly at home, when I can lie down and the thoughts roll on by like weather. What thoughts are doing is being noticed more. That exercise you gave me has been really interesting. It has been done about 10 times now.

Striped of story, even labels disappear. But thoughts come back in, they really are trying to do the best they can. They are helpful in interpreting and describing what was directly experienced, but they sometimes seem to interfere with direct experience. It's amazing how thoughts in the head can often be "louder" than what is going on around. On the drive to work this morning "I" wanted to listen to a really interesting story on the radio, but thoughts in the head were doing their own thing thinking about my upcoming trip to the US(where I am from originally). Only the very end of the story was actually heard.

Oh, a story just came up now after mentioning the US to you!! The story is "I hope Sarah won't look down on me because I am American and many people in the world don't like Americans!" Noticing that particular story actually did create a deep belly laugh!!

Thoughts love to compare this exercise, with other things that have been tried in the past, like positive thinking. Like positive thinking can be forced!! Trying to always think positive thoughts NEVER worked for me!! Thoughts in the head seem to be a real mixed bag and that's really okay!
Im not going anywhere Jessica until our conversation is not needed anymore and you are sure. OK. Keep look for where you think you have control. Look at doing, look at decisions, look at thoughts and thinking, look at responsibility, look at labelling etc. Look everywhere. As soon as you think there is control – and a you that believes it – look. See what comes up!
Thank you for your patience. I'm sorry about the very long-winded answers. It feels like a bunch of threads, yarns, and ribbons tangled up all together in this head. Your exercises have all been very helpful. If you have any other exercises for looking please let me know.

Thanks always and warm wishes. Love,

JessicaXXX

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 4:45 pm
by Sarah7
Hi Jessica
Yes, I saw story a few times today. And there are probably lots of other stories that go unnoticed.

No worries – seeing happens when it happens – it would only matter to thought!
Well, the body seems to have a physical reaction to some thoughts. Does that physical reaction come from labeling? A thought says, "I am angry" and the body does something in response?
Is there habit in there too – Is it a learnt response to story - have a look.
How can a thought create a physical reaction? Try it – say to yourself ‘I am happy – right NOW – this instant’! Did it happen? Did the body get happy? Or is the link made by thought – I am angry and look – the body is angry too – proof!
Also, if there is no longer a belief in "I", will doing still get done?

Lets test this. If there has never been a you – did the doing stop before? You already see action happens without a you doing it – don’t you? Has doing stopped? Have a good look.
Striped of story, even labels disappear. But thoughts come back in, they really are trying to do the best they can. They are helpful in interpreting and describing what was directly experienced, but they sometimes seem to interfere with direct experience.

By what? Look for that interference. What would want no more thoughts?
Its like the mirror deciding which reflection happens on its surface! Or the sky deciding which cloud can cross! Thoughts are part of what is. Do you see that? Labelling is part of what is – do you see that?
Thank you for your patience. I'm sorry about the very long-winded answers. It feels like a bunch of threads, yarns, and ribbons tangled up all together in this head. Your exercises have all been very helpful. If you have any other exercises for looking please let me know.
Only looking. Its all that needed! And you are doing it really well!
Much Love Sarah (the limey!) xxx

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 11:19 am
by jessica07
Hi Sarah,

Sorry for the late reply. Yesterday was a day off from work, so I went to the countryside. I got home very late, and the body was very tired. Thoughts were saying, "You have to respond to Sarah!" and other thoughts were saying, "But there is nothing new to say". and other thoughts said, "Hmmm, there must be something new to say"....."Nope, nothing!" And the body fell asleep within a couple minutes of getting home.
No worries – seeing happens when it happens – it would only matter to thought!
Yes, that's true! And it doesn't always happen on command!
Is there habit in there too – Is it a learnt response to story - have a look.
How can a thought create a physical reaction? Try it – say to yourself ‘I am happy – right NOW – this instant’! Did it happen? Did the bodIy get happy? Or is the link made by thought – I am angry and look – the body is angry too – proof!

I felt really relaxed today after a good night sleep. I tried that, I thought "I am happy!" but the body didn't become happy. Then I thought, "I am sad!". Didn't feel sad either. And then I thought, "I am angry!", but didn't become angry either. It seems very similar to when thoughts try to command a part of the body to move, but that part of the body doesn't move. Looked at emotions today, the emotions moved from relaxed to worried, to mildly irritated to relaxed again. Continuing to observe this movement

Then there have been other questions that arise, like if thoughts don't create emotions, then how can absence of thoughts feel so relaxing?

So I wonder if it is story? I know that you have been saying “STORY! STORY! STORY!”, but it took a while to get it.

Looked at the shift in emotions today. When feeling really relaxed, there were no stories there. Or maybe there was a story, but it was about being relaxed. When the feeling was worried, a story came up about an upcoming presentation that I have to give. The story was, "What if they don't like the presentation?", "What if it doesn't suit their needs?", "What will they think of ME!". "Will they have disappointed looks on their faces!", "Will they scowl at ME?". Noticing this story did make me laugh! It’s a story about a presentation that hasn’t even been delivered yet, by a “me” who worries about being judged negatively.

Then when the feeling was irritated, the story was, “I have to pick up the dry cleaning, but I don’t want to leave the house!” , “I am so comfortable here”, “I need to get out of my pajamas, and brush my hair to go pick up the dry cleaning ”, “How annoying!” ,“If YOU don’t pick up the dry cleaning, YOU will have nothing to wear on Monday for your presentation!” , “Do you want to look like a slob?” Another funny story.
Finally the body started moving, and just picked up the damn dry cleaning!

Looking is a real treat! When, it happens it feels wonderful! It feels so freeing! Many reactions to events seem very habitual, and can not be changed by thoughts. But maybe these reactions can be changed by “looking”. But, it seems like there is no guarantee, and that’s okay. If looking continues to happen after the gate, then that would fantastic!
Its like the mirror deciding which reflection happens on its surface! Or the sky deciding which cloud can cross! Thoughts are part of what is. Do you see that? Labelling is part of what is – do you see that?
Since beginning this process, it has seemed like thoughts do their own thing, and the body does its own thing. Realizing that there were these repeated thoughts (maybe repeated stories) felt very frustrating for a while! Because other thoughts said, “Now that what is going on can be seen, let’s change it!” , But thoughts don’t have the power to do that. Does direct experience have the power to do that? Can “looking” do that? Or does it not need to be changed?

Right now, the body and the mind seem like two separate things. The mind seems like a commentator for the body. I cannot yet see how they are a part of what is. But I really want to see that!

Thanks always and warm wishes. Love,

JessicaXXX

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 4:59 pm
by Sarah7
Hi Jessica
"But there is nothing new to say". and other thoughts said, "Hmmm, there must be something new to say"....."Nope, nothing!"
Have you anymore questions? Anything you are unsure of? Or have questions ceased?
Looked at emotions today, the emotions moved from relaxed to worried, to mildly irritated to relaxed again. Continuing to observe this movement Then there have been other questions that arise, like if thoughts don't create emotions, then how can absence of thoughts feel so relaxing? So I wonder if it is story?
You answer that!
Finally the body started moving, and just picked up the damn dry cleaning!
LOL!
Looking is a real treat! When, it happens it feels wonderful! It feels so freeing! Many reactions to events seem very habitual, and can not be changed by thoughts. But maybe these reactions can be changed by “looking”. But, it seems like there is no guarantee, and that’s okay. If looking continues to happen after the gate, then that would fantastic!
Experience here is that seeking stops – but looking doesn’t. But again – I can only relate what has been experienced here – there is no norm.
“Now that what is going on can be seen, let’s change it!” , But thoughts don’t have the power to do that. Does direct experience have the power to do that? Can “looking” do that? Or does it not need to be changed?
What needs to be changed? Only thoughts want something different from what is – you saw this!
Right now, the body and the mind seem like two separate things. The mind seems like a commentator for the body. I cannot yet see how they are a part of what is. But I really want to see that!
Look for what wants and look at what is. Do thoughts appear in what is? Are they part of what is? Does the mirror question why reflections appear on its surface? What does that? Thoughts again? Did thoughts divide body from thoughts in the first place - have them as 2 separate things?
Much Love Sarah xxx

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 3:35 pm
by jessica07
Hi Sarah,
Have you anymore questions? Anything you are unsure of? Or have questions ceased?
It certainly seems there are fewer questions.
Looked at emotions today, the emotions moved from relaxed to worried, to mildly irritated to relaxed again. Continuing to observe this movement Then there have been other questions that arise, like if thoughts don't create emotions, then how can absence of thoughts feel so relaxing? So I wonder if it is story?
You answer that!
Yes, it does seem to be story. But more specifically, stories about a "ME". These stories still come up now, but they can be seen as stories when looking happens! This morning after waking up I could see it, the vastness of the mirror, or the sky with thoughts skidding along the surface. Later in the morning, a story came up, and attention became focused on that story, that was associated with negative emotions. But then a thought said, "Oh, look at that story!", "It's just a story.", "Oh, how freeing to realize this."
Look for what wants and look at what is. Do thoughts appear in what is? Are they part of what is? Does the mirror question why reflections appear on its surface? What does that? Thoughts again? Did thoughts divide body from thoughts in the first place - have them as 2 separate things?
Thoughts were saying, "Well, since thoughts can't control the body, then maybe the mind and body are two separate things.” I can’t yet see how everything that is, thoughts, labeling and the physical body are all connected. But something is starting to feel different, a kind of tingling or vibration or something like that. And thoughts are saying “I want to understand this 'everything-is-connected' thing better!”

One thing is for sure, seeking is decreasing! There is no need to seek an “I” in religion, self-help books, philosophy, meditation, etc. That kind of thing really made me feel really agitated in the past. And that’s a story right there. An “I” that gets agitated looking
.
Looking will continue because these “I” thoughts and “I” stories continually come up. There are lots of habitual reactions to situations and events, as seen with the story that came up this morning! It seems like the same old story just told with a slight variation.

Going to do some more looking before going to sleep!

Thanks always and warm wishes. Love,

JessicaXXX

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2014 5:58 pm
by Sarah7
Hi Jessica
It certainly seems there are fewer questions.
Shall we look at them? Anything in particular that has shown itself?
"Oh, look at that story!", "It's just a story.", "Oh, how freeing to realize this."
And after this seeing happens – what happens to the thought? Does it dissipate? It may come back – it may be repeated and it may be habit – but look at the intensity – has it changed?
And thoughts are saying “I want to understand this 'everything-is-connected' thing better!”

What happens in the countryside Jessica? Is thought and story as prevalent? Is labelling and separation? Is all one there? Is everything just as it is and just as it should be? Including ‘you’?
There are lots of habitual reactions to situations and events, as seen with the story that came up this morning! It seems like the same old story just told with a slight variation.
Is there an expectation or wanting that this will disappear? Is there an expectation or wanting that everything not liked will go?

Is there a you in control of habitual reaction? Is there a you in control of habitual thought? Who or what does either effect? Who or what does either refer to?
Much Love Sarah xxxxx

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 2:49 pm
by jessica07
Hi Sarah,
Shall we look at them? Anything in particular that has shown itself?
Yes, questions come up about how everything is connected. This is still not understood.

Also, the idea that there is a separate "ME" other than in thoughts is no longer believed but there are still questions about how thoughts make links.
And after this seeing happens – what happens to the thought? Does it dissipate? It may come back – it may be repeated and it may be habit – but look at the intensity – has it changed?


The intensity decreased, and the duration of how long that story was paid attention too also seemed to decrease. The same thing happened today with a couple of stories that came up. But this is something that has happened in just the past two days. Thoughts are still saying, “I want to continue to look at this and see what happens”.
What happens in the countryside Jessica? Is thought and story as prevalent? Is labeling and separation? Is all one there? Is everything just as it is and just as it should be? Including ‘you’?
In the countryside, thought and story are not as prevalent. My friends own a small fishing boat, and we catch all kinds of sea critters that go directly on the table, or are sold at the market. But we also pick wild plants to either eat or sell. I can really see how things are interconnected in nature, but I still cannot see how I am a part of this. When attention shifts the experience changes. Sometimes the senses can really take in the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of this world. And sometimes the attention shifts to the thoughts going on in the head. No one is choosing for this to happen. It just happens.
Is there an expectation or wanting that this will disappear? Is there an expectation or wanting that everything not liked will go?
Well yes! After seeing these habitual reactions that were causing pain, thoughts said, “Well, what can we do about this?” Thoughts do not have this power, but they do not know that yet. They are still working themselves out. And it starting to really feel okay if things not liked do not disappear.
Is there a you in control of habitual reaction? Is there a you in control of habitual thought? Who or what does either effect? Who or what does either refer to?
Can not find a “me” in control of habitual reaction. I want to keep looking though, not to find this “self” but rather to fully see this absence of separate self. Does that make sense?

Thanks always and warm wishes. Love,

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 4:47 pm
by Sarah7
Hi Jessica
Yes, questions come up about how everything is connected. This is still not understood.

OK - we are going to look at the sense of seeing. This may take some time - no worries. OK.

Describe the experience of seeing step-by-step. In seeing, what is being experienced? What is happening when "seeing" is happening? What is doing the seeing? What is being seen? What does "seeing" consists of? Go into detail. Describe the actual, direct experience of seeing.

Gaze at an object. Turn up that inner magnifying glass to observe what's happening in direct experience. Do you first perceive the object using some other sense, and then see it later? Can you find a dividing line between the object and the seeing of it? Or are the object and the seeing of it inseparable? Is there an entity called "you" experiencing the seeing? What do you see about the thought, "I'm seeing that object"? Is it an accurate description of direct experience? Which comes first the sense or the thought? Notice the shapes and colours you’re seeing. Notice the habitual thought, "That is a …….." Notice the habitual thought, "I see that." Now just pay attention to how seeing happens. Take your time with it. Can you find a dividing line between the seer and the seeing of the table? Are you doing the seeing? Or is it truer to say that seeing is just happening? Then look to see whether there's a dividing line between the seeing of it and a separate entity, a "you," doing the seeing. In other words, what does it mean when you say, "I'm seeing that table"? Are there really three entities there in direct experience, an "I" and seer and an object? Or is there just one experience of seeing, with no one as a seer. Look closely.
Try it with various sights e.g. out of the window at a distant view. See if you can find a way to separate the object from the seeing and the seeing from the seer. Where does one start and the other end?
Also, the idea that there is a separate "ME" other than in thoughts is no longer believed but there are still questions about how thoughts make links.
What between one thought and another?
Thoughts explain the world – yes? Thoughts turn everything into a concept and/or object – yes?
Can an actual thought see? Can an actual thought hear? Can an actual thought think?
Do thoughts SAY they make the link between thought 1 and thought 2? But how random can some thoughts be? Do they always follow on and make sense OR is it thought alone that makes a connection between thought 1 and thought 2?
Thoughts are still saying, “I want to continue to look at this and see what happens”.
Because they want to understand? But can they? Can thoughts actually think and/or reason?
I can really see how things are interconnected in nature, but I still cannot see how I am a part of this.

When are you NOT part of this? Can you pin point a time or doing when you aren’t? Where do you go if your not part of this? What tells you you aren’t part of this? Thoughts?
Does that make sense?
Oh yes! NEVER ever take mine or anyone else’s word for anything! ALWAYS verify yourself.
Much Love Sarah xxxxx

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 2:04 pm
by jessica07
Hi Sarah,
Describe the experience of seeing step-by-step.
I’m going to start working on this tomorrow, and I will let you know what comes up.
Thoughts explain the world – yes?

Yes, they do. And sometimes they do a very good job of it. But sometimes they don’t.
Thoughts turn everything into a concept and/or object – yes?
I don’t know yet. I will have to look at this a bit more. You said, “Verify everything yourself!”, right? :)
Can an actual thought see? Can an actual thought hear? Can an actual thought think?
Do thoughts SAY they make the link between thought 1 and thought 2? But how random can some thoughts be? Do they always follow on and make sense OR is it thought alone that makes a connection between thought 1 and thought 2?
Looked at this a bit today. Yes, thoughts seem very random. The stories that have formed from thoughts are not always sequential in the actual thoughts. Some thoughts are half-finished, and others seem to be repeated a lot, and others are completely random. But thoughts are chosen and linked by something (life?) Well, what I mean to say is that there always seems to be a kind of editing process going on. When I respond to you, it is all an editing process of thoughts. Some of the thoughts that come up in response to your questions are half-finished or don’t make much sense. So those thoughts get edited out. Or maybe naturally disappear. But who or what is doing this editing. It is not a “ME”. This editing is just happening.
Because they want to understand? But can they? Can thoughts actually think and/or reason?

Maybe they can’t. But they are repeatedly saying, “But we are doing the best that we can!”. “First we find out we can’t control the body!”, “Then we find out we can’t control the mind!”, “What the heck are we doing up here?”, “Let’s just all go on a tropical vacation!”
Oh yes! NEVER ever take mine or anyone else’s word for anything! ALWAYS verify yourself.

In the process of verifying things myself! But it might take some time! I hope that’s okay! :)
Thanks always and warm wishes. Love,

JessicaXXX

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 5:39 pm
by Sarah7
Hi Jessica
In the process of verifying things myself! But it might take some time! I hope that’s okay! :)
There is no hurry OK. I did set you a lot yesterday! No worries.
Some of the thoughts that come up in response to your questions are half-finished or don’t make much sense. So those thoughts get edited out. Or maybe naturally disappear. But who or what is doing this editing. It is not a “ME”. This editing is just happening.

Is this seen? That there is no you writing a response? Is there still a question as to the power of a thought? Look closely as you write your posts.
Maybe they can’t. But they are repeatedly saying, “But we are doing the best that we can!”. “First we find out we can’t control the body!”, “Then we find out we can’t control the mind!”, “What the heck are we doing up here?”, “Let’s just all go on a tropical vacation!”
LOL. Yes. Funnily enough this was experienced here too. Why would thoughts say that? Are they feeling threatened? Are thoughts afraid? What is the point of them?
Some thoughts are useful – some not. Some seem to just flow out – like answers or decisions – like a response rather than a thinking. Looking at the difference between useful and not useful thoughts may help here. Look at how thoughts just flow in to doing with no resistance. Compare to thoughts that resist.
Much Love Sarah xxx

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 8:30 am
by jessica07
Hi Sarah,
Is this seen? That there is no you writing a response? Is there still a question as to the power of a thought? Look closely as you write your posts.


Well, I often read your posts in the morning. Then thoughts about the questions that you asked often thread themselves throughout the day. There is something behind these thoughts which chooses which thoughts to link together to reply to you. (or thoughts are being linked together). The editing process. This post has been edited a few times in writing, but I wonder how many times it has been edited in thought! It is not a “ME” choosing what to write here. But, I don’t really know who or what is writing this reply.

“Life as it expresses itself through this body” is very curious about thoughts, so questions about thoughts often come up.

“Life as it expresses itself through this body” naturally works with what is available to it. But when new tools are acquired, these will be naturally used when the occasion arises. Like, for example, seeing a group of repeated thoughts as “story” has been really helpful. But looking only seems to happen when it happens. Stories that are not useful and cause pain are not always seen as stories in the moment.
Why would thoughts say that? Are they feeling threatened? Are thoughts afraid? What is the point of them?


I don’t know the answers to these questions yet. Thoughts can not be afraid, but they sure say they are!! Something or someone is afraid, but not the actual thoughts themselves. I was wondering if the experiences of the body lead to how thoughts are linked together.
Some thoughts are useful – some not. Some seem to just flow out – like answers or decisions – like a response rather than a thinking.
Yes, when speaking to people a response often naturally comes out. Do “I” know what “I” am going to say before “I” say it – usually not. This is even more apparent when I speak in my second language – Korean. Thinking is never done in Korean, it is always in English. But if someone speaks to me in Korean, I will reply in Korean, without a thought process in the head that can be “heard”.
Looking at the difference between useful and not useful thoughts may help here. Look at how thoughts just flow in to doing with no resistance. Compare to thoughts that resist.


Yes, this seems like it could be very helpful. I will be working on this question, and I will get back to you on this tomorrow or the next day.

Thanks always and warm wishes. Love,

JessicaXXX

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 6:02 pm
by Sarah7
Hi Jessica
Im not going to comment on any of this just yet coz I gave you quite a lot to look at. Do the seeing exercise then I will come back with some more exercises! OK? Don't want to over phase you!
Much Love Sarah xxx

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 6:11 pm
by Sarah7
Hi Jessica
Seeing exercise below. Forgetting seriously happened there!!!!! LOL.

Gaze at an object. Describe the experience of seeing step-by-step. In seeing, what is being experienced? What is happening when "seeing" is happening? What is doing the seeing? What is being seen? What does "seeing" consists of? Sitting here now, is seeing happening or does 'I' make it happen?

Turn up that inner magnifying glass to observe what's happening in direct experience. Notice the shapes and colours you’re seeing. Notice the habitual thought, "That is a ………." Notice the habitual thought, "I see that." Do you first perceive the object using some other sense, and then see it later? Which comes first the sense or the thought? Can you find a dividing line between the object and the seeing of it? Or are the object and the seeing of it inseparable? Is there an entity called "you" experiencing the seeing? Can you find a dividing line between "you" and seeing? Are there really three entities there in direct experience, an "I" and seer and an object? Or is there only seeing? What do you see about the thought, "I'm seeing that object"? Is it an accurate description of direct experience?

Try it with various sights e.g. out of the window at a distant view. See if you can find a way to separate the object from the seeing and the seeing from the seer. Where does one start and the other end?
S xxx

Re: Seeking a Guide

Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 3:00 pm
by jessica07
Hi Sarah,
Seeing exercise below. Forgetting seriously happened there!!!!! LOL.
LOL! Yes, in the past few days there was a lot of activity going on in thoughts! Thoughts were saying, "You can do this "seeing" thing later!", "Give us attention first!" -Those sneaky buggers!

Looking was happening, but also thoughts were saying, "We're looking!", "We're looking!", "We are trying so hard!" I know that thoughts can not look but it is their nature to say things like that.
Gaze at an object. Describe the experience of seeing step-by-step. In seeing, what is being experienced? What is happening when "seeing" is happening? What is doing the seeing? What is being seen? What does "seeing" consists of? Sitting here now, is seeing happening or does 'I' make it happen?
I looked at a tree first. Well, actually the tree was seen! Meaning that the colors, the patterns in the bark, the branches, the leaves, all were seen before it was labeled "It's a tree!".

I went for a long walk today, and looked at various things while walking. No thoughts were needed to see the colors, patterns, and shapes. There was no sense that there needed to be or was a "ME" who was seeing them. Most things that were seen were not labeled in thought! They were just seen. It seems that things are labeled when there is a need to communicate about them. It was a pretty fascinating exercise and I will do it (or it will be done) again tomorrow.

What was really interesting was the spotlight of attention. Attention is like a spotlight and it chooses to focus on one thing and then moves to another, and then to another thing, and so on. There was no "ME" choosing what to focus on.

Looking at hearing happened too. The students were doing an examination this afternoon. During that time, it was raining heavily outside. Attention focused on the sound of the rain, and then moved towards the sounds of pencils and pens on paper, and then it moved back towards the sound of the rain. When listening to the rain, the sounds of pencils and pens on paper were not noticed.

At one point during today's walk, it was almost as if I could feel the seeing!

I want to continue to look at seeing for a few days because looking at thoughts was getting a little......intense. I still have no idea what they are doing up there.

Before going to sleep I am going to look at another object....right now. I don't know if looking will be happening again tonight, but sleeping will definitely be happening!! Good night.

Thanks always and warm wishes. Love,

JessicaXXX