The Gate

Sandra,

Let me try and explain. Imagine a slow random pulse of concentration (presence). Most times you are present but the amount of information coming is manageable. Other times, and quite suddenly, you are absorbing maybe too much information from your surroundings. You give things that you may have seen for many years an interest as if you see it for the very first time. This happens when driving as well. A building you have driven by for 20 years receives an amazing level of attention, yet you are driving. Since the familiar shadow of the self was in charge, you could filter out much of what was not relevant for the time being and focus on driving. At these times of a (data?) surge, the consciousness is driving and yet it decides to absorb all this novelty of a familar person, place, or thing. Since this is quite new to me, it can take you by surprise. Luckily I am not driving in a congested city setting driving at high speeds. Does this make sense at all?

Thank You

Hi Rick,

You're saying there's a broadening of what is being perceived?

Since the familiar shadow of the self was in charge

Uh? What is this familiar shadow of the self?
And how is this shadow in charge?
Examples are welcomed.

the consciousness is driving

Describe this consciousness that is driving.

Hug!

Sandra,

You're saying there's a broadening of what is being perceived?

I believe it can be explained that way. More details at those specific moments. This sensation has diminished quite a bit now. I spent the weekend relaxing with friends and family and those moments are less intense now. I will be going out soon and will let you know if it happens like before.

Is this normal?

Did you say you experienced something like this?

Uh? What is this familiar shadow of the self?
And how is this shadow in charge?

Ok, so I tried to use poetic license here. : -| Sorry didn't mean to confuse. I meant when I felt there was a self I could filter things out easier. There is no shadow, but I do remember how it "felt" to be in charge.

Describe this consciousness that is driving.

I'm unable to do that. It just happens. Again, I'm having difficulty with the words I'm using. Sorry.

Thank You soo much for being here.

Hi Rick,

I believe it can be explained that way. More details at those specific moments. This sensation has diminished quite a bit now. I spent the weekend relaxing with friends and family and those moments are less intense now. I will be going out soon and will let you know if it happens like before.

Is this normal?

By normal you mean: should this be happening? Well, yes, if it is what is happening then it is normal and it should be happening. Because it is what is happening :)

Did you say you experienced something like this?

Yes, I think I did. One thing that is curious with driving is seeing how you can be thinking about something that isn't related with the physical activity of driving and driving still happens like it should. Taking a bath, walking, cooking, washing dishes (our washing machine died) are also fun activities to look at.

At the moment, how would you answer these questions?

If there is no you...

What remains?

What lives?

What experiences?

What thinks?

What does?

What controls?

What is aware?

>>By normal you mean: should this be happening? Well, yes, if it is what is happening then it is normal and it should be happening. Because it is what is happening :)

8^D Bravo!

>>Yes, I think I did. One thing that is curious with driving is seeing how you can be thinking about something that isn't related with the physical activity of driving and driving still happens like it should. Taking a bath, walking, cooking, washing dishes (our washing machine died) are also fun activities to look at.

As a long time driver, I feel that my vehicle is an extension of my body now. I know how much I can turn at what speed. I know if I will fit in a space or not. The same goes with a bicycle. What makes it overwhelming is the other vehicles/people on the road. They are an unknown.

By the way Sandra, did you feel any physical sensations while you experience this intense focus? Like a steady pressure in the head?

>>At the moment, how would you answer these questions?
>>If there is no you...

>>What remains?

The amalgamation of senses, stored information, reflexes, instincts, and consciousness.

>>What lives?

All that remains.

>>What experiences?

consciousness?

>>What thinks?

consciousness?

>>What does?

consciousness?

>>What controls?

consciousness?

>>What is aware?

I'm not sure, is it called consciousness?

By the way Sandra, did you feel any physical sensations while you experience this intense focus? Like a steady pressure in the head?

Could this ^ be more like this?: there is a focus of attention in the intense focus (sensations) going on, followed by an assumption that it means something (thoughts) going on also? Could this be how a story about what is happening starts? [Sensations + thoughts] or [thoughts + sensations] = story?

Do you notice there are sensations being felt in the head if you don't focus in those sensations?

consciousness?

Is this answer pointing to an identification with a higher and holier self?
Have a look and describe consciousness, please.

>>Could this ^ be more like this?: there is a focus of attention in the intense focus (sensations) going on, followed by an assumption that it means something (thoughts) going on also?

Not that I can tell. I am having that sensation at the moment, yet I am responding to you. It doesnt mean anything as far as I can tell. At the moment the amount of information is not overwhelming. Seems very calm.

>>Could this be how a story about what is happening starts? [Sensations + thoughts] or [thoughts + sensations] = story?

More like the following:
[Sensation ( Now + Thoughts(story))] = SensationNow + SensationThoughts(story)

>>Do you notice there are sensations being felt in the head if you don't focus in those sensations?

yes

>>Is this answer pointing to an identification with a higher and holier self?

Besides the physical feeling of having a tight hat on (sometimes), and the ability to be more focused (sometimes), I don't see this as a higher identification. It's just the same person experiencing things in a different way. Can't make a judgement on it being better or worse at this point. It is the same as always, just more intense. When I do the dishes now, I am still present (like before at times), just sometimes it feels like there is more to observe.
About it being holier, I'm not sure what that means. Holier = nicer? I still get disturbed by stupid or distracted drivers, although not for so long and as much. Since I'm judging them to be stupid, I guess I can't be that holy.

>>Have a look and describe consciousness, please.

It just is

or

It's there

It seems to me that you have seen that the separate self is an illusion?

Sandra,

Yes. Thank you for providing the critical point. "Don't think about it." That allowed me to absorb all the facts.

At the moment this is causing a some unintended consequences. I am unable to "multi-task" now. Not sure if multi-tasking was ever effective to begin with. While doing seemingly trivial tasks, I need to stop them to talk with family members. My wife really likes this. On the other hand, I have to limit my discussions while driving at certain times.
I do feel this is becoming more familiar so it doesn't overwhelm as much.

I hope this hyper-focus is temporary for driving's sake. Do you still experience this while driving Sandra?

Hi Rick,
I saw your PM.
I crossed the gate almost 3 years ago. And I have experienced all kind of things after crossing the gate (...like I did before crossing the gate...)!
If you would talk with my family now, they would tell you I'm very absent minded and I don't listen to them sometimes. It is possible that I can't "multi-task" as much as I did before, also :( or I was always like these and didn't noticed. I don't know!

If you are through the gate, I think you need to join the aftercare group asap (conversations happen mainly in Facebook), because it's a safe place where you can share these kind of experiences with a bigger group of people. I think you may need a kind of feedback that I'm not the best person to give you.

If you are 100% sure there is no self and don't have doubts about that, do you mind if I ask the other guides to read this conversation? They may have more questions for you or not.

Hug!

Sandra,

I am sure as I can be. There was no "Big Bang" it's more like "oh".

Facebook may be an issue. I haven't used it in years.

I don't mind about opening the discussion though.

Thank You!