Sweet! Here they are :)
1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?
There isn't and there never was (there was an illusion of one but it was always just that).
2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self is, when it starts and how it works from your own experience. Describe it ufully as you see it now.
The separate self is a grand illusion humans have built to serve the need to feel a sense of order in what is often a chaotic world. I believe we're born without this illusion and that it's slowly introduced through language. i.e. "Tommy can feed himself". There's no malicious intent behind the creation of this illusion it's simply a result of the short-comings of language. I believe our direct experience prior to "being separated" is without separation and that when we really look at it later on, it's still clear that our direct experience hasn't changed (although now it takes a bit of effort to see it for what it is, whereas before, there was no effort required, it's what we are and what's true. It only requires effort because we've been mistaken for so long and the conditioning runs so deep.
3) How does it feel to see this? What is the difference from before you started this dialogue? Please report from the past few days.
It's liberating. It speaks directly to the part of us that is somehow lacking or incomplete. It still requires reminding but the constant returning to this spot, knowing false statements will be questioned was hugely influential for me.
4) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?
I can't point to one thing exactly, other than to say that it was taking time to ponder the implications of things I had previously written in response to direct questions. Going back and re-reading things written a few days prior was quite helpful in seeing with new eyes things weren't seen quite right.
5) Can you talk about decision, intention, free will, choice and control? What makes things happen? How does it work? What are you responsible for? Give examples from experience.
I think ulimately we are somewhat on a path. It might be a bit more or less flexible depending on what decision or choice we're discussing but for the most part, we're going to do what we're going to do and what matters most is how we frame it (which is of course what appears to be another choice in itself).
This is still tricky to explain because my mind wants to immediately fire out a counter-argument for someone who might be reading this "so you're saying you're not responsible for your life?" Yes and no. What we focus on matters and largely I think we can choose to fight the way we're going or go with the flow. That's the best I way I've come up with to articulate my feelings on it.
6) Anything to add?
Please answer in full, when ready.
Much love.
In many ways, I think it's important we don't take ourselves quite so seriously, at least not with the small stuff. There's a bigger picture at play that is far more important and we miss it if we fight and struggle with all the little things we think we can control but cannot.
I've come to embrace paradox more than ever!
Thank you! <3
