Self-discovery

[dleder]

LU is focused guiding for seeing there is no real, inherent 'self' - what do you understand by this?
Having pursued non-dual teachings, and having had certain "experiences" of same, nonetheless I find it difficult to not keep identifying with a separate body/mind self and identity. I'm hoping I can find the fallacy in, and experientially dissolve, this limiting identification.

What are you looking for at LU?
I would like to dissolve the identification with the separate self which keeps me tethered in fears --for example, of illness and death (I am about to turn 70), as well as strong allegiances to things happening in the world as I wish that cause anxiety and sorrow. I'd like to have a fuller taste of my identity as unlimited consciousness, and be able to move away from the "movie" of the world, and my sense of my character within it as being "me." In many ways I currently have a very satisfying life, professional and family purpose, friends, a lot of physical activity, many interests that keep me reading or watching content. However, it has also "distracted" or "discouraged" me from going deeper into content-less Self-awareness, and being able or willing to spend the time and focus needed to have a "breakthrough." I do understand that this is still the ego talking, defining itself as a "searcher," projecting toward a distant goal, and maybe this is part of the problem. But honestly, I would say, yes, I would like to have a "breakthrough" that allows me to taste the unlimited, infinite nature of a true Self that was never born and never died. And I would like to taste the sense of peace and happiness, and relief from sorrow and burden that I believe would go along with that.

What do you expect from a guided conversation?
I have read some of your book, and so seen a bit of guided conversations in action. I can't say that reading it brought me to any great awareness -- in fact, I mostly envious of conversations that tended toward "this is wonderful, yes, it's so funny, I see it all" -- "yes it's so simple, but amazing..." etc. This leaves me feeling a bit frustrated and left out of the joyful revelations. But I kind of would like to have that experience, or at least give it a shot, and see if a guided conversation with an LU counselor could be really engaging and personally useful, hopefully helping me to really "wake up" to the dreamlike nature of the world, and the fictional nature of the personal self.

What is your experience in terms of spiritual practices, seeking and inquiry?
Pretty extensive. I have been in 12 step programs, introducing me to many spiritual methods and experiences, for some 40 years. I have had experiences, most markedly one on retreat, others in the natural world, of expanding beyond the self, being one with the natural world, actually having that world within me (as Consciousness). I am a professional philosophy and have also explored this conceptually -- in fact, the last chapter of my new book explores this non-dual territory. However, I am what is professionally known as a "philosopher of the body," who takes very seriously the role of embodiment in shaping our perceptions, powers of movement, thought, etc., and I am kind of critical of the way non-dual philosophy can sometimes ignore this, work with a very simplistic understanding of the body -- so I am torn between this perspective of a limitless, infinite eternal consciousness (the eternality of the Now and the the Here -- which is Nowhere) and the way it is localized into the personal self. This is the subject of that last chapter I mention. But I know this is conceptual, and I have had many spiritual experiences -- including years of speaking with an inner spiritual guide (writing the answers to questions on computer), publishing a book that was pretty much dictated from within, etc. Most of these experiences have been "dualistic" in nature, in the sense of feeling guided by God or Spirit -- but in the last decade I have migrated progressively toward non-dual teachings and intermittent experiences. The last 2-3 years I have particularly listened to Rupert Spira, and attended remotely maybe 4-6 retreats.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how willing are you to question any currently held beliefs about 'self?
10

[Anastacia42]

Good morning (in Colorado, US)

I have read over your replies a few times this month * my main impression is that it may be hard for you to ignore the content of thought & focus only on Direct Experience. But let's give it a try.

My name is Stacy and I can be your guide, if you would like.

One thing that is helpful is to come to this forum
& post every day. Sometimes the site goes down. It will be back. Just come back later.

Yes, if once in a while you must post later, please post a note telling me when you will return.

If you haven't already read the disclaimer, please read it now and just confirm to me that you have read it. Here is the link.

http://liberationunleashed.com/disclaimer-2/

Also please read “Liberation Unleashed is not …” in the FAQ’s of LU. Here is the link.

http://liberationunleashed.com/about/faq/#faq-1041

Some housekeeping guidelines:

1. Post at least once a day, or every second day. If you need more time, or are unable to post for several days, just write a quick post on your thread to let me know please.

2. There is no one judging answers given, so please be 100% honest in your answers and inquiry.

3. This exploration is based on actual experience (AE) - smell, taste, sound, sensation, color and observed thoughts. Long-winded analytical and philosophical answers are best avoided and may even hinder progress. This is not a self-improvement process. There is no ‘self’ to improve.

4. Put aside all other teachings, philosophies, rituals, practices, books/reading and so on for the remainder of this investigation. Really put all your effort and attention in to seeing this reality, as it is. If you have a daily meditation practice, it is fine to continue that but is not necessary for this exploration.

Technology is not perfect and sometimes there is a glitch which can wipe out your responses. It is advisable that you copy and paste questions asked into Word, answer them there and then copy and paste them to your thread. Always save a copy of what you have done, it will save time in the long run!

To begin with, so that we both become aware of what your expectations are about this exploration. In your own words (not from actual experience, but just honest answers), could you please answer the 4 following questions:

How will life change?
How will you change?
What will be different?
What is missing?

Throughout this exploration I would like you to answer all questions that I have written in blue text. Please answer all questions even if I miss using the blue text.

Please answer questions individually, remembering to use the quote function to highlight the question being answered.

Below is a link to the video with instructions on using the Quote Function. Please watch it. Use the PREVIEW button to make sure your text looks right before you hit "SUBMIT."

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=660

What would you like for me to call you? What time zone are you in, please?


Loving,

[Anastacia42]

Do you still want to be guided?