On having no head, but without the classic descriptor words: no loss of self; no centerlessness.

[sebors]

LU is focused guiding for seeing there is no real, inherent 'self' - what do you understand by this?
That the feeling of "self", that point in my head, that feels like me is ultimately an illusion. Illusion in the sense that it is not what it seems.
With guiding and pointing out instructions this can be understood on a experiential level.

What are you looking for at LU?
1. Help seeing this more clearly.
2. Confirmation that "yes, that is what we all are talking about".
3. Help with stabilization and integration of the seeing into off the cushion.

That's about it writing this to fill the minimum requirements.

What do you expect from a guided conversation?
1. Help seeing this more clearly.
2. Confirmation that "yes, that is what we all are talking about".
3. Help with stabilization and integration of the seeing into off the cushion.

That's about it writing this to fill the minimum requirements.

What is your experience in terms of spiritual practices, seeking and inquiry?
I've been following a sam harris style non dual mindfulness routine daily for about 18 months. I've been to two shorter retreats.

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

[Anastacia42]

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.

What are you looking for at LU?
1. Help seeing this more clearly.
2. Confirmation that "yes, that is what we all are talking about".
3. Help with stabilization and integration of the seeing into off the cushion.


It sounds like you've experienced no self. Please tell me about that.

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,

[sebors]

5:08 PMHi Stacy, thank you for guiding me. I've read and understood both the disclaimer and the "Liberation Unleashed is not…" FAQ.

It sounds like you've experienced no self. Please tell me about that.

When I practice with eyes open and "look for the looker," there is a definite shift. The room opens up, the air shimmers, and things feel more flowy — almost like being behind my body. Sometimes, for a split second, there is just the room.
But I'm not sure what to make of it. It doesn't really match the classic descriptors people use when talking about non-duality. I don't feel centerless — there's still a clear sense of location and of being on the edge of experience. There's no real feeling of "oh, this is so obvious." Part of me wonders if I'm just manufacturing a spacious state.

How will life change?

I'm convinced it will reduce suffering. Dual mindfulness has already been very helpful, but it requires constant vigilance and honestly only helps with the low-to-medium stuff. It's very fragile.

How will you change?

Less suffering gives more happiness. Less reactive.

What will be different?

I think this will give a much broader base for well-being than what is currently realized.

What is missing?

I don't know if anything is really missing. If someone convinced me this was all nonsense, I'd just continue with my life, which I'm more or less content with. The "missing" comes from this seeming like a better way of living. And even if it wasn't — I'd still want to live from truth.
Please call me Sebastian. I'm in the CET/CEST time zone (Stockholm, Sweden — currently UTC+1).
Loving,
Sebastian

[Anastacia42]

Hi Sebastian

manufacturing a spacious state.

No, you can't make it up. That's exactly the kind of shift in perception we're looking for. Your mind is just stuck in doubt. Watch this. please.

https://youtu.be/a_8N331jpA4?si=wHE8KmhO7n9uwLPp



It may reduce suffering. But maybe not.



Now what comes up when reading that there is no separate self, never has been, and never will be? That the whole thing was a made up story that we believed.


Loving

[Anastacia42]

Hi Sebastian

Do you still want to be guided here or are you ghosting the thread.?