Hi Gerd,
Thanks for your answers.....
In zenmeditation it’s about trying to be aware what is, to be present, trying not to be in your thoughts. But when you try to be aware a lot of thoughts are arising. So in a way it’s not new for me…. It’s just the other way around. So I was aware of thoughts before.
Yes, I was a meditator - some 25 years! Even in meditation it can be that we are involved in thought without really realising it. Not sure how that is for you, but I began to realise this more and more as I went through this process myself.
Did you notice the thought that said "no thoughts are coming"?
I was not aware of this thought but you are right I had this thought.
They can appear to be quite sneaky like that ;)
This is very difficult for me! In daily life I’m usually engaged in my thoughts, meaning I’m not realizing what I’m thinking because I’m doing what I’m doing.
Yes, it can be more difficult when one is engaged in life as opposed to meditating, but still possible. Maybe you could simply set an intention to try to be more aware of thoughts (words and images) as you go through your day and see how that goes....
........
Okay, so we have become aware of what actual experience is, and how looking is done with AE. We have looked at how thoughts work. These are two important keys to the whole guiding, as you need to see what actually IS as opposed to what thought says IS. It is a given now that you know how to LOOK to see what IS and you are aware of how thought overlays AE with stories.
It’s important to implement exercises given into your daily life, not just so you can respond to your thread. Try to put the exercises into use throughout your day as you go about your day.
So let’s have a look at the idea of control, choice and decisions.
1. Hold a hand in front of you; palm turned down.
2. Now turn the palm up. And down...and up and so on.
Watch like a hawk.
Don't go to thoughts, examine the actual experience. Do this as many times as you like, and each time inquire…
- How is the movement controlled?
- Does a thought control it?
- Can a ‘controller’ of any description be located?
- How is the decision made to turn the hand over? Track any decision point when a thought MADE THE DECISION to turn the hand over and the hand turns over immediately.
- Can you find a separate individual or anything that is choosing when to turn the palm up or down?
Please answer ALL the questions individually
I look forward to seeing what you find.
Wishing you well,
Aragon
... dancing in the ebb and flow of attention, more present than the breath, I find the origins of my illusions.... - Nirmala