Facing Our Feelings as Awareness

Summary

The script delves into the exploration of self-awareness, distinguishing it from objective experiences such as thoughts and emotions. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's true nature as the 'I' or awareness, independent of external conditions. It further discusses the necessity of revisiting beliefs and feelings to overcome ingrained habits. The script suggests an approach to fully accept and welcome all feelings as part of the self, akin to a room's space accommodating all that occurs within it, fostering a loving and benevolent indifference. It challenges individuals to genuinely welcome feelings without the intent to eliminate them, proposing a test of eternal acceptance to discern true non-resistance.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The first step is to turn away from objective experiences such as thoughts, images, feelings, emotions, and sensations, and instead turn towards the awareness that is aware of these experiences.
• 🧘‍♂️ The term 'I' refers to the awareness that is independent of any specific experience, whether it's depression or ecstasy.
• 🌟 Establishing the presence of awareness, independent of all objective experience, is crucial and is a recurring theme in conversations and contemplations.
• 🔄 After recognizing our essential nature, it's necessary to revisit our beliefs and feelings, as they are habits formed over decades and not easily eradicated by mere recognition.
• 🤔 The habit of thinking and feeling is deeply ingrained, and it requires consistent effort to face these habits from the perspective of our true nature.
• 🕊️ The metaphor of awareness as a space, like a room, is introduced to illustrate how awareness can welcome all experiences without resistance or judgment.
• 💧 It's important to invite feelings back into awareness not with the intention of changing or getting rid of them, but to accept them as they are.
• 🌱 The true test of acceptance is the ability to say 'I can live with this feeling forever,' indicating no desire to eliminate the feeling.
• 🧠 When suffering, it's advised to separate the story or belief accompanying the feeling from the physical sensation of the feeling itself.
• 🔎 To truly face a feeling, one must approach it without resistance, bringing it closer until there's an honest acceptance of its presence.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the approach described in the transcript?

The primary focus is to turn away from objective experiences such as thoughts, images, feelings, and sensations, and instead turn towards the awareness that is aware of these experiences, often referred to as 'I'.

Why is it important to establish the presence of awareness independent of objective experiences?

Establishing the presence of awareness independent of objective experiences is crucial as it helps to recognize and understand our essential nature, which is not limited or qualified by any specific experience.

What is the significance of the term 'eye' in the context of this approach?

The term 'eye' signifies the awareness that remains constant and independent, whether one is experiencing depression or ecstasy. It is the unchanging aspect that observes the changing states of emotions and sensations.

Why is it necessary to revisit our beliefs and feelings even after recognizing our essential nature?

Revisiting our beliefs and feelings is necessary because these have been ingrained through decades of repetition and have become habitual. Recognition of our true nature alone does not instantly eradicate these habits.

How does the approach suggest we should face our feelings after recognizing our essential self?

After recognizing our essential self, we should face our feelings from the perspective of awareness, not as a separate self with preferences or judgments, but as an open and welcoming space that accepts all feelings.

What is the analogy used to describe the relationship between awareness and feelings?

The analogy used is that of a room's space, where awareness is like the space of the room — open, empty, and capable of welcoming all experiences without resistance or judgment.

What is meant by 'welcoming feelings' in the context of this approach?

Welcoming feelings means accepting them without the intention of getting rid of them. It involves a genuine acceptance where one can say to a feeling, 'I can live with you forever, you are welcome within me forever.'

How can one test if they have truly welcomed a feeling?

One can test if they have truly welcomed a feeling by asking themselves if they can live with that feeling forever without wanting to change or eliminate it.

What is the role of the 'separate self' in the process described?

The 'separate self' is the egoic aspect that often tries to manipulate teachings to get rid of uncomfortable feelings. It is contrasted with the true welcoming of feelings from the perspective of awareness.

Why is it suggested to put the story accompanying suffering aside when dealing with feelings?

Putting aside the story accompanying suffering allows one to focus on the direct experience of the feeling as a sensation in the body, which is the aspect of the feeling that needs to be truly accepted and welcomed.

What is the final step in dealing with feelings according to the approach?

The final step is to bring the feeling closer and closer until there is no resistance left, and then to observe what remains of the feeling, which is a way of fully integrating and accepting the experience.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Turning Inward: Establishing Awareness

The speaker introduces the concept of shifting focus from objective experiences, which include thoughts, images, feelings, and sensations, to the subjective experience of awareness itself. This awareness is described as the 'I' or 'eye' that is not limited by the content of experience, such as emotions or sensations. The first step in the process is to establish the presence of this awareness, which is independent of all objective experiences. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding this aspect of our being, which is a fundamental part of self-understanding. However, this recognition is not sufficient on its own to overcome deeply ingrained habits of thought and emotion. The speaker suggests that even after recognizing our essential nature, it is necessary to revisit our beliefs and feelings, as these have been rehearsed for years and have become habitual. The process involves turning back to objective experiences but viewing them from the perspective of this newfound understanding of the self.

05:03

🌟 Embracing Experience: The Space of Awareness

In this paragraph, the speaker extends the metaphor of awareness to that of a space, akin to the physical space of a room. This space is open and non-judgmental, welcoming all experiences without resistance or preference, much like the room does not negotiate with the activities that occur within it. The speaker encourages the audience to invite their feelings back into this 'space of awareness,' allowing them to be 'soaked' in it, much like how one surrenders to the warmth of bathwater. The true test of welcoming feelings is the ability to say 'I can live with you forever,' indicating a complete acceptance without the desire to eliminate or change the feeling. The speaker warns against the misuse of this teaching as a means to get rid of uncomfortable feelings, which is a counterfeit form of acceptance. Instead, the focus should be on genuinely welcoming and accepting feelings without resistance, even when suffering or experiencing a sense of lack. The speaker suggests that by directly engaging with the sensation of suffering or lack, one can reach a state where there is no resistance left, thus transforming the experience.

Keywords

💡Objective Experience

Objective experience refers to the external and internal phenomena that one perceives and interacts with, including thoughts, images, feelings, emotions, and physical sensations. In the context of the video, the speaker emphasizes turning away from these experiences to focus on the awareness that underlies them. The script mentions, 'We turn away from all objective experience, however pleasant or unpleasant it is,' highlighting the need to disengage from the constant stream of sensory input to access a deeper sense of self.

💡Awareness

Awareness, in this script, is the consciousness or the observing presence that is aware of one's thoughts, feelings, and sensations. It is described as independent and not limited by the content of experience. The speaker uses the term 'I' to represent this awareness, as in 'I am aware of my feelings.' The video encourages establishing the presence of awareness as a foundational step towards self-understanding.

💡Essential Nature

Essential nature refers to the core identity or the true self that is distinct from the temporary and changing states of objective experience. The script suggests that recognizing this nature is crucial but not sufficient on its own to overcome deeply ingrained habits and patterns. The speaker says, 'Even after we have recognized or had a glimpse of our essential nature,' indicating that ongoing practice is necessary to integrate this recognition into daily life.

💡Habit

Habit, in the context of the video, refers to the repetitive patterns of thought and emotion that have been reinforced over time. These habits are compared to well-worn paths that the mind and emotions follow automatically. The speaker mentions, 'Our beliefs and feelings we have been rehearsing them for decades,' emphasizing the difficulty of changing these deeply ingrained habits without conscious effort.

💡Non-dual Teaching

Non-dual teaching is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the unity of all experiences and the absence of a separate self. The video script discusses how the separate self can misinterpret non-dual teachings to further its own ends, such as trying to get rid of uncomfortable feelings. The speaker warns against using the teachings as 'yet one more way of getting rid of uncomfortable feelings,' which is a misapplication of the principles.

💡Space of Awareness

The 'space of awareness' is a metaphor used in the script to describe awareness as an open, non-judgmental container for all experiences. It is likened to the physical space of a room that welcomes all that occurs within it without resistance. The speaker says, 'Imagine awareness like a space, like the space of this room,' suggesting that awareness should be as inclusive and accepting as physical space.

💡Resistance

Resistance, in this context, is the act of pushing against or rejecting certain feelings or experiences. The script encourages the viewer to become aware of and overcome resistance to fully accept their feelings. The speaker asks, 'Can I live with you forever?' as a test to determine if there is any resistance left towards a particular feeling.

💡Sensation

Sensation refers to the physical feelings or bodily experiences that accompany emotions. The script distinguishes between the story or narrative around suffering and the actual sensation of it. The speaker advises focusing on the sensation itself, saying, 'Go to the feeling, the sensation of the lack,' to直面 the raw experience without the filter of judgment or story.

💡Separate Self

The 'separate self' is the ego or the sense of individual identity that is often associated with personal desires and aversions. The video discusses how this sense of self can be deceptive, using spiritual teachings for its own ends, such as trying to escape discomfort. The speaker notes, 'The separate self is very clever,' highlighting the need for vigilance in recognizing when the separate self is misusing the teachings.

💡Loving Indifference

Loving indifference is a term used to describe a state of acceptance where all experiences are welcomed without judgment or preference. It is contrasted with a cold indifference that lacks connection. The script describes this as 'a benevolent indifference,' suggesting a compassionate and open stance towards all experiences, including those that are traditionally resisted or avoided.

💡Rehearsing Beliefs and Feelings

Rehearsing beliefs and feelings refers to the process of repeatedly engaging with and reinforcing certain thoughts and emotions over time. The script mentions that we have been 'repeating them over and over again' which has solidified these patterns. This concept is used to explain why recognizing one's true nature is not enough to immediately change these deeply ingrained habits.

Highlights

Turning away from objective experience to focus on subjective awareness.

Defining objective experience as thoughts, images, feelings, emotions, and sensations.

The concept of 'I' as the awareness independent of emotional states.

Establishing the presence of awareness as the first step in the approach.

The necessity of recognizing and establishing one's essential nature.

The insufficiency of mere recognition to end years of accumulated feelings and beliefs.

The importance of revisiting beliefs and feelings after recognizing one's true nature.

The habit of thinking and feeling as a challenge to overcome.

Facing objective experiences from the perspective of self-understanding.

The analogy of awareness to the space of a room, being open and non-judgmental.

Inviting feelings back into awareness after establishing its presence.

The welcoming of feelings as a part of the awareness space.

The test of true welcoming: the willingness to live with a feeling forever.

The distinction between genuine and fake welcoming of feelings.

The process of facing suffering by focusing on the sensation rather than the story.

The technique of bringing suffering closer until resistance is gone.

The outcome of facing feelings without resistance and its impact on the feeling itself.

Transcripts

they're really two they're two different

aspects of the same approach so that the

first thing we do here is to turn away

from objective experience you understand

what I mean by objective experience

thoughts images feelings emotions

sensations the sight of this room

relationships activities we turn away

from all objective experience however

pleasant or unpleasant it is and we as

it were turn in the other direction

towards that with which objective

experiences known towards that that

which is aware of our experience a

common name for that is I I am aware of

my feelings now I am aware of my

feelings whether I'm deeply depressed or

ecstatically happy the eye is the same

in both case cases so the eye is not

limited either to the depression not

limited or qualified by either the

depression or the ecstasy it is

independent of both that's the first

step we always take care to establish

what I am presence of awareness

independent of all objective experience

so in in our conversations and

contemplations we in one way or another

we go back again and again and again

until we not just understand but

establish in our experience until we

stand as that one until we know and feel

ourselves to be that one now

in that recognition alone that is the

recognition of what we essentially are

but that recognition alone is not enough

to put an end to the years of that the

layers of feelings and indeed of beliefs

that have accumulated over the years so

even after we have recognized or had a

glimpse of our essential nature it is

still necessary to go back again and

again both to our beliefs and to our

feelings because our beliefs and

feelings we have been rehearsing them

for decades we have been repeating them

over and over again until they have

become a very well one habit and that

habit both the habit of thinking and the

habit of feeling is not eradicated the

moment we recognize our true nature so

it is Ness having turned round and faced

our essential self it is necessary to

turn back to objective experience and

face our experience from the perspective

of our newer understanding of ourselves

so we don't turn around and face our

feelings as a separate self that likes

this feeling that doesn't like this

feeling that wants to change this

feeling that judges that feeling we turn

around and face our feeling as awareness

yes

so as awareness feelings are completely

welcomed just as everything that appears

in the space of this room is welcome the

space of this room doesn't have to

negotiate with each person that comes in

oh I like you but I don't like you I

wish you had a different color shirt on

I think the space cannot negotiate what

takes place within it because it is

empty it is open it the space of this

room cannot resist what takes place

within it even if we were to start

fighting with each other now or dancing

or whatever the space would remain the

same it is it would it wouldn't change

if we were dancing or fighting in that

sense it is indifferent but it is not a

cold indifference because it is also one

with everything that takes place within

it it is a loving indifference a

benevolent indifference

so as this presence of awareness or

let's let's call it the space imagine

awareness like a like a space like the

space of this room but it's a knowing

space and aware space so now we invite

our feelings to come back having turned

away from them initially in order to

establish the presence and the primacy

and the nature of awareness we now

invite Athenians to come back but we

welcome them within us us meaning the

space of awareness and we let these

feelings as it were soaked in the space

of awareness in the same way that when

you get into a bath on a cold night you

just

surrender your body to the warm water so

we and so it was from this perspective

that I said we know when we are fully

allowing or accepting or welcoming our

feelings when we can say to the feeling

I can live with you forever you are

welcome

within me forever that that that is a

little test because what people often do

when they hear this is that they welcome

the feelings because they think are this

might finally get rid of them all our

lives we have been trying to get rid of

feelings uncomfortable feelings through

substances activities relationships etc

the separate self is very clever

it takes the four non-dual teaching and

it applies it as yet one more way of

getting rid of uncomfortable feelings

that's not that that's that's fake

welcoming it's welcoming something so

that you can get rid of end so this

question can I live with you forever

is a very when you you asked you say

this to your to the feeling you must be

able to answer yes to that question

because then you know that there's no

trace in you that wants to get rid of it

and then look at if what is a feeling

for which you have absolutely no

resistance next time you are suffering

put the story that accompanies the

suffering on one side because we're not

dealing with ideas and beliefs we're

dealing with the the aspect of the

feelings that that is in your body that

it's a sensation in your bodies

when you're next find yourself suffering

or with a sense of lack don't let your

mind go into stories just go to the the

feeling the sensation of the lack and it

may take some time you turn towards it

and you invite it into yourself and you

bring it closer and closer and closer

until you can honestly say I have no

resistance to this feeling and see what

remains of the feeling if you do that