Allowing Is What We Are, Not What We Do

Summary

The transcript delves into the exploration of emotions and the quest for happiness. It discusses the tendency to use external objects as distractions from internal discomfort, leading to a suppression of feelings. The speaker guides the listener to embrace awareness as an open, non-judgmental space that allows feelings to surface and be processed, rather than seeking to eliminate them. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of not clinging to temporary states of happiness but instead recognizing the enduring nature of awareness, which underlies all emotional experiences.

Takeaways

• 🧘 The script discusses the process of welcoming and allowing feelings to arise without the intention of getting rid of them, emphasizing the distinction between welcoming as a mental act and allowing as a natural state of awareness.
• 🌱 It highlights that the mind is conditioned to reject unpleasant feelings, and true acceptance comes from a state of awareness that is already allowing these feelings to exist.
• 🔍 The speaker suggests that the pursuit of lasting happiness is misguided if it's seen as a state that comes and goes, as all states are temporary by nature.
• 🌟 The script points out that the experience of happiness can be profound but is not the ultimate goal; instead, it's the awareness and openness to all feelings that is sought.
• 🕊️ There's an emphasis on the importance of not resisting feelings but rather facing them with courage and neutrality, which is the true nature of awareness.
• 🌌 The speaker describes a past experience of a prolonged period of happiness, suggesting it was a glimpse of the unchanging awareness, but not the ultimate reality.
• 🔑 It is suggested that the longing for a past state of happiness can be an obstacle to experiencing the deeper, more constant happiness that lies beneath the surface of changing feelings.
• 💡 The script encourages the listener to see themselves as the 'empty space' of awareness, where feelings are allowed to arise and pass without judgment or resistance.
• 🌈 There's a reminder that the goal is not to achieve a specific state of mind but to be present with whatever arises in the field of awareness, including discomfort and resistance.
• 🌱 The final message is about the importance of being sensitive to the impulse to get rid of feelings and instead, to simply be the awareness in which these feelings appear.

Q & A

What is the main issue the person is facing according to the transcript?

The person is struggling with the emergence of uncomfortable feelings as they have lost interest in using external objects as distractions. They are seeking a state of lasting happiness and peace, but are currently experiencing a mix of fear, tension, and anxiety.

What is the significance of the term 'welcoming feelings' in the context of the transcript?

In the transcript, 'welcoming feelings' refers to the act of consciously allowing and accepting uncomfortable or painful emotions without resistance, in order to process and release them, rather than avoiding or suppressing them.

Why does the person feel disappointed despite experiencing peace?

The person feels disappointed because they expected to immediately feel a state of peace and happiness upon becoming aware of their feelings, but instead, they are experiencing a layer of uncomfortable emotions that need to be processed before reaching a state of reliable, unconditional happiness.

What is the role of objects in distracting people from their feelings, as discussed in the transcript?

Objects, such as movies or material possessions, serve as distractions that keep people's attention focused away from their internal feelings. This focus on external objects prevents the surfacing of uncomfortable emotions, leading to a temporary alleviation of discomfort.

What does the speaker suggest as an alternative to 'welcoming' feelings?

The speaker suggests replacing the word 'welcoming' with 'allowing' to adopt a more neutral stance towards feelings. This shift in language is meant to emphasize that awareness is inherently allowing and there is no need to force a welcoming attitude with the mind.

How does the speaker describe the nature of awareness in relation to feelings?

The speaker describes awareness as an empty space that is already allowing feelings to arise without resistance. It is characterized by total openness and acceptance, and it does not require any effort to welcome or allow feelings.

What is the difference between seeking a state of mind and the true goal according to the transcript?

Seeking a state of mind, such as a past experience of happiness, is different from the true goal because states of mind are temporary and changeable. The true goal is to experience the underlying, unconditional happiness that is not dependent on temporary states.

Why does the person's longing for a past state of happiness hinder their progress, as per the transcript?

Longing for a past state of happiness hinders progress because it keeps the person focused on a temporary experience rather than the present moment and the underlying awareness that is always present. This longing prevents them from fully engaging with and releasing their current feelings.

What is the advice given for dealing with sleepless nights filled with uncomfortable feelings?

The advice is to establish in one's experience the understanding that they are the empty, aware space in which feelings appear, and to be that knowingly without any impulse to change or get rid of the feelings.

How does the speaker differentiate between the mind and awareness in terms of handling feelings?

The speaker differentiates by stating that the mind is conditioned to reject unpleasantness, whereas awareness is an open, empty space that inherently allows all feelings without resistance. The mind cannot truly welcome feelings; it is awareness that does so without effort.