When we define ourselves as a physical body then we are always "here" where ever the body is, at least until the body is destroyed.
When we define ourselves as the mind then we are "here" whenever the mind is active. (when we "think" that we are here)
When we define ourselves as consciousness then we are "here" only when we are aware that we are here. In most people this is less than one percent of the time.
Unfortunately talking (thinking) about it does not do a damn bit of good. On the contrary thinking is a substitute for doing. What is needed are methods and reminders.
I cannot answer for Mossy, however I think it is thought that thinking might somehow affect one's awareness of the moment.
In this discussion, I believe "conscious" and "aware" are two different things. To be conscious does not necessarily mean that one is aware. For instance, one can be lost in thought and not be aware of one's surroundings.
As far as I know, the purpose of being aware is to not suffer. When we regret the past or worry about the future, this is suffering.
I'm good at describing it, I think, but doing it is another story. Personally I like thinking.
Those are a lot of good questions. I will try to answer them.
"How do you know that thinking does not do any good with regards to being conscious?"
First I was taught a theory and then after years of observing myself while making efforts I verified that it was true.
It is actually an over generalization because thinking and words can help one to understand the situation that one is in, but at a certain point one no longer needs more understanding but more action. ie The effort to be present.
"Is not thinking an act?" Thinking is usually an unconscious act of the mind. It usually happens without our knowledge or consent. The primary consequence is that our thoughts make us think that we are conscious when we are not.
Any action done specifically for the purpose of being more present at that moment will help one to be present.
The reason for being conscious is that it is far better than being asleep. Consciousness is sometimes like love and magic compared to our normal state, but more importantly it just feels right when you are there and sleep seems very wrong. When one is conscious one is more able to chose what kind of emotions and thoughts one wants to have. Normally we suffer a lot from emotions and thoughts that we do not want to have but we can do nothing about them.
By defining who we are I mean that we take the perspective of being the mind, the body, or consciousness.
Hi Mossy, It would appear that you are largely making an emotional argument.
I think emotions are evaluations. And this would imply that your argumentation is circular. "It feels right" is not an argument. "It is like love and magic" is not an argument.
Also, you do not argue why being conscious entails having no suffering and all pleasure.
Furthermore, I do not think that having all pleasure and no pain is realistic nor desirable at all. Why would anyone want such a thing? What is the use of it? Why do you want to choose emotions and thoughts? Of what use would it be?
14 comments:
When we define ourselves as a physical body then we are always "here" where ever the body is, at least until the body is destroyed.
When we define ourselves as the mind then we are "here" whenever the mind is active. (when we "think" that we are here)
When we define ourselves as consciousness then we are "here"
only when we are aware that we are here. In most people this is less than one percent of the time.
Unfortunately talking (thinking) about it does not do a damn bit of good. On the contrary thinking is a substitute for doing. What is needed are methods and reminders.
Very good and analytical explanation.
I was just simply talking about being in la-la land all the time. So, body here, mind not here but definitely active. :)
Sophia,
I knew what you meant, but you know me, any excuse to TALK about being conscious, when I should be doing it instead. :)
I know you.
:)
And I like your talk.
Hi mossy,
How do you know that thinking does not do any good with regards to being conscious?
Is not thinking an act? Do you think that your thoughts have no consequences?
Is talking not an act? What should you be doing? Chopping wood? Meditating? What is the purpose of being conscious?
How do you know that you can go around defining who you are? Is this even open to choice?
Hi Mag, glad to see you join us.
I cannot answer for Mossy, however I think it is thought that thinking might somehow affect one's awareness of the moment.
In this discussion, I believe "conscious" and "aware" are two different things. To be conscious does not necessarily mean that one is aware. For instance, one can be lost in thought and not be aware of one's surroundings.
As far as I know, the purpose of being aware is to not suffer. When we regret the past or worry about the future, this is suffering.
I'm good at describing it, I think, but doing it is another story. Personally I like thinking.
Hello Mag,
Those are a lot of good questions. I will try to answer them.
"How do you know that thinking does not do any good with regards to being conscious?"
First I was taught a theory and then after years of observing myself while making efforts I verified that it was true.
It is actually an over generalization because thinking and words can help one to understand the situation that one is in, but at a certain point one no longer needs more understanding but more action. ie The effort to be present.
"Is not thinking an act?" Thinking is usually an unconscious act of the mind. It usually happens without our knowledge or consent. The primary consequence is that our thoughts make us think that we are conscious when we are not.
Any action done specifically for the purpose of being more present at that moment will help one to be present.
The reason for being conscious is that it is far better than being asleep. Consciousness is sometimes like love and magic compared to our normal state, but more importantly it just feels right when you are there and sleep seems very wrong. When one is conscious one is more able to chose what kind of emotions and thoughts one wants to have. Normally we suffer a lot from emotions and thoughts that we do not want to have but we can do nothing about them.
By defining who we are I mean that we take the perspective of being the mind, the body, or consciousness.
Does this all make sense?
Hi Mossy,
It would appear that you are largely making an emotional argument.
I think emotions are evaluations. And this would imply that your argumentation is circular.
"It feels right" is not an argument.
"It is like love and magic" is not an argument.
Also, you do not argue why being conscious entails having no suffering and all pleasure.
Furthermore, I do not think that having all pleasure and no pain is realistic nor desirable at all. Why would anyone want such a thing? What is the use of it?
Why do you want to choose emotions and thoughts? Of what use would it be?
I talk too much.
Mossy, dahling,
:)
I do, too.
Not to worry.
Without talk, it would be a lonely world.
The charm of your southern drawl comes through even in print.
I am tickled that you think there is charm to the drawl. When I listen to my voice played back, I think it sounds very "hick". LOL
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