Imagine you’re sitting on a meadow looking at the sky and a flock of birds flies slowly across your field of vision.
You watch the birds enter your view, keep watching as they cross it and then exit it.
There’s you, and there’s the birds. No question about that, right? You certainly don’t feel that the birds are part of you. They’re objects and you’re watching them. That’s VERY clear.
You might not realize it, but your thought process is remarkably similar…
Your thoughts are passing by in front of you and you’re only watching them. They’re objects, just like the birds. They are not you. They are the products of your brain.
A thought like, “I’m depressed” or “I’m so happy” is just like one of those birds. So is “What a lousy life I’m leading” or “Life is so cool!”
They’re all like those birds, and you’re watching them.
But all these days you felt those thoughts were “you.”
So how do you experience that you are separate from your thoughts and just watching them? Easy.
- Sit quietly somewhere, close your eyes and watch what’s going on in your head. As soon as you “think” something, try and locate the answer to the question, “Who was aware of that thought?” The answer is the basic “you”, and the result will be that you separate “yourself” from that thought.
- Perform this process on a daily basis on several thoughts (10 minutes a day will do). Gradually you will realize you are separate from all your thoughts; you will in other words realize that they are objects and you are an observer. Since emotions are nothing but thoughts, you separate yourself from them too. Since the basic “you” is separate from your emotions, it feels no sadness, happiness, frustration or any other emotions.
Sound dull? Not really. On the other hand, bereft of thoughts/emotions of all kinds, you are actually at perfect peace.
Please be aware that at no point am I saying that you should suppress your thoughts. Your thoughts should certainly keep flowing, only you should watch them like you watched those birds fly over your field.
This is the secret to being peaceful at all times. Try it, it really works!
To your peaceful life,
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
uh i think this would turn me into a schizophrenic
Great post, I was thinking last night how I should not act out of fear or emotion. Empirically I found it to be self-deceptive. I will practice consulting and relying on the spirit of the Universe! Admirably and respectfully, prana8.
Realize that fear and emotion are perceived, and not part of “you the observer.” Then deal with them; your actions will be optimal.
v beautifully explained. but to most,its when putting it to practice, comes the difficulty..for, to a ‘layman’it more often does sound dull,to think having no ‘emotions’ or feelings.. & it took me 3 full months now, to ’start seeing’ your point..!! THANKS..
Hi SS, glad you’re putting your finger on the “basic you.”
Most importantly, thoughts and emotions continue, but you are separate from them… it’s like they’re a movie and you’re in the audience.
Hi Lucky,
This is a good process for detaching from my thoughts. Thanks for sharing!
Peace,
Miriam
Glad it was of help, Miriam. The “basic you” is real and has been there since you were in your mother’s womb…