A lot of awakened people describe the spacious conscousness, between the thoughts, as a proof that we are not our thoughts. But I think our thoughts are produced from that clear awareness/conscousness. I dont understand why our thoughts are not a part of us. I mean the thoughts are produced by our consciousness for to be able to communicate and solve problems, why it is not "me"? I would like to hear your explanation on this.
Many thoughts are put into your awareness by outside forces… that is why marketing works. So, it can”t be you. Most of your thoughts are merely previously learned automatic responses to triggers in your outside environment. You wouldn”t consider yourself to be thoughts, just because you have them… in the same Way that you wouldn”t consider yourself to be a knee, just because you have two of them. Thoughts and knees are not you. They are merely “things” you have. You are something else, you are the “else” that experience the thoughts/knee etc. Nobody calls it “else”, they Call it higher self, awareness, true nature, consciousness, Universe etc. Feel into that, - while leaving whatever thoughts that come up alono. ❤
I've 'awakened' one year ago and ever since I've been in the path to 'unfilter' reality enough so that what was a temporary experience may be perceived as is, in every moment of the now. Your interviews and book are helping in indescribable ways. I have to confess that, even with your preference not to use spiritual terms, the first time I heard your speech in an interview, I was brought to that "place of no place and time of no time", and crying (more like sobbing) my heart out I could only say "That guy's a F---- wizard!!!!" over and over again. Thank you.
You’re welcome. I generally go easy on spiritual terms just so I don’t inadvertently cause someone to discount this possibility for themself simply because they don’t vibe with certain terms, traditions etc. Also I really try to speak from direct experience rather than predefined terms. This is not to discount the many rich spiritual traditions out there. ❤️
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake I considered myself as agnostic atheist before suddenly awakening (at the time I had recently discovered Alan Watts, and a good friend from my hypnotherapists group got me to start reading Ingram's MCTB, but I had absolutely no idea of what was about to happen when I took some entheogens and decided to listen to Watts), and the impossibility of describing the experience, together with the insights that came during and after, obliged me to describe myself as "pantheist", for right now I consider all religions AND atheism to be truth/nothing at the same time. Life is confusing, but I wouldn't change it for anything. It's very interesting to have the exact same rationality as when I said of myself "atheist", while at the same time embracing all religions.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake You are even more generous uploading all of these videos at no charge.. So much has been seen here, experienced, Perfect Stillness, can't go anywhere,--never have, never will, nothing to fix, nothing to heal. I'm well aware of the fear and pride that keeps the 'penny from dropping." I really appreciate your words on your videos. Thank you for uploading them.
1- this the most important thing for me 0:39 2- expose yourself to resources (videos, texts, teachers) 2:00 3- inquiry (a powerful tool): become aware of the thoughts, who is the person? 3:48
I have just discovered 'you'. What stands out, besides the pointers, is how kind you are replying to as many people as you can. It sounds like you have lots going on full time job, and writing and You Tube, yet you still make space to reply. There's something about that, that's real and touching. Thank you.
These words are wise, and I don't object to anything, but I will share my experience that fits the first advice, set the intention! This is the most important one because if this initial intention comes out of core intelligence, then the rest is easy. The natural force that this intention wakes up is actual natural energy of who or what it's all about, like a kind of autopilot that will not drain you out. The heart knows where to go, so trust it!
"Pure awake knowing without an object of knowing." Yes. YES! Such a Clear Direction to 'that' space! And without a Subject to knowing. Since any perceived subject must become its own object. [and then the mind comes and tries to take you where you already are. or tries to 'own' it, and maybe you fall for it again. ha ha,, or maybe you see.. ] Thank you! So clear!
This is the clearest guiding I have ever heard. I dropped into that space listening. And it confirms here what has been known and sometimes experienced here. We are that 'Space' in which everything arises. Prior.. Thank you Angelo for all of your teachings!! Much love and Gratitude!
You’re incredible. You give me intense Eckhart energy, which is to say I’m here for the long hall. It hits me hard that awakening is proposed as a choice. Many spiritual teachers tag awakening with the same warning you shared, ‘be sure you are ready for all that comes with awakening.’ Something about this awakening beckons me so deeply, ignoring it is so emotionally uncomfortable…. I love your delivery, it’s powerful enough to bring me to the present moment. You’re an important teacher. Namaste.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake thank you - I’ m a deeply spiritual person, so I thought there was something innately wrong with me that I still couldn’t tell you exact locations of all 7 chakras. I admire your quest to cut out spiritual jargon. It’s all still incredibly spiritual, but there is not any clutter to the experience. You are exactly what I asked the Universe for. 🙏🏼Thank you for sharing your gift.
This pointing from this channel is refreshing in that; I Am directly made aware that all the shadow work, all the chaos and ugliness I'm experiencing is part of the process. The pointing is helpful and skilful for 'i thought' if I was awakening then it would be full of Grace and joy and tremendous wonder! Yet, I am more anxious; fearful, and deeper challenges are coming up more than ever. The mind thinks 'are we there yet? lol 'if I'm on the path to awakening why am I being confronted by so much evil? So much suffering?' It would have been, and remains an easy way out for the mind to make us feel-say-think; 'what's the point? I'm getting nowhere. This is a lot of spiritual rubbish, nonsense!' And yet, and yet...this channel's pointings helps to redirect our focus inward towards a space that understands. I feel much Gratitude for this channel as it is helping me realize that I'm not alone and is encouraging me to stay the course. The choppy waves of emotional turmoil, the tumultuous winds of self-identity and the Grace; Joy and Wonder that En-lite-(light)-ens our way through the storm; That welcomes us Home 🙏🏻
Hi Angelo, I need a bit of help/advice if possible. I've had glimpses of the first shift, and am aware of thought throughout the day in the sense of not identifying with it. I have 'changed' and those around me picked up on it some months ago even though I didn't mention a series of realisations I had, but I don't consider 'myself' to have fully shifted. I still identify with the body, my mind and everything else from time to time. I think also because of researching things and speaking to people, I'm conscious of the idea that the I AM realisation or universal consciousness is actually another illusion, it seems like I deep down feel like I need to bypass that first shift if that makes sense? Thanks
I can't make the decision that waking up is my deepest longing. Somehow I'm more identified with seeking. And human relationships/affection is probably the most important thing to me.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Hi there. Thanks for the response btw :-) Is there any way I could contact you for answers or guidance? I feel like I'm procrastinating my awakening. Thank you for your videos 🙏
I love how clear this explanation is and how you distinguish self inquiry from pure inquiry. After many years of sitting with teachers I tend to rest directly in pure inquiry and when I guide others in our weekly zooms the guidance that arises seems to be expressive of that but I think the step by step process you have really clearly outlined will be helpful to some in our sangha who are new and easily get caught up in the immediate and successive thoughts. I’ve been through this process over many years and see clearly ‘that I am’ is not a thought. but I need to be mindful others will find these steps extremely useful as I once did. Thank you so much Angelo, I really love your piercing clarity in sharing this understanding, a great service to the world ❤️🙏🏻
Hi Angelo, I found you through ZDogg and couldn't get enough, as soon as I listened to the first episode I purchased your book and kept/keep looking for more episodes with him. You are the first person that I've found who has been able to coherently and clearly talk about things I've experienced that I haven't been able to really explain to anyone. Long story short, many years ago I had a few psychotropic experiences that have left me with foretastes (as you say) of awakening, which before reading your book, I called awakening experiences. They left me confused and even afraid at times. For awhile I thought I was crazy and even falling into solipsism (which I would be curious to hear you talk about) though as time went on I was able to find some teachings/teachers that resonated with me and helped me have some context to what happened. That said, I no longer am exploring awakening from that angle and have been practicing different techniques including meditation for years. However, things just never seemed to click or break through or fully help me understand what happened or get at the core of what I was looking for. Your language and transmission seems to be piercing through and helping me realize that what I am looking for is right here and now and that this is without a doubt the most important thing in my life. Anyway, I've finished the book and am practicing inquiry during the day. I'm lucky enough to work on a small organic vegetable farm and having plenty of time to do inquiry, when I'm not distracting myself with thought streams. So here's my question. You mention in this video something along the lines of "most thoughts are about the sense of me" but I am finding that as I deepen more into that space between thoughts the thoughts that come up are simple labeling thoughts. Like "tree" or "green" or "sky" which I then follow up with labeling as a thought. "Tree." "Thought." "Green." "Thought." "Sky." "Thought." These labeling thoughts sometimes feel really subtle and then when I label it as a thought I feel a little bit scattered, because I am not fully clarifying it or they are happening really fast or something. Is this useful or should I be instead returning to an inquiry question? I just find that sometimes I feel like I am repeating my inquiry almost for the sake of it, without actually finding any of that space in between or even another thought before repeating it. My inquiry has been "Where is my awareness, aware?" Though I like the ones you presented in this video around the 10min mark and will try those tonight and during the day tomorrow. Thank you for reading all of this, and being available as somebody else said. I will try and keep it shorter next time.
It’s great that you feel called to do inquiry during activities. However I would also really address this practice while doing seared meditation bc it really helps to clear distractions for this phase. As far as your specific description I like that you are recognizing labels as “extra” . That’s good insight. When it comes to first awakening you also want to really address identity structures esp in a calm introspective setting. So if you are experiencing pure thought, pure consciousness with few structured thoughts look further the meta-impressions like “things always get scattered at this point.” The recognize that as one single thought. What is here now once that is incorporated as just more consciousness? Like that. Look fir thoughts disgusting themselves as practice evaluations or monitoring.
Alec wrote 'long story short' but seemly rather 'short story long' I failed to understand what he talks about, I also don't understand Angelo's respond, my English is not so good, I will read again some other time and try to understand, because though I hardly understand Angelo's English, but I can feel his words is resonates to my heart...thank you all good people 🙏 I have been following some non duality teachings from different teachers, I found each has unique way on his/her way as a pointer, I love all of them. I understand easily Eckhart Tolle, Swami Sarvapriyananda and Rupert Spira's English, I a bit struggle with Francis Lucille and Angelo, but I will not give up. Above among other non duality teachers.
Beautiful! This is so crazy. The synchronicity is literally blowing my mind. Two days ago, I was trying to figure out how do I watch thoughts.. Everyone says watch the thoughts like you watch tv screen. Ok great, it definitely doesn’t work like that! So I’ve been perplexed a bit. UNTIL you stated it’s about recognizing you had a thought.. yay! Ok then I be been watching thoughts if it’s about simply recognizing them coming to my consciousness
I have just found your channel and I find these videos very helpful. It is clear you yourself speak from a place of presence (to quote eckhart tolle). Thanks a lot, I have been confused as to what self inquiry is and how to get started with it
Thank you! During your talk, my sense of I AM is more familiar and much less profound than I had previously presumed the sense of I AM to be. My first thought is “am I on the right path?” Followed by “this can’t be it” followed by “that’s a thought”. I really appreciate your book. It’s been a slow read for me - I find I can only digest a few pages a day. I could not get through your chapter on the stages of awakening, but will probably revisit it after finishing the rest of the book.
Thanks for stopping by! Yes it’s a very dense read with a lot of direct pointing. I really wanted to make it valuable for people for long term practice. You’ll get more each time you return to it :) 😊
In that place I could easily sit staring into the distance blissing for eternity. But have a child that needs feeding 😂 Wheres the manual for doing life. Thats the seeking. What am I supposed to do in this body. If its just me it makes sense when there's others that depend on me for guidance how does one move forward. Let go. Keep letting go. Presence and in every infinite beautiful now moment it just unfolds in pure awareness and its actually all the other layers of conditioning, fear and programming and attachment to past pain and future projections that muddy everything. Blah blah more noise. Find me one of these teachers you speak of Jedi ❤
Thank you so much, clear and details instruction in fact these words are the clearest teaching for me, I can feel the change in the way I look at things. I’m so grateful to run into your clip just by accident.
thank you - such resistance to the enquiry - excuses beliefs - this 'lifeline' extended over the ocean of thought immersion concealing the huge building blocks - lifebuoy tossed within reach what turns aside when drowning ?
RUclips is the absolute best thing that has ever happened on this subject. I’m immersed in what you talk about and it’s my heart’s desire. I would like to meet people locally thought . I was going to a zen temple for a while but it just felt too religious to me. I don’t know how to explain that. But I am addressing all the points you raise. Where are you from sir?
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake I don’t want to goto Boston. I know there are people down there but it’s too far and I have 2 young kids so my time is precious. I would love something local. Yeah. I know, that’s a big ask
I haven't awakened, but that sense of I, what feels like this blank plane behind my thoughts that perceives my thoughts and senses all at once, seems so blatently obvious that I can't believe I never saw it before. Sometimes it's hard to get behind the crowd of thoughts to that place, but other times (especially when focusing on adyashanti or you) it's just obviously there. It doesn't feel like some explain as this expansive connectedness to everything. It feels like it has borders of my personal consciousness. I'm bad about intellectualizing and collecting data, and I wonder if it's my ego tricking me lol
Great comment. It isn't your ego tricking you actually... BUT the thought that the ego is tricking you is what draws attention back from "that" into thought. You're doing great, just keep returning there and be alert for these subtle thoughts, even practice based thoughts then just go "ahh" and return to that wordless alert space :)
Thank you Angelo and thanks for being an accessible teacher! It's not like there's a database of awake teachers around that can help those of us that care most about this. And if there was it would probably be tricky to navigate through the frauds. Of course there's tons of videos and stuff, but it's not the same as interaction. So I appreciate it
Thank you so much. when I went and asked those questions you suggested, what I found was another, not person, but a still presence watching those thoughts. It felt empty and yet expansive, very still and quiet, that I have been connecting with. The other thing I have noticed within this whole month of going in and just being still, is this, when I close my eyes and just sit, what I have been noticing is that while the thoughts are going on, im recognizing, the thoughts and the space all at the same time. In the beginning the attention was on the awareness. It was either awareness or thought specifically that was happening separately. Now I am noticing both simultaneously. Is this ok? suddle and yet knew
Not sure if you will see my question but I shall try. I started with these basic steps & I find inquiry so terribly hard. I have been meditating for years but the moment I or whatever that is shall rest in the thoughtless medium I get lost like really lost. That observer or medium keep thinking what’s next ? Is this it? And blah blah!! What should I do differently?
I love your channel sooooo much!!! :) thanks thanks thanks Every day we have thoughts... Are some thoughts ok and good and others should be stopped? I used to wonder (before I discovered non duality) what would happen if I went through a day without thinking (not that it's even possible)? As a seeker, should I be trying to distinguish between thoughts or should I rather be working on lessening the thoughts day by day? I'm trying to stop multi tasking, social media and otherwise feeding the mind. My hope is that by constantly simplifying my life, I will be able to awaken sooner
Not necessary to sort between thoughts. Thoughts are just fluctuations in consciousness. When the identity experience gets set up then thoughts feel/appear real, as if the point to something out there or to some truth. So when we see this there is no reason to pick and choose thoughts. We can relax. More important than any of that is actually inquiring into hidden thoughts/beliefs such as “I am something or someone that can choose between thoughts”
Thank you for your sharing/teachings in all forms. I am impressed by the sincerity, openness and transparency of all your sharing, i am always left with a taste of joy, simplicity and really sharing yourself. I would like to ask a question, if it's not too much. Doing the inquiry "to whom does this thought arise", the thoughts "arise" less and less, i perceive a vast "nothing" and the breath and the tinglings ... what shall i do to stop perceiving the breath and the tinglings? I tried that but didn't work, maybe because for few years i was practicing to follow my breath and to feel the tinglings all the day long, to move my attention from the thoughts inside the body. Now i am confused... maybe you can help me... can the inquiry be affected by sensing the breath and the body continuously? THANK YOU!
The breath and tinglings (as sensations) aren’t a problem. Just notice the thoughts that say “those shouldn’t be there” and proceed the same way “for whom does this thought arise?” Or to whom does it occur? Or even who is noticing? There’s no need to make anything go away :)
Hi Angelo. Love your stuff so much. Sipping slowly on your book, too. I wanted to ask: is "self-enquiry" a mandatory step towards awakening? Over the years, I've stumbled on my own approach to ... centering (?), which is to simply listen. Sometimes, it feels like "listening to listening" - a kind of awareness of awareness. When I get it right, I know it because it releases what seems to be a whole lot of trapped energy. (I used to call it a "bliss bomb.") My posture realigns and my breathing and muscular tensions fleetingly change. But I wonder if this is enough, or just a mere preliminary, and whether it's any substitute for a verbalized form of self-enquiry as you describe here. I'm still not awake after all these years, after all. (But I must confess I haven't really dedicated myself to this or any other practice with much determination, largely because I'm very sceptical about my chances of any breakthrough.) Such verbalized reflections don't really seem to do much for me. Could the observation of "raw," unlabelled sensory data (such as sound) serve by itself as a path to awakening?
I have faint memories of a situation where I experienced some sort of realization about myself, life and the universe, and I remember just feeling terrified beyond what words can describe before I blacked out and forgot about it completely. Did I face the choice to wake up, and was I too scared to take the step?
Hi. I am a Norwegian that has been on my way for some time. First The power of now appeared on my computer, then your sessions with zdogg. I guess the universe are leading me on. I don't have access to any real time teacher so I guess I'll have to move on by myself. Do you think that is a good idea?
Angelo, I have had many “awakenings” over the years with my first one being around 35… I had zero clue about spirituality. Had zero clue as to what happened for almost a month of pure bliss and deep love abiding. Since then there’s been 4 more, what I’ve come to call “in the flow” periods that last for a month or more but apparently it’s not the real deal as I go back into the crap thoughts. When you interview so many people “awakening” I have to wonder if it’s abiding for them ..? I’m hoping this video “how’s” are going to help 🙏❤️
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Thank you for responding but I’ve read it over and over and don’t know what you mean? Is it that flowing with life in synchronized flow isn’t awakening?
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake What?!! It feels so magical and right???? It feels like perfection and each happening is connected to things that started so long ago.. like a perfect tapestry of synchronicities… this is not what I’m looking for?? It feels magical… everyone told me that had zero clue what happened either, that it’s not sustainable … so they were right? 😔
Hey Angelo. So I've established that there are essentially two "me's" - the "me-in-thought" and the "Me-here-now". The "Me-here-now" feels as if it is located "back here" as a silent watcher that simply registers thoughts. The problem I have is that I cannot recognise how this "Me-here-now" is present prior to and during thoughts, although I can recognise it's presence after thoughts have arisen, and the "me-in-thought" is seen. It feels as though the "me-in-thought" (or the habit of thought jumping into stories) overshadows the presence of "Me-here-now". How do I recognise "Me-here-now's" presence prior to and during thought, or does this clarify with practice? Thankyou 🙏
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Sorry if this seems negative but I think I was turned off exploring Adyashanti because of the name change. Something about Westerners doing that strikes me as a weird move? If we are being told that the teacher doesn’t have something special that the student doesn’t, why change one’s names?
@@christinaguimond1706 yeah I think it’s definitely falling out of favor now but 30 years ago it was sort of common thing to do. Also when your identity completely disappears, why not? Lol … I’m all for people changing their names. I think we should all change our names every few years 🥰… there’s such a revolution now in releasing one’s binding from identity including physical identity, gender identity etc
I'm trying to get through a little shaky part. I have been listening to your meditations every night, reading the book, and watching all the videos with Dr Z. I feel so mellow today, a little distanced, but still functioning efficiently. Just feels odd
I tried becoming aware of my thoughts and there was nothing there and then eventually I expressed myself in a thought, 'When I look for thoughts there's nothing there' or similar. The same as if writing a message like this one. I very rarely have any thoughts except for these self reflective ones. I find it very confusing when people say 'watch your thoughts' as if there are just random thoughts happening all the time. I mean is that the case for most people, or have people just got so used to copying that line that they don't even bother to investigate for themselves? Since I'm too spiritually dense to get anywhere with 'Who am I?' or 'What was my face before my parents were born?' I've decided to just settle for understanding what is going on with thought.
Hi Angelo - I have a question. I have begun to understand that when I observe pain that it’s not me - it is there but it’s just a part of reality like a bird, a cloud etc. But the pain still hurts. What am I missing? Is this a glimpse but not sufficient to cease identification. On a recent retreat I was observing pain after burning my hand on the stove and instead of recoiling from the pain I went directly into it and the sensation just dissolved into a tingling - my mind knew it was pain but it didn’t hurt anymore. Of course without meditating 12-14 hours a day I can’t recreat this at home. I feel im on the cusp but not seeing clearly enough? Thanks for your advice!
Hello Angelo, Thank you for such a wonderful description of where to start. I wanted to ask as to where the relationship between this stage of resting in the awareness connects to awakening. How does this abidance in the 'space' that I am, as you call it in this video, lead to the understanding that I am not a separate entity?
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake thanks a lot! Will check out both :) Just finished "Thoughtless Space". It did throw some light, thanks a lot. Will continue with the next one
Once the initial shift occurs (often experienced as I AM), the practitioner will begin to be aware of a watcher state being set up. At that point further inquiries and experiential insights clarify the realization until the watcher state no longer remains. The initial shift however is quite integrated (at the level of consciousness), and won't feel too much like a watcher state. It's pure, unbound consciousness with little to no content (thought). This is when attention is specifically held in consciousness (sense gates closed). After awakening there will be a natural progression to assimilating the non-dual nature of the sense gates. As this process unfolds, the reflective nature of consciousness will make it appear as if watcher is present when reflecting the senses. As senses are integrated in a non-dual fashion, or more properly, the perceptual filter that makes awareness appear as distinct from sense phenomena drops away, it is clear that awareness and intimacy of radiant experience are not two (true non-dual). Good question :)
@@lauraatkocius8127 also awakening is not subtle, it’s an undeniable, more real than real shift into an obviously more primary, expansive, and peaceful identity. It’s not a state or an experience.
Thank you. Unfortunately, this just makes your book more confusing for me as a lot of your woke experiences I understand without being woke. And, of course, my thoughts are such that this needs to make sense. 😉 Oh well..
A question: is there a version/technique of self inquiry which is useful for healing the trauma in the body/ bringing wholeness to the human being? Or will simply resting in the thoughtless space inevitably bring to consciousness all the unworked debris/ what feels like painful specks of identity/personal story in the body-mind? Thx
Thanks for this video! I've recently started my process of awakening if I can say it this way lol I have a friend who woke up recently helping me and oriented me towards your book and videos. Incredibly intriguing ad profound for me! I've read your book and I find myself distracting myself and avoiding to actually do the inquiry. This video helped and I am now sitting in meditation ready to start and committ to it. Two things I wanted to say : I understand that most thoughts are I am thoughts and that becoming aware of thoughts as solely thoughts is part of awakening. But than we use "thought" to inquire about thoughts no? Such as telling oneself oh this is a thought, and that or asking the question Who Am I. I have difficulty diffentiating that. I'm wondering if you can elaborate a bit on the nature of thoughts. Also do you have a video guiding people in inquiry during meditation, like a guided meditation with inquiry?Your meditation app is awesome but I've found that my deepest experiences and shifts happen when my friend is guiding me through meditation and pointing along the way. Thank you so much for everything ❤️
You’re welcome. Maybe I’ll make a video about it. In short this is what is happening: Those are doubt thoughts, sort of second order thoughts that allow “you” to distance yourself from the practice or from reality. Skk ok then recognize “that’s just one more thought!” Then let go of it. The alertness is primary not any thought regardless if it’s quality, content etc. Do you see how quiet the mind gets now? Then when the next thought he gives “BUT…..” you can immediately recognize it as a thought and not follow it ;)
Hello Angelo, It really feels like I am able to rest in the IAM sense but am not sure if that assessment is correct. Please tell me if the followjng description alludes to that fact. When I look for the one who 'sees' or 'thinks' it sort of feels like I am going behind the mechanism that is 'seeing', sort of going from the front of the lens to the observer's end. It feels like I hit the end of moving backwards and where I sort of encounter a wall I can't go behind. There's also an accompanying sensation that draws my attention in the vertical area in the middle of my chest, its not very clear, but its almost a physical sensation [I'll need to investigate if this is tension]. The process of going through the thoughts feels pointless because it leads me here most times. The doubt that I am not doing it correctly disturbs whatever process this is. Am I on the correct path and if not whats are the pointer thet might help?
I have so many questions! I am going through trauma therapy and I am looking at the yucky things that happened to me and the yucky things I did as a result of trauma and just because. I do feel separate from everyone around me. I am suffering as a result of not feeling connected. Reading your book but this video really hit me. I am always questioning and wanting answers but I also get in my own way. I dissociate as a result of of therapy at times and I also feel there’s so much more to life! I meditate to handle pain, anxiety, and more but I have only gotten to a place in meditation once where I could shut off all the noise in the city except for nature and the wind. Is this a taste of awakening?
Possibly. The important point is it is available to you. All the work with trauma is valuable and necessary. At the very same time there is something right here in your experience that is imperturbable regardless of anything that has happened to you or could happen to you. :) It's right here
Thanks for the video. I have a confusion that persists no matter how many videos about self-inquiry from various teachers I've seen. Is this self-inquiry done with the same capacity for attention that we use to focus on anything? So when I ask questions like "who is seeing my visual field?" or "who is thinking this thought?" do I investigate that with the same faculty of attention that I place on objects? Many videos make it sound like self-inquiry isn't done with that type of attention, but then I just don't really know how to proceed.
And when I try to sense where attention is arising from, do I do that sensing with attention, too? I mean, anything else that I might sense, I seem to do with the very same kind of attention that I place on objects. So anything I can sense becomes an object for attention to notice. Is this the same attention I would use to sense where attention itself is arising from? Sorry if the question is nonsensical, I would just love to clear this particular confusion conclusively because I feel like it's getting in the way.
@@Kroko84 well it’s a slippery thing to relate so the questions are fine, I understand. Not exactly. So fir instance if you were an eye looking for itself and it wanted to know where to put it’s attention or if it’s attention is the right attention to use, it would be misleading to tell the eye yes bc it induces it to keep looking. And yet , there is a way to simply rest as the eye. This is how it is with thought and consciousness. Ultimately attention is a thought but it’s very hard to see this so that’s why I usually direct people to either take a one pointed approach or investigate the nature of thought itself in a direct way as I described in one of the talks I uploaded a couple days ago. My book describes both. This slippery-ness is why there are so many different descriptions you’ve heard for doing this simple act. First of all it’s imperative to realize that that feeling of directing attention when it is associated with seeking is already making an assumption that itself causes one to overlook what we are pointing to in the first place. So instead of trying to direct attention, try just resting back in it’s source as best you can in the moment. Then when inevitably a thought arises saying “we’ll I’m not sure if I’m doing this right,” or something along those lines, you can immediately recognize that as a thought, so it is not what you are interested in. As that thought subsides , or you experientially move closer to the substance of it, you will begin to realize instinctually that you are already resting in consciousness. Sone people call it the I Am sense. Try that and let me know how it goes.
Sometimes I get caught in "infinite regression" with inquiry. Eg. I become aware of who thought this thought. Then, who is watching the thinker ?(it's not a verbal thought ofcourse, just a subtle shift in awareness). How does one resolve this ? I easily dwell beyond the first "observe the thoughts" step. I don't have to repeatedly watch them to get hold of the "thinker".
If you can “dwell beyond “ that way then really nothing more to do at the moment. Just be alert for subtle thoughts sneaking in coloring your experience. Even labels such as awareness, thinking about thinking or not thinking etc :)
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Yes, I am aware. "Thoughts" infact are too gross an experience. At that level of subtlety it is the tiny thought(or emotion)-initiating vibrations that I have to not get caught in. As I posted the earlier comment, it dawned on me that maybe the infinite regression happens because of a subtle pressure of impatience to "peel" through the current experience. I guess, I just have to dwell in whatever depth shows up naturally and let it deepen in its own time. I am more inclined to what you call Natural Meditation since quite a long time though. I see that it often naturally brings me to the kind of awareness that Inquiry is aimed at. Though sometimes it leads to more "heart based" experiences(deep upwelling of Love or a natural unquestioning faith in the "Divine" which may seem contrived when I am in a more "awareness based" mood) or sometimes energetic experiences(slight currents running up the body, awareness getting 'collected' into the forehead) etc.
I might say that whether referring to a you or an I, the money is in recognizing the one asking the question… the sense of the one who is curious or is not curious. All thoughts, experiences and impressions are like a backwards arrow pointing to the source of all experiencing. Recognizing that this is truly unfindable, unassailable, imperturbable, and deeply mysterious. This requires no thought whatsoever :).
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake thanks for clarifying that. My awakening was born from a bad case of CPTSD and its been a wonderful journey. Im new to your channel and am enjoying your content.
I also realized, this morning lying in bed, how curious thinking is. It is like I am telling myself something. If I am telling myself something, that implies I don't already know it. If I don't already know it, how can I tell it? It glaringly points to 2 entities--one subject and one object (the thought). That said, I still identify with thinking very often even though I know it is not me! Frustrating!
Thinking is bizarre eh? Even the thought that I know it's not me is a thought as is the thought that this is frustrating :) When those thoughts are also let go of where does that leave you ?
Rest in the place you are wondering that from. At the root of conceptuality, you will find a place where no distinctions arise. When you remain there without binding to any concept including subtle concepts then I Am sense can be realized.
Hi Angelo, I've been studying hard for almost a year... every day without fail. However, I don't meditate at all. I used to but for some reason I'm not doing it... I feel comfortable this way. I feel at ease but I also think I won't realise unless I do meditate... Does all this education and knowledge tend to lead to awakening or is inquiry and meditation a better combination? Thanks ❤
Thank you for your videos. Gratitude to you🙏🏻💖. I have your kindle book. Would love an Audible audio book narrated by you please. 😀 I also resonate hugely with Philip wade. His RUclips channel is "Philip Wade: infinite silence self realisation". He also has meditations and self inquiry lifestreams and replays on Insight Timer app.
Great question. I should make a video about it. Essentially there are three reasons: 1. We are conditioned to look for a conceptual answer when we ask a question. It takes a while to relax this tendency. 2. Where the inquiry question immediately leads is not an interesting place to the mind. It’s actually rather neutral often , however it doesn’t Jean that inquiry isn’t working. 3. There is often a delayed effect when it comes to inquiry. If you keep at it and really try to feel into what is beyond the ideas we have about who we are, what life is, what experience is, you will start to notice something subtle and not “Of the mind.” Then continue to tune into that :)
With self enquiry then, who had that thought? Is that right?? If we are pure consciousness then the thought arose from within that so….. what is it that’s outside that thought? Because there has to be a witness. That witness is god/consciousness
No answers is good! As far as frustration, it can be helpful to unpack the physical body experience from the narratives around frustration. Is there something I’m compelled to do bc of frustration? or can I keep on in this no answer, but still inquiring space?” The body sensations will pass with time.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake thank you for the answer! Yea I feel compelled to find the answer “who am I” I understand the paradox that there must be an “I” to ask the question. All “I” come away with are bodily sensations, feelings, emotions, and a never ending stream of thought that “I” can’t seem to ignore for very long
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Thanks again! I love the way you talk about all of this. I subscribed and I'm binging all your videos and getting your book as well. Very cool that you reply to people here.
It doesn't make sense to say "I" or "I am" at the point where there is a discovery of emptiness. That part of the explanation I find faulty. There is a sense of experiencing or knowing as you later mention, which I can verify. But the explanation that that knowing is any sort of I or I am simply doesn't make sense at that point. (I realize I have contradicted myself by saying "I", but I don't really mean I. LOL)
It happendto 'me* 2 years ago, in a running session, but after about 3 months of pure bliss, i begin to return tu a *normal' conciousness of one's evry day life, It was so obvious at the moment that theres nothing other than that...this luminous lights linking togather everything around me that was everything and nothing at the same time, the time that was stopped, tast of eternity...
who is you and who is who? a puzzle for the ages and for no one for the you who you know is the who who is not and the who who knows that is the who who you want and the i who you thought once forgotten as that can be free to be nothing true freedom indeed
I don't want to awaken but it's happening to me anyway. I feel like I'm being forced but it's probably more like I am being guided. I am not enjoying it though.
Would you say in the beginning, to stay away from watching Movies? why? because I find it to be so self identified, its another toxic form that stays in the memory bank. To be quite honest, I am having no interest in watching movies this whole month, only sitting and going with in and being aware and now doing the self inquiry
A lot of awakened people describe the spacious conscousness, between the thoughts, as a proof that we are not our thoughts. But I think our thoughts are produced from that clear awareness/conscousness. I dont understand why our thoughts are not a part of us. I mean the thoughts are produced by our consciousness for to be able to communicate and solve problems, why it is not "me"?
I would like to hear your explanation on this.
Many thoughts are put into your awareness by outside forces… that is why marketing works. So, it can”t be you.
Most of your thoughts are merely previously learned automatic responses to triggers in your outside environment.
You wouldn”t consider yourself to be thoughts, just because you have them… in the same Way that you wouldn”t consider yourself to be a knee, just because you have two of them.
Thoughts and knees are not you. They are merely “things” you have. You are something else, you are the “else” that experience the thoughts/knee etc.
Nobody calls it “else”, they Call it higher self, awareness, true nature, consciousness, Universe etc.
Feel into that, - while leaving whatever thoughts that come up alono. ❤
I've 'awakened' one year ago and ever since I've been in the path to 'unfilter' reality enough so that what was a temporary experience may be perceived as is, in every moment of the now. Your interviews and book are helping in indescribable ways. I have to confess that, even with your preference not to use spiritual terms, the first time I heard your speech in an interview, I was brought to that "place of no place and time of no time", and crying (more like sobbing) my heart out I could only say "That guy's a F---- wizard!!!!" over and over again. Thank you.
You’re welcome. I generally go easy on spiritual terms just so I don’t inadvertently cause someone to discount this possibility for themself simply because they don’t vibe with certain terms, traditions etc. Also I really try to speak from direct experience rather than predefined terms. This is not to discount the many rich spiritual traditions out there. ❤️
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake I considered myself as agnostic atheist before suddenly awakening (at the time I had recently discovered Alan Watts, and a good friend from my hypnotherapists group got me to start reading Ingram's MCTB, but I had absolutely no idea of what was about to happen when I took some entheogens and decided to listen to Watts), and the impossibility of describing the experience, together with the insights that came during and after, obliged me to describe myself as "pantheist", for right now I consider all religions AND atheism to be truth/nothing at the same time.
Life is confusing, but I wouldn't change it for anything. It's very interesting to have the exact same rationality as when I said of myself "atheist", while at the same time embracing all religions.
@@flutiyama that is the beauty of it
Yep he's made me cry like this before haha 😄
I want to be your friend!! Awakening recognizes awakening!
Thanks!
Thank you, that is very generous :)))
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake You are even more generous uploading all of these videos at no charge.. So much has been seen here, experienced, Perfect Stillness, can't go anywhere,--never have, never will, nothing to fix, nothing to heal. I'm well aware of the fear and pride that keeps the 'penny from dropping." I really appreciate your words on your videos. Thank you for uploading them.
@@stillpoint6478 wonderful. You’re welcome
1- this the most important thing for me 0:39
2- expose yourself to resources (videos, texts, teachers) 2:00
3- inquiry (a powerful tool): become aware of the thoughts, who is the person? 3:48
Awesome
I have just discovered 'you'. What stands out, besides the pointers, is how kind you are replying to as many people as you can. It sounds like you have lots going on full time job, and writing and You Tube, yet you still make space to reply. There's something about that, that's real and touching. Thank you.
You’re welcome. And welcome to the channel
👌👍
3 months of mental strugle, still thinking... Then it click, like lighting from heaven.. heaven inside.
"I cannot live with myself" (Eckhart's transformational thought) 😮😄🙏
Good teaching! Simple yet powerful. And free! 🎶🕺🎶
These words are wise, and I don't object to anything, but I will share my experience that fits the first advice, set the intention!
This is the most important one because if this initial intention comes out of core intelligence, then the rest is easy. The natural force that this intention wakes up is actual natural energy of who or what it's all about, like a kind of autopilot that will not drain you out. The heart knows where to go, so trust it!
"Pure awake knowing without an object of knowing." Yes. YES! Such a Clear Direction to 'that' space! And without a Subject to knowing. Since any perceived subject must become its own object. [and then the mind comes and tries to take you where you already are. or tries to 'own' it, and maybe you fall for it again. ha ha,, or maybe you see.. ] Thank you! So clear!
This is the clearest guiding I have ever heard. I dropped into that space listening. And it confirms here what has been known and sometimes experienced here. We are that 'Space' in which everything arises. Prior.. Thank you Angelo for all of your teachings!! Much love and Gratitude!
I've been suffering for a very long time.😢 Thank you so much.
Radical inquiry. Yes.
Your book on Kindle is amazing. Your authenticity always comes through in your book, ZDogg MD interviews and this video.
Thanks for feedback.
Wonderful pointings, thank you soooooooo much ❤❤❤
You are so welcome
Guided Practice begins at 5:04
Thank you
Thanks! I was getting very confused with all the options and paths. This is very helpful and clear instructions. Love it!
Welcome!
You’re incredible. You give me intense Eckhart energy, which is to say I’m here for the long hall. It hits me hard that awakening is proposed as a choice. Many spiritual teachers tag awakening with the same warning you shared, ‘be sure you are ready for all that comes with awakening.’ Something about this awakening beckons me so deeply, ignoring it is so emotionally uncomfortable…. I love your delivery, it’s powerful enough to bring me to the present moment. You’re an important teacher. Namaste.
This will go well for you, but it's going to be a steep path ;) Don't put any breaks on, let life lead and the cards fall where they may.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake thank you - I’ m a deeply spiritual person, so I thought there was something innately wrong with me that I still couldn’t tell you exact locations of all 7 chakras. I admire your quest to cut out spiritual jargon. It’s all still incredibly spiritual, but there is not any clutter to the experience. You are exactly what I asked the Universe for. 🙏🏼Thank you for sharing your gift.
This pointing from this channel is refreshing in that; I Am directly made aware that all the shadow work, all the chaos and ugliness I'm experiencing is part of the process.
The pointing is helpful and skilful for 'i thought' if I was awakening then it would be full of Grace and joy and tremendous wonder!
Yet, I am more anxious; fearful, and deeper challenges are coming up more than ever.
The mind thinks 'are we there yet? lol 'if I'm on the path to awakening why am I being confronted by so much evil? So much suffering?'
It would have been, and remains an easy way out for the mind to make us feel-say-think; 'what's the point? I'm getting nowhere. This is a lot of spiritual rubbish, nonsense!'
And yet, and yet...this channel's pointings helps to redirect our focus inward towards a space that understands.
I feel much Gratitude for this channel as it is helping me realize that I'm not alone and is encouraging me to stay the course.
The choppy waves of emotional turmoil, the tumultuous winds of self-identity and the Grace; Joy and Wonder that En-lite-(light)-ens our way through the storm; That welcomes us Home 🙏🏻
Hi Angelo, I need a bit of help/advice if possible.
I've had glimpses of the first shift, and am aware of thought throughout the day in the sense of not identifying with it. I have 'changed' and those around me picked up on it some months ago even though I didn't mention a series of realisations I had, but I don't consider 'myself' to have fully shifted. I still identify with the body, my mind and everything else from time to time. I think also because of researching things and speaking to people, I'm conscious of the idea that the I AM realisation or universal consciousness is actually another illusion, it seems like I deep down feel like I need to bypass that first shift if that makes sense?
Thanks
Thank you.
I can't make the decision that waking up is my deepest longing. Somehow I'm more identified with seeking. And human relationships/affection is probably the most important thing to me.
A lot of times it’s a matter of exhausting the belief that you can make yourself happy through various forms of seeking.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Hi there. Thanks for the response btw :-)
Is there any way I could contact you for answers or guidance? I feel like I'm procrastinating my awakening.
Thank you for your videos 🙏
@@jorghaltehreffkyan4190 unfortunately I’m chronically overbooked :/. Though there are a lot of resources here and in my book :)
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake I take this as a synchronicity that my time has not yet come 🤣 [half joking]
thank you ;-)
God bless you brother. I am so grateful for your teaching. ❤🙏🏾🔥
I love how clear this explanation is and how you distinguish self inquiry from pure inquiry. After many years of sitting with teachers I tend to rest directly in pure inquiry and when I guide others in our weekly zooms the guidance that arises seems to be expressive of that but I think the step by step process you have really clearly outlined will be helpful to some in our sangha who are new and easily get caught up in the immediate and successive thoughts. I’ve been through this process over many years and see clearly ‘that I am’ is not a thought. but I need to be mindful others will find these steps extremely useful as I once did. Thank you so much Angelo, I really love your piercing clarity in sharing this understanding, a great service to the world ❤️🙏🏻
Hi Angelo,
I found you through ZDogg and couldn't get enough, as soon as I listened to the first episode I purchased your book and kept/keep looking for more episodes with him. You are the first person that I've found who has been able to coherently and clearly talk about things I've experienced that I haven't been able to really explain to anyone.
Long story short, many years ago I had a few psychotropic experiences that have left me with foretastes (as you say) of awakening, which before reading your book, I called awakening experiences. They left me confused and even afraid at times. For awhile I thought I was crazy and even falling into solipsism (which I would be curious to hear you talk about) though as time went on I was able to find some teachings/teachers that resonated with me and helped me have some context to what happened. That said, I no longer am exploring awakening from that angle and have been practicing different techniques including meditation for years. However, things just never seemed to click or break through or fully help me understand what happened or get at the core of what I was looking for. Your language and transmission seems to be piercing through and helping me realize that what I am looking for is right here and now and that this is without a doubt the most important thing in my life.
Anyway, I've finished the book and am practicing inquiry during the day. I'm lucky enough to work on a small organic vegetable farm and having plenty of time to do inquiry, when I'm not distracting myself with thought streams. So here's my question. You mention in this video something along the lines of "most thoughts are about the sense of me" but I am finding that as I deepen more into that space between thoughts the thoughts that come up are simple labeling thoughts. Like "tree" or "green" or "sky" which I then follow up with labeling as a thought. "Tree." "Thought." "Green." "Thought." "Sky." "Thought." These labeling thoughts sometimes feel really subtle and then when I label it as a thought I feel a little bit scattered, because I am not fully clarifying it or they are happening really fast or something. Is this useful or should I be instead returning to an inquiry question? I just find that sometimes I feel like I am repeating my inquiry almost for the sake of it, without actually finding any of that space in between or even another thought before repeating it. My inquiry has been "Where is my awareness, aware?" Though I like the ones you presented in this video around the 10min mark and will try those tonight and during the day tomorrow.
Thank you for reading all of this, and being available as somebody else said. I will try and keep it shorter next time.
It’s great that you feel called to do inquiry during activities. However I would also really address this practice while doing seared meditation bc it really helps to clear distractions for this phase. As far as your specific description I like that you are recognizing labels as “extra” . That’s good insight. When it comes to first awakening you also want to really address identity structures esp in a calm introspective setting. So if you are experiencing pure thought, pure consciousness with few structured thoughts look further the meta-impressions like “things always get scattered at this point.” The recognize that as one single thought. What is here now once that is incorporated as just more consciousness? Like that. Look fir thoughts disgusting themselves as practice evaluations or monitoring.
Also I may make a video about this bc it’s a common question.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake thank you Angelo. So glad to have found you.
@@alecsansone8441 you’re welcome :)
Alec wrote 'long story short' but seemly rather 'short story long' I failed to understand what he talks about, I also don't understand Angelo's respond, my English is not so good, I will read again some other time and try to understand, because though I hardly understand Angelo's English, but I can feel his words is resonates to my heart...thank you all good people 🙏
I have been following some non duality teachings from different teachers, I found each has unique way on his/her way as a pointer, I love all of them. I understand easily Eckhart Tolle, Swami Sarvapriyananda and Rupert Spira's English, I a bit struggle with Francis Lucille and Angelo, but I will not give up. Above among other non duality teachers.
This video made me realize that the only time/place I encounter the personal "I" is in my thoughts. It can 't be found anywhere else.
Yes!
Beautiful!
This is so crazy. The synchronicity is literally blowing my mind.
Two days ago, I was trying to figure out how do I watch thoughts..
Everyone says watch the thoughts like you watch tv screen. Ok great, it definitely doesn’t work like that! So I’ve been perplexed a bit.
UNTIL you stated it’s about recognizing you had a thought.. yay! Ok then I be been watching thoughts if it’s about simply recognizing them coming to my consciousness
Thank you! 🧡
I have just found your channel and I find these videos very helpful. It is clear you yourself speak from a place of presence (to quote eckhart tolle). Thanks a lot, I have been confused as to what self inquiry is and how to get started with it
Thank you, soul of Angelo!
Im a year late and an identity short, this is still right on time and right where i need to be thank you Angelo.
Wow...This is really deep.
Thank you! During your talk, my sense of I AM is more familiar and much less profound than I had previously presumed the sense of I AM to be. My first thought is “am I on the right path?” Followed by “this can’t be it” followed by “that’s a thought”.
I really appreciate your book. It’s been a slow read for me - I find I can only digest a few pages a day. I could not get through your chapter on the stages of awakening, but will probably revisit it after finishing the rest of the book.
Thanks for stopping by! Yes it’s a very dense read with a lot of direct pointing. I really wanted to make it valuable for people for long term practice. You’ll get more each time you return to it :) 😊
That was brilliant thank you. I’ve been struggling to find a focus point to view from. Now I have it.. great work!
Universal soothing balm ❤
In that place I could easily sit staring into the distance blissing for eternity. But have a child that needs feeding 😂
Wheres the manual for doing life. Thats the seeking. What am I supposed to do in this body. If its just me it makes sense when there's others that depend on me for guidance how does one move forward. Let go. Keep letting go. Presence and in every infinite beautiful now moment it just unfolds in pure awareness and its actually all the other layers of conditioning, fear and programming and attachment to past pain and future projections that muddy everything. Blah blah more noise. Find me one of these teachers you speak of Jedi ❤
Ah! I can definitely feel the discomfort.
Thank you so much, clear and details instruction in fact these words are the clearest teaching for me, I can feel the change in the way I look at things. I’m so grateful to run into your clip just by accident.
thank you - such resistance to the enquiry - excuses beliefs - this 'lifeline' extended over the ocean of thought immersion concealing the huge building blocks -
lifebuoy tossed
within reach
what turns aside
when drowning ?
Appreciate what the sharing is happening. ❤️🙏🌸💫💕
Glad I found this. Feels like it helps. Thank you.
RUclips is the absolute best thing that has ever happened on this subject. I’m immersed in what you talk about and it’s my heart’s desire. I would like to meet people locally thought . I was going to a zen temple for a while but it just felt too religious to me. I don’t know how to explain that. But I am addressing all the points you raise. Where are you from sir?
Colorado. Where are you, maybe I can recommend something
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake central Massachusetts
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake I don’t want to goto Boston. I know there are people down there but it’s too far and I have 2 young kids so my time is precious. I would love something local. Yeah. I know, that’s a big ask
@@TheNoSuchThingPodcast don’t know of anything there specifically.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake I’ll find my path
Simple and joyful to listen❤thnx🙏
Thanks for listening
I haven't awakened, but that sense of I, what feels like this blank plane behind my thoughts that perceives my thoughts and senses all at once, seems so blatently obvious that I can't believe I never saw it before. Sometimes it's hard to get behind the crowd of thoughts to that place, but other times (especially when focusing on adyashanti or you) it's just obviously there. It doesn't feel like some explain as this expansive connectedness to everything. It feels like it has borders of my personal consciousness. I'm bad about intellectualizing and collecting data, and I wonder if it's my ego tricking me lol
Great comment. It isn't your ego tricking you actually... BUT the thought that the ego is tricking you is what draws attention back from "that" into thought. You're doing great, just keep returning there and be alert for these subtle thoughts, even practice based thoughts then just go "ahh" and return to that wordless alert space :)
Thank you Angelo and thanks for being an accessible teacher! It's not like there's a database of awake teachers around that can help those of us that care most about this. And if there was it would probably be tricky to navigate through the frauds. Of course there's tons of videos and stuff, but it's not the same as interaction. So I appreciate it
@@cwhirlison you’re welcome. Perhaps I’ll make a video soon about that specific situation bc it’s a common one.
Thank you so much. when I went and asked those questions you suggested, what I found was another, not person, but a still presence watching those thoughts. It felt empty and yet expansive, very still and quiet, that I have been connecting with. The other thing I have noticed within this whole month of going in and just being still, is this, when I close my eyes and just sit, what I have been noticing is that while the thoughts are going on, im recognizing, the thoughts and the space all at the same time. In the beginning the attention was on the awareness. It was either awareness or thought specifically that was happening separately. Now I am noticing both simultaneously. Is this ok? suddle and yet knew
Sounds good to me, your oriented toon is authentic, curious, open. Let the deck keep shuffling itself ❤️
Not sure if you will see my question but I shall try.
I started with these basic steps & I find inquiry so terribly hard. I have been meditating for years but the moment I or whatever that is shall rest in the thoughtless medium I get lost like really lost. That observer or medium keep thinking what’s next ? Is this it? And blah blah!! What should I do differently?
check todays vid
Excellent!
It works!!!!!
I just downloaded your book also and agree. You have a very strong nice voice.
Hope you enjoy it :)
Thank you Angelo 🙏🏼
AMAZING!! You are the best!!
I love your channel sooooo much!!! :) thanks thanks thanks
Every day we have thoughts... Are some thoughts ok and good and others should be stopped?
I used to wonder (before I discovered non duality) what would happen if I went through a day without thinking (not that it's even possible)?
As a seeker, should I be trying to distinguish between thoughts or should I rather be working on lessening the thoughts day by day? I'm trying to stop multi tasking, social media and otherwise feeding the mind. My hope is that by constantly simplifying my life, I will be able to awaken sooner
Not necessary to sort between thoughts. Thoughts are just fluctuations in consciousness. When the identity experience gets set up then thoughts feel/appear real, as if the point to something out there or to some truth. So when we see this there is no reason to pick and choose thoughts. We can relax. More important than any of that is actually inquiring into hidden thoughts/beliefs such as “I am something or someone that can choose between thoughts”
Been there this whole time with out knowing what it is. Trying to become awake not knowing. I already was 😂😂😂😂😂
Thank you for your sharing/teachings in all forms.
I am impressed by the sincerity, openness and transparency of all your sharing, i am always left with a taste of joy, simplicity and really sharing yourself.
I would like to ask a question, if it's not too much.
Doing the inquiry "to whom does this thought arise", the thoughts "arise" less and less, i perceive a vast "nothing" and the breath and the tinglings ... what shall i do to stop perceiving the breath and the tinglings? I tried that but didn't work, maybe because for few years i was practicing to follow my breath and to feel the tinglings all the day long, to move my attention from the thoughts inside the body.
Now i am confused... maybe you can help me... can the inquiry be affected by sensing the breath and the body continuously?
THANK YOU!
The breath and tinglings (as sensations) aren’t a problem. Just notice the thoughts that say “those shouldn’t be there” and proceed the same way “for whom does this thought arise?” Or to whom does it occur? Or even who is noticing? There’s no need to make anything go away :)
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Thank you for your so prompt answer! It really helps! :)
@@vioricadoina welcome
Hi Angelo. Love your stuff so much. Sipping slowly on your book, too. I wanted to ask: is "self-enquiry" a mandatory step towards awakening? Over the years, I've stumbled on my own approach to ... centering (?), which is to simply listen. Sometimes, it feels like "listening to listening" - a kind of awareness of awareness. When I get it right, I know it because it releases what seems to be a whole lot of trapped energy. (I used to call it a "bliss bomb.") My posture realigns and my breathing and muscular tensions fleetingly change. But I wonder if this is enough, or just a mere preliminary, and whether it's any substitute for a verbalized form of self-enquiry as you describe here. I'm still not awake after all these years, after all. (But I must confess I haven't really dedicated myself to this or any other practice with much determination, largely because I'm very sceptical about my chances of any breakthrough.) Such verbalized reflections don't really seem to do much for me. Could the observation of "raw," unlabelled sensory data (such as sound) serve by itself as a path to awakening?
Not necessarily, many people find nuances that work for them :)
I have faint memories of a situation where I experienced some sort of realization about myself, life and the universe, and I remember just feeling terrified beyond what words can describe before I blacked out and forgot about it completely. Did I face the choice to wake up, and was I too scared to take the step?
Hi. I am a Norwegian that has been on my way for some time. First The power of now appeared on my computer, then your sessions with zdogg. I guess the universe are leading me on. I don't have access to any real time teacher so I guess I'll have to move on by myself. Do you think that is a good idea?
Yes for sure! Do you have my book? It’s packed with info and practices.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Im trying to get it now, I AM sure thats going to be a lot of help. Read everything from your website, great stuff.
Real life hero
Angelo, I have had many “awakenings” over the years with my first one being around 35… I had zero clue about spirituality. Had zero clue as to what happened for almost a month of pure bliss and deep love abiding. Since then there’s been 4 more, what I’ve come to call “in the flow” periods that last for a month or more but apparently it’s not the real deal as I go back into the crap thoughts. When you interview so many people “awakening” I have to wonder if it’s abiding for them ..? I’m hoping this video “how’s” are going to help 🙏❤️
Almost no first awakening is abiding. I would argue none are really. However an awakening is different than experience or flow state.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Thank you for responding but I’ve read it over and over and don’t know what you mean? Is it that flowing with life in synchronized flow isn’t awakening?
@@lauriethiboutot6971 correct
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake What?!! It feels so magical and right???? It feels like perfection and each happening is connected to things that started so long ago.. like a perfect tapestry of synchronicities… this is not what I’m looking for?? It feels magical… everyone told me that had zero clue what happened either, that it’s not sustainable … so they were right? 😔
@@lauriethiboutot6971 I guess I’m confused as to why you care what other people think, why the need to validate your immediate experience?
Hey Angelo. So I've established that there are essentially two "me's" - the "me-in-thought" and the "Me-here-now". The "Me-here-now" feels as if it is located "back here" as a silent watcher that simply registers thoughts. The problem I have is that I cannot recognise how this "Me-here-now" is present prior to and during thoughts, although I can recognise it's presence after thoughts have arisen, and the "me-in-thought" is seen. It feels as though the "me-in-thought" (or the habit of thought jumping into stories) overshadows the presence of "Me-here-now". How do I recognise "Me-here-now's" presence prior to and during thought, or does this clarify with practice? Thankyou 🙏
I’ve noticed you’ve mentioned this shanti fellow in several of your vids . Would you drop a link in your description . Thank you .
Adyashanti :)… he’s on RUclips, also has a website . He’s great , best teacher I’ve seen 🙂
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake
Sorry if this seems negative but I think I was turned off exploring Adyashanti because of the name change. Something about Westerners doing that strikes me as a weird move? If we are being told that the teacher doesn’t have something special that the student doesn’t, why change one’s names?
@@christinaguimond1706 yeah I think it’s definitely falling out of favor now but 30 years ago it was sort of common thing to do. Also when your identity completely disappears, why not? Lol … I’m all for people changing their names. I think we should all change our names every few years 🥰… there’s such a revolution now in releasing one’s binding from identity including physical identity, gender identity etc
I'm trying to get through a little shaky part. I have been listening to your meditations every night, reading the book, and watching all the videos with Dr Z. I feel so mellow today, a little distanced, but still functioning efficiently. Just feels odd
Like all experiences, it will pass :)
I tried becoming aware of my thoughts and there was nothing there and then eventually I expressed myself in a thought, 'When I look for thoughts there's nothing there' or similar. The same as if writing a message like this one. I very rarely have any thoughts except for these self reflective ones. I find it very confusing when people say 'watch your thoughts' as if there are just random thoughts happening all the time. I mean is that the case for most people, or have people just got so used to copying that line that they don't even bother to investigate for themselves?
Since I'm too spiritually dense to get anywhere with 'Who am I?' or 'What was my face before my parents were born?' I've decided to just settle for understanding what is going on with thought.
I think that is just fine. Everyone finds their own way with this :)
AD
Hi Angelo - I have a question.
I have begun to understand that when I observe pain that it’s not me - it is there but it’s just a part of reality like a bird, a cloud etc.
But the pain still hurts.
What am I missing? Is this a glimpse but not sufficient to cease identification.
On a recent retreat I was observing pain after burning my hand on the stove and instead of recoiling from the pain I went directly into it and the sensation just dissolved into a tingling - my mind knew it was pain but it didn’t hurt anymore. Of course without meditating 12-14 hours a day I can’t recreat this at home.
I feel im on the cusp but not seeing clearly enough?
Thanks for your advice!
Thank you for this. ^_^
Welcome!
🙏
Thank you
Welcome!
Know Thyself
Hello Angelo,
Thank you for such a wonderful description of where to start.
I wanted to ask as to where the relationship between this stage of resting in the awareness connects to awakening. How does this abidance in the 'space' that I am, as you call it in this video, lead to the understanding that I am not a separate entity?
The most recent video and the one I will release tomorrow address this :)
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake thanks a lot! Will check out both :)
Just finished "Thoughtless Space". It did throw some light, thanks a lot. Will continue with the next one
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake watched part 2 just now. Thank you so much, Angelo. It answered a lot of questions.
@@mrraamsridhar you’re welcome ☺️
How does your definition differentiate between the "I Am" and the "watcher"?
Once the initial shift occurs (often experienced as I AM), the practitioner will begin to be aware of a watcher state being set up. At that point further inquiries and experiential insights clarify the realization until the watcher state no longer remains. The initial shift however is quite integrated (at the level of consciousness), and won't feel too much like a watcher state. It's pure, unbound consciousness with little to no content (thought). This is when attention is specifically held in consciousness (sense gates closed). After awakening there will be a natural progression to assimilating the non-dual nature of the sense gates. As this process unfolds, the reflective nature of consciousness will make it appear as if watcher is present when reflecting the senses. As senses are integrated in a non-dual fashion, or more properly, the perceptual filter that makes awareness appear as distinct from sense phenomena drops away, it is clear that awareness and intimacy of radiant experience are not two (true non-dual). Good question :)
Is it possible to experience the Watcher without having an awakening experience?
@@lauraatkocius8127 yes definitely, there are many types of dissociated states that can occur before and even after awakening.
@@lauraatkocius8127 also awakening is not subtle, it’s an undeniable, more real than real shift into an obviously more primary, expansive, and peaceful identity. It’s not a state or an experience.
Thank you. Unfortunately, this just makes your book more confusing for me as a lot of your woke experiences I understand without being woke. And, of course, my thoughts are such that this needs to make sense. 😉 Oh well..
A question: is there a version/technique of self inquiry which is useful for healing the trauma in the body/ bringing wholeness to the human being? Or will simply resting in the thoughtless space inevitably bring to consciousness all the unworked debris/ what feels like painful specks of identity/personal story in the body-mind? Thx
Thanks for this video! I've recently started my process of awakening if I can say it this way lol I have a friend who woke up recently helping me and oriented me towards your book and videos. Incredibly intriguing ad profound for me! I've read your book and I find myself distracting myself and avoiding to actually do the inquiry. This video helped and I am now sitting in meditation ready to start and committ to it. Two things I wanted to say : I understand that most thoughts are I am thoughts and that becoming aware of thoughts as solely thoughts is part of awakening. But than we use "thought" to inquire about thoughts no? Such as telling oneself oh this is a thought, and that or asking the question Who Am I. I have difficulty diffentiating that. I'm wondering if you can elaborate a bit on the nature of thoughts. Also do you have a video guiding people in inquiry during meditation, like a guided meditation with inquiry?Your meditation app is awesome but I've found that my deepest experiences and shifts happen when my friend is guiding me through meditation and pointing along the way. Thank you so much for everything ❤️
You’re welcome. Maybe I’ll make a video about it. In short this is what is happening:
Those are doubt thoughts, sort of second order thoughts that allow “you” to distance yourself from the practice or from reality. Skk ok then recognize “that’s just one more thought!” Then let go of it. The alertness is primary not any thought regardless if it’s quality, content etc. Do you see how quiet the mind gets now?
Then when the next thought he gives “BUT…..” you can immediately recognize it as a thought and not follow it ;)
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake thank you! 😊 🙏❤
Hello Angelo,
It really feels like I am able to rest in the IAM sense but am not sure if that assessment is correct. Please tell me if the followjng description alludes to that fact.
When I look for the one who 'sees' or 'thinks' it sort of feels like I am going behind the mechanism that is 'seeing', sort of going from the front of the lens to the observer's end. It feels like I hit the end of moving backwards and where I sort of encounter a wall I can't go behind. There's also an accompanying sensation that draws my attention in the vertical area in the middle of my chest, its not very clear, but its almost a physical sensation [I'll need to investigate if this is tension].
The process of going through the thoughts feels pointless because it leads me here most times. The doubt that I am not doing it correctly disturbs whatever process this is. Am I on the correct path and if not whats are the pointer thet might help?
Not yet the I Am sense. The experience of a wall is thought-based though preconceptual
❤
I have so many questions! I am going through trauma therapy and I am looking at the yucky things that happened to me and the yucky things I did as a result of trauma and just because. I do feel separate from everyone around me. I am suffering as a result of not feeling connected. Reading your book but this video really hit me. I am always questioning and wanting answers but I also get in my own way. I dissociate as a result of of therapy at times and I also feel there’s so much more to life! I meditate to handle pain, anxiety, and more but I have only gotten to a place in meditation once where I could shut off all the noise in the city except for nature and the wind. Is this a taste of awakening?
Possibly. The important point is it is available to you. All the work with trauma is valuable and necessary. At the very same time there is something right here in your experience that is imperturbable regardless of anything that has happened to you or could happen to you. :) It's right here
Thanks for the video. I have a confusion that persists no matter how many videos about self-inquiry from various teachers I've seen. Is this self-inquiry done with the same capacity for attention that we use to focus on anything? So when I ask questions like "who is seeing my visual field?" or "who is thinking this thought?" do I investigate that with the same faculty of attention that I place on objects? Many videos make it sound like self-inquiry isn't done with that type of attention, but then I just don't really know how to proceed.
Can you sense where that facility of attention arises FROM? That’s the key
For self inquiry specifically, not necessarily other types of inquiry
And when I try to sense where attention is arising from, do I do that sensing with attention, too? I mean, anything else that I might sense, I seem to do with the very same kind of attention that I place on objects. So anything I can sense becomes an object for attention to notice. Is this the same attention I would use to sense where attention itself is arising from? Sorry if the question is nonsensical, I would just love to clear this particular confusion conclusively because I feel like it's getting in the way.
@@Kroko84 well it’s a slippery thing to relate so the questions are fine, I understand. Not exactly. So fir instance if you were an eye looking for itself and it wanted to know where to put it’s attention or if it’s attention is the right attention to use, it would be misleading to tell the eye yes bc it induces it to keep looking. And yet , there is a way to simply rest as the eye. This is how it is with thought and consciousness. Ultimately attention is a thought but it’s very hard to see this so that’s why I usually direct people to either take a one pointed approach or investigate the nature of thought itself in a direct way as I described in one of the talks I uploaded a couple days ago. My book describes both. This slippery-ness is why there are so many different descriptions you’ve heard for doing this simple act. First of all it’s imperative to realize that that feeling of directing attention when it is associated with seeking is already making an assumption that itself causes one to overlook what we are pointing to in the first place. So instead of trying to direct attention, try just resting back in it’s source as best you can in the moment. Then when inevitably a thought arises saying “we’ll I’m not sure if I’m doing this right,” or something along those lines, you can immediately recognize that as a thought, so it is not what you are interested in. As that thought subsides , or you experientially move closer to the substance of it, you will begin to realize instinctually that you are already resting in consciousness. Sone people call it the I Am sense. Try that and let me know how it goes.
I feel like that clarifies it a lot for me. Thank you very much for the helpful answer!
Read your book and watched a number of videos......do you ever not get the expected first questions? Taking it slow but feeling the usual.
Sometimes I get caught in "infinite regression" with inquiry. Eg. I become aware of who thought this thought. Then, who is watching the thinker ?(it's not a verbal thought ofcourse, just a subtle shift in awareness). How does one resolve this ?
I easily dwell beyond the first "observe the thoughts" step. I don't have to repeatedly watch them to get hold of the "thinker".
If you can “dwell beyond “ that way then really nothing more to do at the moment. Just be alert for subtle thoughts sneaking in coloring your experience. Even labels such as awareness, thinking about thinking or not thinking etc :)
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Yes, I am aware. "Thoughts" infact are too gross an experience. At that level of subtlety it is the tiny thought(or emotion)-initiating vibrations that I have to not get caught in.
As I posted the earlier comment, it dawned on me that maybe the infinite regression happens because of a subtle pressure of impatience to "peel" through the current experience.
I guess, I just have to dwell in whatever depth shows up naturally and let it deepen in its own time.
I am more inclined to what you call Natural Meditation since quite a long time though. I see that it often naturally brings me to the kind of awareness that Inquiry is aimed at. Though sometimes it leads to more "heart based" experiences(deep upwelling of Love or a natural unquestioning faith in the "Divine" which may seem contrived when I am in a more "awareness based" mood) or sometimes energetic experiences(slight currents running up the body, awareness getting 'collected' into the forehead) etc.
@@arpanagarwal2524 it sounds like you are in a good place, sometimes it just takes a bit of time for conditions to align. :)
When I observe a thought, I always ask why did “you” think that? Different from Why did “I”. Is the you separate from the I? or the same?
I might say that whether referring to a you or an I, the money is in recognizing the one asking the question… the sense of the one who is curious or is not curious. All thoughts, experiences and impressions are like a backwards arrow pointing to the source of all experiencing. Recognizing that this is truly unfindable, unassailable, imperturbable, and deeply mysterious. This requires no thought whatsoever :).
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake thanks for clarifying that. My awakening was born from a bad case of CPTSD and its been a wonderful journey. Im new to your channel and am enjoying your content.
@@flyprincess69 welcome, nice to hear from you. ☺️
🙏🏻
When I say "my body", "my soul", "my thoughts", what does "my" refer to?
I also realized, this morning lying in bed, how curious thinking is. It is like I am telling myself something. If I am telling myself something, that implies I don't already know it. If I don't already know it, how can I tell it? It glaringly points to 2 entities--one subject and one object (the thought). That said, I still identify with thinking very often even though I know it is not me! Frustrating!
Thinking is bizarre eh? Even the thought that I know it's not me is a thought as is the thought that this is frustrating :) When those thoughts are also let go of where does that leave you ?
How can we ever discover the I am if anything felt or sensed is an object of awareness?
Rest in the place you are wondering that from. At the root of conceptuality, you will find a place where no distinctions arise. When you remain there without binding to any concept including subtle concepts then I Am sense can be realized.
Hi Angelo, I've been studying hard for almost a year... every day without fail. However, I don't meditate at all. I used to but for some reason I'm not doing it... I feel comfortable this way. I feel at ease but I also think I won't realise unless I do meditate... Does all this education and knowledge tend to lead to awakening or is inquiry and meditation a better combination? Thanks ❤
Thank you for your videos. Gratitude to you🙏🏻💖. I have your kindle book. Would love an Audible audio book narrated by you please. 😀
I also resonate hugely with Philip wade. His RUclips channel is "Philip Wade: infinite silence self realisation". He also has meditations and self inquiry lifestreams and replays on Insight Timer app.
Thanks :)
This one took me deep for a moment (whoever me is 😆).
Wonderful
“If this sounds like fun to you?” I see your self .
Here.
But Simply Always Awake, who is looking for the thought?
Indeed! Who?
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake it seems like I am looking for I
@@evian. do you think it will find it?
Why does inquiry feel so hard?
(I know that's a thought.....the irony of it all)
Great question. I should make a video about it. Essentially there are three reasons:
1. We are conditioned to look for a conceptual answer when we ask a question. It takes a while to relax this tendency.
2. Where the inquiry question immediately leads is not an interesting place to the mind. It’s actually rather neutral often , however it doesn’t Jean that inquiry isn’t working.
3. There is often a delayed effect when it comes to inquiry. If you keep at it and really try to feel into what is beyond the ideas we have about who we are, what life is, what experience is, you will start to notice something subtle and not “Of the mind.” Then continue to tune into that :)
With self enquiry then, who had that thought? Is that right?? If we are pure consciousness then the thought arose from within that so….. what is it that’s outside that thought? Because there has to be a witness. That witness is god/consciousness
Still conceptual but keep at it... where is this being contemplated/perceived from in you right now?
I just wind up with no answers and very frustrated whenever I do this
No answers is good! As far as frustration, it can be helpful to unpack the physical body experience from the narratives around frustration. Is there something I’m compelled to do bc of frustration? or can I keep on in this no answer, but still inquiring space?” The body sensations will pass with time.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake thank you for the answer! Yea I feel compelled to find the answer “who am I” I understand the paradox that there must be an “I” to ask the question. All “I” come away with are bodily sensations, feelings, emotions, and a never ending stream of thought that “I” can’t seem to ignore for very long
@@lucasmurphy740 your instinct is good, and your determination is not in vain. I applaud your tenacity. You’re in good company here my friend.
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Thanks again! I love the way you talk about all of this. I subscribed and I'm binging all your videos and getting your book as well. Very cool that you reply to people here.
@@lucasmurphy740 Good luck! I think you'll find the book useful :)
There is nothing I can really pin point as me. I'm just a collection of sensations, coming and going, body images and other thoughts. What is me? 🤷
It doesn't make sense to say "I" or "I am" at the point where there is a discovery of emptiness. That part of the explanation I find faulty. There is a sense of experiencing or knowing as you later mention, which I can verify. But the explanation that that knowing is any sort of I or I am simply doesn't make sense at that point. (I realize I have contradicted myself by saying "I", but I don't really mean I. LOL)
It happendto 'me* 2 years ago, in a running session, but after about 3 months of pure bliss, i begin to return tu a *normal' conciousness of one's evry day life,
It was so obvious at the moment that theres nothing other than that...this luminous lights linking togather everything around me that was everything and nothing at the same time, the time that was stopped, tast of eternity...
Beautiful. There is a lot more coming :). But not in the future bc there isn’t one 🤪
@@SimplyAlwaysAwake u make me smile :)
who is you and who is who?
a puzzle for the ages and for no one
for the you who you know
is the who who is not
and the who who knows that
is the who who you want
and the i who you thought
once forgotten as that
can be free to be nothing
true freedom indeed
Are you a solipsist?
If I were I wouldn't even have to answer this question bc I'd believe you don't exist 😂😂
I don’t identify as my thoughts but my thoughts identify as me .
I don't want to awaken but it's happening to me anyway. I feel like I'm being forced but it's probably more like I am being guided. I am not enjoying it though.
❤
There is nothing I find. It’s awareness
Would you say in the beginning, to stay away from watching Movies? why? because I find it to be so self identified, its another toxic form that stays in the memory bank. To be quite honest, I am having no interest in watching movies this whole month, only sitting and going with in and being aware and now doing the self inquiry
You had me up until you recommended Adyashanti
What did Adyashanti do?
This guy is a fraud.