Aloneness

[low_delta]

So we decided that we have this voice in our head all the time. This voice is, of course, our own.

I think itis there because that'sthe way our brains are wired. It's just how our minds work. Dadnerd thinks there's more to it than that. Either way, what do we say to ourselves and why do we say it?

Here is what dadnerd said today:

"I think this process of inward chatter is going on for a reason, and there
is a big clue there. Are we constantly defining ourselves? We have an image
of ourselves, that we foster all day long. Some of it is based on other
people's opinion of who we are. We like those that flatter, avoid those that
don't. We have an image, and it needs to be nurtured throughout the day,
everyday. Our brains use images and words, to form an opinion about
ourselves. We want to be accepted so much. Survival sometimes depends on it.
But this goes beyond survival. Does the brain need order to function? Are we
using thought, with its images and words, to create order in our brains? If
our brains are using thought as a source of security, then we need to
examine the whole process of thinking.

"If we are using thought to create a solid image of ourselves, to create
security, then it is very important we look at this.
We do feel separate and distinct. You are there, I'm over here. This
constant self, or perception of self is very reassuring. But is it so solid?
Would it be so solid if we quit chattering? Does it require maintenance,
moment after moment? Does our brain need this supposed solid image we
constantly maintain, for order and sanity?"

At this point, I will insert something that farbel said.

"i too have this constant chatter with self going on. once and only once i silenced it for maybe a half an hour after being taught how by a buddhist monk in woodstock, Vt. actually, i didn't so much silence it as replace it with counting my breaths. the key, though, was to let each thought come and then immediately go without dwelling on it at all. i understand that with practice, this can be done without the artificial aid of counting. the results of my experiment were quite wonderful, but i must have been frightened also, because i have never done it again."

Back to dadnerd.

"This watching I mentioned on the outset of this discussion, it is like
meditation. Did you notice that if you are aware, thoughts automatically slow
down? This may be real meditation, a state of awareness, where all one's
energy is in attention. Not repeating a mantra, or mesmerizing the brain by
repetition. Just observation, with all your senses.

"And in that state of attention, we are not really there, you see. All our
desires and wants are absent for the time being. There is just this looking
intensely at the sky, or buildings or other people. Loneliness may be a form
of greed and desire. We want more. Entertainment, or a fulfilling personal
life, you name it. In this state of attention you are not asking for
anything. Of course we have to take care of ourselves, but not to such a
degree that we become neurotic.

"I think the best way to discuss thinking and the nature of it, is to include
this awareness. They may be like dark and light, that is, where one is, the
other is not."

Okay. Self-image. Internal order. Desire. There are a few ideas.

What are the issues that are relevant to this particulare pursuit of knowledge?

What are the issues that are related to you and your lonliness?

Comments

Re: Pot paranoia

[i.livejournal.com]

tsk tsk. i won't tell if you dont. :) i can't vouch for your inner voice though. she might be tattling right now.