Detached

[olmate]

I have a question about the sense or feeling of being detached.

In recent times there is this "sense" emerging of detachment the more mindfulnessis applied to living. This probably sounds like a paradox. Perhaps if the sense (as it is more than a feeling) is described...

The sense is for a deep connection with humanity and life. There is a very rich experience each day as a result of noticing. There is a strong feeling of compassion and love. Energy pulsates, old injuries are painful but the heart energy is warm and sustaining. When a person is bought into focus (particularly when they are distant) and love is directed to them, almost without exception they call.

There is also a very strong sense of "observing" as day-to-day activities are undertaken. It almost feels like an out of body sense. As an anology, it is that feeling one gets while surfing - connected but only very loosely with the powerful energy that propells.

There have been a few significant life experiences - the loss of my father probably the most significant several months ago. There is a moasic of emotion in that space still.

However, the sense of detachment is becomming much stronger at present. The sense is one of complete contentment. However, a context arises within this sense. This is difficult to describe as it really comes from a place of happiness.

And this may sound harsh and clumsy ... but there is little regard or perhaps concern if this physical life ended at any moment. A flight through a tropical storm yesterday bought fear and upset to many passengers. Yet complete calmness prevailed. This is no where near the energy level associated with dispair or hopelessness - far from it.

The sense continues to bring calm and contentment. But there is a curiosity for the increasing sense of detachment. The curiosity raises questions of self absorbsion, selfishness, self occupation.

Why is there a feeling that choices can be made - but then again not at all necessary?

Maybe its just the onset of dementia (haha).

Any advice from those who are familar with this place would be most welcome.

Olmate

[GilesC]

Originally Posted by olmate

The sense continues to bring calm and contentment. But there is a curiosity for the increasing sense of detachment. The curiosity raises questions of self absorbsion, selfishness, self occupation.

Why is there a feeling that choices can be made - but then again not at all necessary?

What you describe sounds very much like you are certainly letting go of attachments, and becoming more present. In itself this leads to more awareness (not attachment, but a sense of being open with your surroundings and beyond). One just has to be careful of the mind jumping back in and creating false attachment to the sensations and creating a false awareness (i.e. the ego taking hold with a "hey look at me and what I can do, and all you other people are useless cos you're just not progressing like me" )

Yes, choices can still be made and are in fact necessary for the purposes of keeping our physical being going in this world, but as you become more aware you will find that the intuition plays a big part in deciding the choice to the point that the mind can almost play no part in it and everything just seems to be the right path, whatever happens. It is when the mind is extracted from the decision making and the intuition guides that we get the true feeling that there is not necessity in making a choice. In truth, the choices are always available, just we don't waste energy focusing on them with the mind.

Hugs

Giles

[olmate]

As always, heart felt thanks Giles.

Yes, there seems to be an ever present temptation to make comparisons. The "old man" seems to have endless invitations to stray from the path or become occupied with a side show.

Having the presence of mind to notice the thoughts and feelings (and even the breath) helps keep a focus. However there is precision required which calls for discipline. Particularly when the urge to withdraw or stray comes calling.

Just like surfing, a lapse in concentration can result in a wipeout.

Yesterday (a Sunday) was Fathers day here. The memories that came flooding back was something akin to a feature length movie. Applying the mindfulness practice however made it a very special day.

Thanks again.

Olmate