nistake

I've been practising self-inquiry (both formal practise and during everyday activities as well) for a while now and I noticed some 'effects' of it on my ego. Personally, sometimes a weird feeling hits me out of the blue. For example, I'm sitting at my desk at work and a feeling comes up as if it's not even me who's sitting at the desk. It lasts like ~5 seconds and then my ego 'comes back' and I continue doing whatever I was doing. Kinda hard to explain but it is quite a strange feeling. Also, nowadays I notice a lot of equanimity. I'm not sure if this is a result of the regular meditation or the self-inquiry (or both) but here's just a random example: The other day I was talking to one of my coworker and she was really obnoxious and rude. It even made me angry but after our conversation ended, I asked myself: "Who's angry right now?". I contemplated on this for a few minutes and the usual equanimity returned and I carried on with my work. So this topic is not about the definition/method/practise/whatever of self-inquiry but I'd rather hear your personal experiences.

Pretty much agree with you. There's nothing wrong with discussing a few topics but the usual circlejerk here won't get anybody anywhere.

Kinda ontopic:

Hungary

Here's my take on the #10yearschallange trend:

In my opinion you shoudn't force enlightenment. Keep doing your regular spiritual practises and fix your issues first. Achieve a general (and a sort of constant) well-being. Another thing that's really important is that think of your spiritual practises as they're the _best_ things you could spend your free time on. Goals are important, that's for sure, but I think you should (try to) enjoy the process as much as you can. Then, after a while a time will come when you'll have a natural and pure desire for enlightenment. Until that point, I wouldn't even worry about it. Ontopic: I'm really glad I found Leo's content ~3 years ago. Since then, I've managed to fix a lot of my issues, gained a healthy self-esteem, installed new healthy habits in my everyday life and since a while ago I've started working towards enlightenment.

Basically this forum in a nutshell

Yup. My goal is to learn how to be in the present like all the time without wearing anything. For now, it's a good crutch for me, I think.

To remind me to the present moment. I tend to forget about it when I'm busy with work or any other activity.

Just a few days ago I started to wear a silicone wristbrand and every single time I notice it, I focus on the present moment whatever I'm doing. No exceptions. (thanks Leo for the tip :D)

Wow, great trip report!

The same thing happened to me a while ago. I didn't want to be "boring" when I was in a social situation so I thought I needed to put on some sort of mask (it depended on the person whom I talked to) so that the conversation would go smoothly. It went on for some time and it was frustrating. Then one day, I realized that this whole situation was just another facet of my ego. Since then, I don't put on a mask, I don't pretend to be somebody else and it doesn't matter if the conversation is just a random small talk or is about some deep topic. I literally try to stay present as much as I can and I pay attention to the other person. It's not frustrating anymore because my small talk skills have improved so I can small talk to basically anybody and it's even better if I can discuss some deep topic with somebody. This may not be the case for you but it's just my 2 cents.

Nice one

I just realized that the lyrics in this song were kinda spiritual

What I do is 20 minutes of focus oriented meditation (following my breath, etc), then I proceed to the 20 minutes of self-inquiry. It works for me because at first my mind is quite messy but at the end of the first 20 minutes, it usually calms down and I can relatively focus on the self-inquiry.

Turtles

to the first question:

Rupert Spira is da man

I'd be neat to have a chat with Rupert Spira

Pretty much what these guys said. I think you should just be mindful about it and observe it without any judgement. Check out Leo's video about 'Awareness alone is curative' if you haven't already.

Day 13 here I experienced a few minor positive changes but It's getting a bit harder (no pun intended)

Check out 'The Power Of Now' by Eckhart Tolle. He explained this perfectly.

deep, melodic and atmospheric techno stuff (more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw0sBvW5wOoLhHTJ4WIxCfw/videos)

Although it's not necessary but I'd say it's worth buying a zafu or some sort of cushion "designed for meditation". My legs and hips are not flexible yet to sit in a burmese position comfortably so I still use a chair (not that there's anything wrong with it) and I also use my cushion so it's more comfortable and it gives me a nice balance.

Mind = blown (pun inteded) Anyway, awesome video