Cathy92506

That helps clarify it a lot. So it sounds like the difference isn’t that nothing arises, but that it doesn’t turn into a story or linger in the same way. It sounds like we’re pointing to the same thing, just describing it a bit differently.

In my experience, there can still be an initial emotional reaction, but it doesn’t turn into a story or linger the same way. Are you saying that in complete non-identification, even that initial reaction wouldn’t arise at all?

I think the part about the mind no longer being oriented around identity makes sense to me because that would naturally reduce anxiety. When you describe it as a change in “mental frequency” or “depth,” I’m still trying to understand what that feels like in a simple situation. For example, if you're driving and someone cuts you off, if you're no longer identified with your thoughts, there might still be a burst of anger, but you don’t build a story around it. What would a change in “mental frequency” look like in that same moment?

When you say “love everything,” do you mean a feeling, an attitude, or behavior? I’m trying to understand how that would actually show up moment-to-moment.

I see what you’re pointing to. I’m describing a change in how the mind relates to experience. When you say that everyday actions have “eternal significance,” I’m not sure what that means in direct experience. Is that something actually felt in the moment, or more a way of describing it afterward? For example: Before Enlightenment: "I mow the lawn and build an emotional story around it. After Enlightenment: "I mow the lawn, those thoughts may still come up, but I’m not identified with them." How would “eternal significance” show up there—while mowing the lawn?

Again, I get what you're pointing to. But how would that actually show up in everyday life? Give me some concrete examples of "before and after." In normal life, like work and relationships.

You know, that sounds poetic, nice and beautiful. But how would that actually show up in everyday life? For example, at work, in relationships, stress from driving, etc. What's different? So you disagree with the definition I stated in my post?

I’m a real human. Grammarly just helps me write more clearly. Either way, still have to chop wood and carry water 🙂

I think I see what you're pointing at, but I don’t agree that non-attachment means “you die” or stop feeling. In my experience (and in most traditions), it’s more like you still feel everything — just without getting completely pulled into it or defining yourself by it. If anything, there’s often more clarity and presence, not less.

Before enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. What changes is your relationship to your thoughts and emotions. They still arise, but you’re no longer automatically identified with them. You’re not building an identity or a story around every feeling. There’s a natural sense of presence—of being here—without needing to control the mind. You’re still human. You still fall down—but you don’t get lost in it the same way, and you get back up. Life stays ordinary. The circumstances don’t transform. The shift is internal — in how you relate to the voice in your head. *** PLEASE CRITICIZE, ADD, DELETE, OR WHATEVER.

Awakening isn’t about bliss, it’s about no longer being enslaved by thoughts/emotions. Fear is normal. It comes and goes. Sometimes there’s peace, sometimes there’s emptiness, sometimes it’s just life being life. And in the end, it feels ordinary.

I agree with you. I'm curious what your mindful practice looks like? I practice Zazen (seated meditation) and Kinhin (walking meditation) for about one hour every day. I embrace the silence and stillness. I can hear and feel it.

Is awakening even real. I believe being "Awakened" is a spiritual fantasy. Rather, we are awakening. Because we are all human beings, we make mistakes, make bad decisions, blunder, etc. We all slip up. I believe you have to first define what awakening is for you. Mine is reaching a level where you no longer idenitfy with your thoughts and feelings. You don't carry around that emotional baggage with you. You do this effortlessly throughout the days. But I make no claims that I've completely dissovled my ego. So before you ask, "Is Awakening Even Real?" What does Awakening look like to you? I'm curious.

Thank you.

I understand. Thank you. So you can actually tell a "happy" person from other people because they are always looking happy and have a "happy go luck" attitude.