i appreciate this very much: "Spirituality as I mean it is about seeing how the mind works, seeing how identity works, seeing the nature of reality, and discovering and dissolving into the vastness being and beholding it all—being the whole show, no-thing and everything, and yes, also a unique character in the movie of waking life, playing our part in the Great Drama, the divine lila. It’s all included."
Excellent stuff. Especially "in this very instant, who or what are you? If you start thinking about it or searching for the right answer, you’ve already missed the mark. In that first instant, the mind stops. It goes blank. And there is simply this, just as it is."
“Experientially, the bodymind appears in awareness, not the other way around.”
Joan I can relate experientially that the “me-story” or separate self seems to appear and disappear. But I’m unconvinced of the true source of awareness. The not-knowing eases my seeking.
Yes, I don't think we need to leap (as so many do) from this undeniable experience to the conclusion and belief that awareness is here before the brain. I also favor epistemological humility and not knowing over beliefs and certainties about the ultimate nature of reality.
Thank you Joan. A lot more helpful and insightful than much of the nondual speak thrown around about no I. Toni Packer’s retreats sound amazing and honest and direct.
Beautifully observed, shared and as touching as ever Joan.
Gently with love and light 🙏
Love it, again and again, over and over. Thank you☺️
PS I woke up this morning and said, “I hope I get a Joan Tollifson Substack today” 😍
I loved this.
I listened to this at .75 speed because I needed to be hands free.
dear joan,
thank you for this, as always!
i appreciate this very much: "Spirituality as I mean it is about seeing how the mind works, seeing how identity works, seeing the nature of reality, and discovering and dissolving into the vastness being and beholding it all—being the whole show, no-thing and everything, and yes, also a unique character in the movie of waking life, playing our part in the Great Drama, the divine lila. It’s all included."
much love
myq
Well amazing,inspiring writing muchas Gracias Joan
Excellent stuff. Especially "in this very instant, who or what are you? If you start thinking about it or searching for the right answer, you’ve already missed the mark. In that first instant, the mind stops. It goes blank. And there is simply this, just as it is."
"She always encouraged us to explore how the sense of belonging to a group could become divisive and at the root of conflicts, global and personal."
So counterintuitive to the notion of feeling like I belong when identifying (and attaching to that identity) of a group. But so right on.
“Experientially, the bodymind appears in awareness, not the other way around.”
Joan I can relate experientially that the “me-story” or separate self seems to appear and disappear. But I’m unconvinced of the true source of awareness. The not-knowing eases my seeking.
Yes, I don't think we need to leap (as so many do) from this undeniable experience to the conclusion and belief that awareness is here before the brain. I also favor epistemological humility and not knowing over beliefs and certainties about the ultimate nature of reality.
“Undeniable experience” yes lovely, it may be joy or sorrow but here it is. And being real is where one can rest.
Thank you Joan. A lot more helpful and insightful than much of the nondual speak thrown around about no I. Toni Packer’s retreats sound amazing and honest and direct.
One of your best, Joan
Joan this was a brilliant post. Thank you so very much. I couldn’t agree more. Not that it matters lol 😂!!!!! Thanks again and much love to all.
You stop "me", bring "me" to silence Joan, grateful x
Thank you Joan. So poignant and open 💚
Indeed - the nub is, as you say, "this is how it is to be human".....just as it is.
Yes.