What's the line between expressing memory and mindfulness?

[lmfao]

I contemplate what it means to be super mindful, super enlightened, in everything that one does. I contemplate spontaneity, the kind best expressed in zen koans. 

This work, its been a process of unlearning for me. I have seen a few times, first hand, that the current me is a conditioned machine. I am mechanical, I am not alert and sensitive to reality. 

I wonder what is the line between this automaticity and the existence of memory. e.g. muscle memory of how I do I certain skill like moving my body, speaking, memory in certain ways of thinking. Makes me wonder if learning/skill/memory is antithetical to high levels of consciousness. 

I have a theoretical idea for how this is resolved. But until I can discard of that rubbish I will be stuck. 

Doing this work, YOU are trying to force/get yourself to act spontaneously. Trying to break free of premeditation or dithering. It's a paradox. 

[The observer]

4 hours ago, lmfao said:

Makes me wonder if learning/skill/memory is antithetical to high levels of consciousness.

That's actually a very good question!

The problem with answering it, though, is that we assume that the hierarchy of levels of consciousness is a static structure. Which makes us assume that it can only be possible to achieve higher levels by reducing lower levels. But that's not how it works. Consciousness works in a transcendent integrative way. It builds higher levels on top of the lower ones. There cannot be high consciousness without low consciousness. So, if you demonise low consciousness, you will not reach higher levels. Complexity arises from simplicity by making the simple go into the subconscious mind (unconsciousness, low levels of consciousness) by repetition. The conscious mind is slow and cannot handle complexities so well. It has to always proxy processes down to the subconscious mind. Otherwise, no learning or evolution could ever occur. There's much depth to this but I would like to leave it at that for you to continue the contemplation on your own because you seem like the kind of person who loves deep contemplation.

[lmfao]

@The observer I've heard ideas here and there about karma as a synonym for memory. One of my favourite ways to articulate non-duality to people is to talk about how we are essentially conditioned robots. But explanations people have about karma, or my own explanations of this all, they're just lifeless theories to me currently. 

Edited May 14, 2020 by lmfao

[James123]

2 minutes ago, lmfao said:

I've heard ideas here and there about karma as a synonym for memory. One of my favourite ways to articulate non-duality to people is to talk about how we are essentially conditioned robots. But explanations people have about karma, or my own explanations of this all, they're just lifeless theories to me currently.

You are neither brain nor the body. You are the awareness and the moment, which are infinite. You are in body as nothing and everything as nothing. Body feels its moving with entire environment. There is no control whatsoever.

[Guru Fat Bastard]

The essence of Mindfulness is the question "what am I doing right now?". Throughout the day,remember the question "what am I doing right now?" It will bring you back to the present, now. The question, and the answers to it,both are in the continuous present tense. In this manner,you capture the essence of any moment as it's passing.

If you want to use this as a meditation, instead of asking "what am I doing right now?" ask "which thought is on my mind right now?".
As soon as you ask this question,you will experience a subtle thoughtless state for a few moments. After a while the mind will wander off. Repeat the question and you will come back to the present moment. Gradually,the duration of thoughtlessness will increase and you will become increasingly joyous and composed. With continued practice,Being in the moment will become more pronounced,stress free,and joyful.

The always and present now is the only, the only, "gateless gate" to the Absolute.
 

Edited May 15, 2020 by Guru Fat Bastard