Awakening (Why Is It Taking So Long to Wake Up?)

It's reasonably common I hear the question, "Why haven't I woken up yet?" I thought I would address this directly here and give a few pointers for anyone who has "been around the spiritual block" but hasn't experienced that first shift yet.
Book: Awake: It's Your Turn (Amazon)

[@Jivanmuktaintraining]

I had an Awakening when I was 22-23 yoa. I didn't work at retaining what I had found. At about 26 and in the middle of professional school, I lost focus and my ego came roaring back. Dr. Dilullo has convinced me that a practicing physician, like myself, can still live an Awakened life and do all the things that need to be done to live life successfully and care for my patients and family. It's my turn.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

it's your turn

[@sachaghozzi1896]

3 strategies / approaches 1- Self inquiry: Notice any thought: "that's a thought", who are you who is aware of the thought right now? Settle there. The thoughts come and go 2- Just de-identify from thoughts: why am I believing the story? Let's see. What's the next thought ? Looking for thoughts. It causes gaps between thoughts (Cf. Thoughtless space). Just keep being vigilant. Pay attention. 3- "Who am I?" "What am I" I'm not a thought. What's aware of the thoughts ? Look and settle in. You still ask "Who am I ?"

[@cg3536]

Are 1 and 3 the same thing?

[@nathandavid1336]

Really appreciate the time you take to teach

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

My pleasure

[@cookiemonster9276]

The book is awesome too. The videos clarifies and reinforces the messages in the book! Thanks for putting this out in the world man, really appreciate it!

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

My pleasure

[@levimarr]

ACIM: Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God. In other words: Your thoughts are not real. Don't believe anything you think. You are not the roles you play...

[@kbshrink]

Angelo, Thanks for this… it is so direct, how could anyone miss it? I will listen to this lesson repeatedly, but for now I’ll be taking your wisdom into my practice. You rock!❤️🙏🏻

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

YOU rock!

[@loganchamp]

I feel like you understand what I’m going through with the incessant thinking and feeling uncomfortable inside my body better than anyone I have ever listened to Angelo. I have had glimpses in the past of non-dual awareness but I haven’t been able to do so in several years. I’m 26 and feel like my life up until this point has been chacterized by dysphoric states of mind more or less 24/7 and wondering where I would be in life if I was able to live life with a feeling of equanimity. I truly want to put an end to my suffering. This video ignited a fire inside me that I believe will help me achieve that goal. I feel like I have become obsessed with THINKING about awakening and meditation instead of actually practicing it. I fantasize about how much better my life will be when I can live from a state of non dual awareness that I have had glimpses of before. What intrigues me is that those brief moments of non dual awareness I had years ago were so unlike my normal state of being it kinda scared me. Watching your videos made me realize that this is normal part of awakening. Can’t wait to start this journey. I am all in.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Awesome!! There’s more value in your commitment to truth and what is inside you than you can possibly imagine. Let that fire lead you in, move closer to it… let it burn up all traces of the false (separate) self :)

[@Jivanmuktaintraining]

I could have written this comment. The only difference is, I had my (admittedly moderate) Awakening when I was a little younger than you are now. 22-23 yoa. I didn't work at retaining what I had found. At about 26 and in the middle of professional school, I ascertained that my path required full focus and my ego came roaring back. I was wrong. Angelo has convinced me that, even as a practicing physician like me, I can still live an awakened life and do all the things I need to do.

[@sharen2498]

I think it's possible that for some of us a deep intellectual understanding paves the way and then awakening sneaks up on you. There's openings but no dramatic "event" just clarity, equanimity and peace most of the time. Holding on to the idea of a big bang moment kept me from noticing what was already here.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Indeed , fixating on a specific imagined event can be a distraction as well.

[@carynroll4725]

I feel like you are always talking directly to me. It's so weird. Very cool. Magickal in a way. It's exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you Mind = blown 🤯

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Welcome 🤗

[@jannbarber3625]

This past couple of weeks has been driving me crazy. I always looked forward to my time spent in meditation but here lately it's been like the attack of the chaos thoughts!!! I laugh now, but I didn't realize until today that it is the ego trying to protect its self. DUH.... thanks for this video.....moving forward....

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

When it's a thought storm sometimes can be helpful to just tell the mind, ok go for it make as many thoughts as possible, bring them on lol. Also that appraoch I described in the vid of orienting to whatever the next arising thought is going to be, then just move as closely and intimately to it as possible.

[@jannbarber3625]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake AWESOME!!! Bring it thoughts!!

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@jannbarber3625 bring em on

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@jannbarber3625 you might like this, he discusses his awakening about 15 minutes in and it’s very interesting how he talks about thoughts m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZuThmSbndmDd6c

[@jannbarber3625]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake One of the most amazing videos I have watched. Just WOW....I so related to him. Yes, his talking about thoughts was beyond anything I have experienced. Thanks for the share.

[@SamRoff]

Angello, you're the fkn man. Utterly direct pointing

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Thanks for your comment :)

[@mrraamsridhar]

This is gold for seekers. Your words provide a soothing remedy to seemingly vain seekers, Angelo. Well, I speak for myself at least. This was therapeutic. Thank you so much.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

You're Welcome

[@kbshrink]

Your statement about awakening having nothing to do with thoughts - brought me to a full stop. I must be so in my mind I never considered that! It all seems much clearer now. Thx🙏🏻

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Isn’t that funny. I could say that 100 times and the mind will turn even that statement into a thought… then for whatever reason suddenly it’s clear… “Ohhhhh!” It’s just that kind of thing. I’m sure I heard it a hundred times before it landed! 😂

[@Imthat676]

And then you discover how really long it took, but it feels a second.❤

[@cookiemonster9276]

Almost a half hour of pointing! Yayyyyyyy! Thanks man 😁!

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Welcome !

[@nat998]

Thanks for this! 😀🙏 Thoughts are so pervasive, and I never really noticed just how often my emotions (thoughts) are/were intertwined with thoughts and ideas about situations. I'm realizing there's a LOT of inferences being created by me based on thoughts, in my immediate reality. Recognizing patterns of behaviour that seem predictive based on reactions to certain thoughts and it seems quite mechanical and predictable. In some moments I've stopped mid reaction and it's like a slow motion, out of body perspective observing myself and whatever emotion was bubbling (anger) dissipates and it's quite sudden. Before, it would linger around in a little feedback loop of repetitive thought reinforcements feeding off on the energy of negative emotions. And now I'm having moments of respite from automatic reactionary thoughts. Conceptually it's easy to understand the illusory nature of a false sense of self based on thought and ego. I'm practicing understanding this for myself but it's unbelievable just how machiavellian the mind is... Total trickster! I fall into the first camp of lifelong suffering through imprisonment of thoughts and the possibility of a reprieve from a false attachment to this self sounds like a gift. I've always just assumed this was me and this was my fate so realizing the truth as to what I am/am not as being a possibility sounds like a miracle to me 😊

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

What you observed here is very important! That gap you notice between perception and reaction is like a magic place. Just remaining there (esp when triggered) even if uncomfortable at times, is in and of itself valuable. Then you can add “is there anything here that compels me to react in any way at all? That means externally or internally (thoughts). Then just observing leads to equanimity. Often have to do it repeatedly but it’s powerful work. With that clarifying, non dual perception moment to moment is not far behind.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Great work!

[@nat998]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Thank you for the guidance Angelo! 🙏😊 This is a gradual unfolding that sporadically is happening and I don't appear to be controlling it consciously... Been experiencing a lot of heavy emotional release over the past year, mainly raw fear and crying jags from nowhere, and that was throwing every experience from the past, up to the surface and it felt as though my nervous system was flayed wide open. Things have eased now. The triggers (thought - emotion - reaction) are weakening and there is an intuitive understanding that it's not important whatever the external trigger point is. There's a sense of... Allow it... Let go... Let go... And I do feel like it's a burden I don't have to bear😊

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@nat998 Awesome, you are in a good place. Your sincerity and willingness to remain unguarded are well placed. The natural enjoyment of the purity, depth, intimacy, and unlocatability of moment to moment experience will carry realization forward now. ☺️

[@johntayor9511]

From the pointing, to the background, to the shirt- everything on point 🤘 🙌

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Thanks for stopping by.

[@BackroadBender]

the queen of england be watching this like, "well yeah actually, I do feel like the queen of england"

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

I always overlook disclaimers... I need to put in description, "This video is for anyone EXCEPT the Queen of England.😂

[@CnidarianDonut]

Yup, that's what I needed to hear. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

You’re welcome!

[@henryrobinson9281]

Impressive video, Angelo:-) It really resonated with me and it feels like we're having a conversation, even though I am only listening. I'm also impressed with your t-shirt collection. It's the antithesis of the black tee Steve Jobs approach. Nothing enlightened about a black, plain cotton T-shirt😄. Lots of questions but I'll save for another time. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping us wake up.

[@tiffanyjoleenbowserdimeco6294]

In my experience, severe anxiety and depression are the evolutionary catalyst to awakening. About a year ago mine materialized out of deep suffering, loss and bad choices…. The “me” was gone… and the timeless now pushed through. One year later I’m still experiencing the deepening… the visual, auditory, tactile and energetic perceptions are so profound/ different then before. I’ve never been more at peace and so clear that everything is fundamentally wonderful, unfolding as it should, loving, beautiful and peaceful than I ever dared to “think”. There is only now and your essence is inextricably linked with NOW. It’s one thing. You are it. ❤️

[@johnb2138]

I loved this video, the line, " it is somewhat absurd to look for yourself" (or something similar to that )really struck me as an aha, then everything just became very clear and quiet.

[@gosia3032]

Another brilliant video !!! Thank you Angelo 💌

[@eric-humanappliance]

Pure gold

[@DanielleM-yr4di]

Yay for this video! 💜

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

💜

[@Livelongandprosper75]

Fabulous!

[@TheEvaluna1975]

I needed to hear this today... when the student is ready the teaching shows up... always! Thx Angelo! 🙏❤

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Welcome :)))

[@dhammaboy1203]

What's interesting is I'm finding some inquiries really work while other just dont. So experiment until something clicks for you! Im starting to develop my own taylored inquiries. For me "where am I" and then trying to find a self in the phenomenal experience. I basically start at the sense door and work back to where the sense goes to. Just like the Bhayia Sutta - in the hearing just the heard, in the seeing just seeing, in cognizing just cognition, in the hearing just sound.

[@trevorfurness5695]

'I'm sick and tired!' 'Hi there Sick and Tired.....'

[@Milagre2022]

Thanks for this video ! It is an excellent exercise for awakening! I found someone comment about you in a different channel and I have been watching your videos , before I found you I simply had a visualization of a book with a tittle “Awake”, I have been getting a call from the Universe to awake since 2018, divorce and death of the father of my 2 sons , then a series of events, relationships falling apart and meeting a Twin Flame put me in a position of wanting to awake, I dedicate myself to my kids and reading , walking , watching videos , it will happen sooner or later , I have always found spirituality a very interesting topic.

[@youarewhatyourelookingfor4496]

Angelo, I am consistently astounded at how spot on you are. Not that I know what you know of course, but it all resonates and vibrates as incredibly familiar and equally comforting.

[@kebobscat]

I love you Angelo ❤

[@christopherwkent]

I heard your most recent interview and was surprised to hear that it sounds like you still work a full time job as well as being so dedicated to this channel/the book/sharing around this. As a matter of fact, if you’re working full time as a doc and doing all of this too, that is almost more surprising to me than the fact that you’ve experienced awakening! Also, I sent you an inquiry on your website around having a chat with you on unspeakable bliss podcast.

[@mattinla98]

I had the thought when you described the 3 categories that you left out a 4th category: people who are Simply Always Awake, like you, Gangaji, Eckhart Tolle... Thank you so much for your super clear concise sharing on this topic that so many of us are grappling with. Your words and presence seem to resonate with me even more deeply than any of the other teachers I mentioned, and that is really saying something! I found your interview with Gangaji while I was deliberating on whether or not to sign up for her Fallen Leaf Lake retreat in Tahoe in May. I'm now doing it. It'd be awesome to see you there! Namaste

[@carlavela7106]

Thank you 🙏🌷

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Welcome!

[@joedellatorre31]

Wow. Brilliant. Why are you so much clearer about "waking up" than the dozens of other qualified masters I have read, studied, listened to, and learned from? Dang. The snowball is picking up speed down this hill. LOL! (Thank you...again and again and again...)

[@FemAquarius]

Not a looking but a settling in! BINGO! Wow! YESSSS! THANK YOU! That kind of teaching like in "Awareness watching Awareness" made a little sense in the beginning, then it began to feel kind of OFF. The shift is kind of looking from it and simultaneously being it! In that duality collapses. The "settling in" gives it a flavor of more deeply relaxing into it, kind of morphing into it, and then just being. Thank you soooo much!

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Boom!

[@tomorrowneverknows248]

Thanks for the video. It helped clear a number of things for me. I've been doing thoughts de-identification mostly and lately feels like there is an added bit... every thought seems to point to a different illusory self and I've been noticing those... it's like a network of identities that it's pointing to rather than just a single I. The thoughts are pointing all over the place... to physical sensations, memories, other thoughts, etc but none of them to the whole.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Wonderful!

[@satsitananda]

This is so hugely helpful- thanks Angelo!

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

You're very welcome!

[@erikabeheimcunningham6596]

I really appreciate this, Angelo. If I’m honest with myself, I’m not sure what camp I fall in, especially after recently getting some reprieve from the dysphoria I began experiencing earlier this year. But, I keep coming back to your videos and book, and it’s getting easier to observe my thoughts, pay attention to my senses, and my reactions to other people. I don’t want to close off the awakening process. But, there’s a nagging ambivalence as well, which I see now are just thoughts.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Beautiful. I wouldn't try to categorize yourself 😊... the people I see wake up the fastest don't think of awakening as an event, they are able to just immerse themselves in their current experience regardless of it's quality. You're doing great :)

[@erikabeheimcunningham6596]

Thank you! Will let things unfold.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@erikabeheimcunningham6596 welcome ☺️

[@katye7727]

Love this brilliant pointing. Bring it on...what is the next thought...vigilance! Thanks for the incredible guidance 🙏

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@nospoon17]

This helped , I now know it’s the ego tricking me and is getting my attention when it tells me I’m missing out and tells me I’m not good enough. Thanks for the pointers.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

You’re welcome 😊

[@Teddytheson]

Your videos are great. Really have come to me at the right time, and helped clarify awakening over here. Question: have you experienced (seeming) kundalini awakening? And tips for coping?

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

I’ve had some, but not nearly as intense as some people. Generally speaking don’t make a problem of it. It will move through and pass like everything else. I do know a very deeply realized person who believes it is essential to do some sort of energy practice like yoga to learn to avoid energy imbalances. I don’t do regular yoga but I trust his judgement.

[@mariannebancroft3437]

Thanks!

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Very nice of you :)) ❤ 💜💜 💥

[@karanfield4229]

This is, imo, all that matters. I wish they would talk about awakening at school. Ps.I love yr background visuals.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Thanks!!

[@ketwals2723]

Thinking is dreaming...what we label ,,live " simply is dreaming as most vivid and real...though when u have a closer look...u see its a dream...right here...right now...instantly...is all made up...all 2gether...❤ THX 4 THE DREAMTALK ❤

[@Crash-Rest-Yummy]

The person doesn't want to give up the person, the person wants to use the person to give up the person and experience it, that will never happen.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Well said.

[@kimging2379]

Angelo, you're brilliant. For me, you're the most clear, thorough and practical contemporary teacher (and I'm familiar with a bunch of traditional and eclectic ones!) I've ever seen. The fact that your phenomenological descriptions are very precise is a massive cherry on top. A thought: the titles and preview pictures of your videos can look kinda cheesy to the people who are into hardcore practice yet are aversive to the more popular shallow esoteric woo-type stuff, and that's what makes them misleading, because you are absolutely not that kind of teacher/person. Thought you should know this!

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Thanks for your comments. There is a simple answer to the thumbnails and titles. KZbin has very clear and immediate analytics. If I were to put a more serious/dharma oriented thumbnail and title, the video will be watched by 1/2 to 1/3 of the number of people who watch it. This is simply human psychology, there are many people not interested in technical dharma material, dogma, even spirituality, and yet they absolutely can and do wake up. so they are designed to get the best click through rate possible, because if no one watches well...

[@DavidBee]

Who? Love. Who? Peace. Immense gratitude for the teaching 💞

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

💜

[@drodsou]

Thanks

[@birgit8996]

❤

[@silverhandle]

This is so fucking good, thank you! ❤

[@mikeregan3265]

Be patient dude, you'll wake up when it's time.

[@gulumayroz]

👍❤️🙏🌈 beautiful

[@johnmedina9086]

In the second approach you mentioned about vigilantly looking for the next thought to arise I believe you said even though you had a combination of all 3 approaches happen, this was sort of the one that you focused on the most. Did you set aside some time throughout your day to do this practice or were you consciously throughout your entire day whenever possible trying to look for the next thought?

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

I don't think at that point I was standing apart enough to manage and plan my time, it was like every time I thought about it I looked immediately. So I guess if the thought arose, ""Should I plan some time for this?" I would immediately inquire :)

[@MikeB-lm6yw]

I want to awaken!!!

[@ketwals2723]

Its interesting just now...how immediate all work. I hear this sounds now twice...just a different hearing also comes up...which exactly I was pondering about...why people feel attracted 2 u and act they are so open 4 this deeper knowing and when u actually take them a little down there...they act weird...either upset or avoid etc.a bit later ...though I can see what u say and describe with the Ego.When its not ready or in the fire truly 4 the this and kinda truly want 2 know= backs up and u can watch clearly...that what the person just wants= a little bit hope...meaning and maybe approval and affection and when u not apply 2 their persona...they close up= a common pattern 2 watch. Therfore sometimes I really just think = better 2 seriously keep quiet and not fall 4 this play...since its kinda senseless somehow. I think who really wants 2 know ...not get upset or definsive about it...maybe reflect on it...though not act all odd...u know what I mean. When u really want some ...u don't care 2 much how it sounds...if good or bad 4 u...u will pay the price 4 it and whatever we label as truth = priceless indeed. Thx 4 this reflection...just fit perfect. Somehow we are one mind here.

[@amitjain05]

While doing the inquiry or so just “being”, sleep starts to come. I notice it first comes as a subtle thought which is recognised and dismissed. But it persists. Do you have any suggestions for that? And sometimes in half sleep state random pictures and short videos are played in the mind that identifies with false I. So when body wakes up I notice the identification with the person has returned. Any suggestions on inquiring sub conscious thoughts as well during this state?

[@Moleshaveeyes]

Who are these people who can just enjoy their lives? I run into them sometimes, they're genuinely enjoying this whole thing about being a person. Maybe we should be learning from them?! Rather than the shipwrecks that lead to awakening. I don't know!

[@youtoucan2312]

I keep flitting from thought de identification to looking for the one who is aware of the thoughts. Maybe I need to be more consistent with one method? Every time I look for the one who is aware, I just find nothing, there is nothing there.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

In that moment notice that “nothing here” is also a thought, then just stop! But yes it’s nuanced and everyone finds slightly different approach. At some point you will just plungeeeeee

[@youtoucan2312]

Simply Always Awake So it’s not so much actually finding the “Event Horizon”, as sitting in the place it originates and remaining, ultimately, in a thoughtless space. I like the sound of the “plungeeeeee”.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@youtoucan2312 absolutely, because any event imagined is still a thought

[@youtoucan2312]

Simply Always Awake - apologies, my use of “Event Horizon” was obviously unhelpful as a descriptor. This is such a hard thing to write about even from this side.

[@ravanti5780]

I am has nothing to do with thoughts, anything said by mind after "i am" would just be a story, i'm just telling this to myself so I'll remenber but felt i needed to write it down

[@denishopking1960]

An overwhelming fear approaches… a fear of dissolving, a fear of emptiness, nothingness, losing it… then there is a return… this has happened several times - it’s quite different to that pure unbound silence which is ‘pleasurable’ ‘beautiful’… this I thought was ‘being there’ but have since heard you talk about the subtle subtle thought in this state which I realise is true… it’s facing that fear that is the challenge… it’s scary 👽 but I’m still looking and facing the void but somehow unable to ‘go beyond’… any pointers Angelo?🦅

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Just keep looking for those subtle thoughts, such as I'm scared (the sensations aren't subtle but the binding into thought ID can be). "I always get just this far and xyz happens and I back off." These sort of summarizing thoughts often catch you when you are at the edge. And patient , one of these times you may just suddenly realize the fear barrier isn't there anymore.

[@denishopking1960]

I ‘know’ it’s empty, safe… but, like the bungee jumper, might need a push of encouragement 😁🐕 Thanks btw for ALL your videos and interviews - they form up like a cut diamond🤩

[@brennhaggen]

Shit. This really hit home for me bro. Who in the bloody hell is looking?????? I can see all kinds of weird thoughts (lol) passing by like leaves in the wind but who the bloody hell is looking??? Ok! Im in! Truly interesting! Who is the one looking at anything really lol.... Super funny.. I think this will be my inquiry! Cant stop laughing.. This is seriously interesting... But wo is the one thinking its interesting, lol...

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Awesome. Check out my talk that will release on th 13th as well

[@lcluff3649]

Hello Doc! I noticed your book isn't on Audible. MIght it be soon?

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

It probably will be at some point :)

[@qqqrrr2556]

How common is it to have a sort of "glimpse" without being able to sink into it again? I had one 6 months ago that lasted about 3 seconds. After I was inspired for about a week, but since I have been only kind of half trying and not really taking this as seriously. Since then however I have been suffering quite a bit and have had non-stop suicidal thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. They are not related to awakening, but related to past regrets. I notice however I am slowly changing certain behaviors, though it is difficult, and recently wanted to start trying to really live my life in a way that can let me return to what I experienced. However, I remember you mentioned something about staying away with suicidal ideation, but also you said that once you start it's too late to stop. Then you also talk a lot about repressed emotions and conditioning. I am really just trying to make sense of this all and I don't know the best way to proceed. Should I take a break or continue? Should I get a psychiatric evaluation? I should also mention that I've had fairly severe undiagnosed mental health issues for at least 15 years before this, but not related to suicide.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Of course if you ever feel like you are truly at risk of harming yourself please see someone (physician, psychologist etc). As far as psychiatric care, if you feel your mental state is interfering with ability to function such as vocation or daily activities then probably best to just get evaluated. With all of that said, it’s not uncommon to have a “taste” of unfiltered reality then it seems to disappear (doesn’t actually disappear), this being followed by a lot of painful emotion coming to the surface (thoughts as well). I talk about this in my book I’m the chapter on paradox in the section called “when the other shoe drops”. I think the realization process is available to you but if you have a history of unaddressed psychiatric illness, it may be valuable to address that first (or at least in tandem). Also working with someone who has walked this path in a more personal way is advisable. So if you don’t find that you have instability in your life as a result of these interval states and you can take care of yourself and your responsibilities I don’t see anything wrong with pursuing this (not like we have a choice most of the time anyways), just consider the precautions I stayed above. 😊

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

As far as suicidal ideation, to be specific, it’s very common for people to have occasional thoughts about not wanting to be here etc. when the ego structures get pushed they can go into high gear with fearful thoughts or even self destructive thoughts. What really matters is whether you see these as thoughts and have no intention of acting on them or whether you genuinely feel inclined to take action on them or even find yourself afraid that you might. In the latter cases they’d best to talk to a professional about it. Does that clarify it?

[@qqqrrr2556]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake I have bought your book, but only read certain sections that seemed interesting. I will read the paradox chapter tomorrow. As far as believing the thoughts, at first they were so out of left field that I labeled them intrusive thoughts at the time, but over time I started to identify with them more and more and buy into the drama more and more, but I still don't have the belief that I will kill myself. Perhaps brief moments of feeling like I need to in a trapped sort of way, but I don't feel that I would ever. So maybe it's okay. Also, thanks for responding!

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@qqqrrr2556 based on what you’ve said, I’m not worried about you. I think that first shift just broke loose some repressed material that was unconscious previously. This is actually pretty common. It’s what I wrote about when I describe “feeling more unenlightened than you did before awakening.” It’s the post awakening “no persons land.” It’s also where the real work begins. Emotion work, working with beliefs and work toward equanimity will be very helpful. And above all don’t judge yourself for any of it. You didn’t make any missteps, and none of it is actually personal. We all inherit various amounts of conditioning and when it comes fully into consciousness it can he like “whoaa! What the heck is this??”

[@shanesullivan460]

Do you have any advice for someone who has studied Madhyamaka (even if they only have an intellectual understanding), and has a hard time believing that there's even a "self" to be found?

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

You'll never find a self (check out my playlist on no self), but it doesn't mean there is no value to looking for what FEELS like you :) Authenticity is key and if it feels like you have a self then by all means look there!! Does that make sense. Concluding intellectually there is no self (or that there is a self) are not helpful in this process. It's a matter of authenticity, sincerity and exploring direct experience as carefully as you can so as not to just get entangled in spiritual concepts.

[@shanesullivan460]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake It makes perfect sense, thank you for answering.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@shanesullivan460 welcome ☺️

[@mcknikker]

If everything is a tought even i dont know, then what is real?

[@nightlily3855]

I feel like there is an evolutionary pressure to wake up right now. At least for a certain percentage of population.

[@Mathewmatics86]

Whats your name brother? When I talk to my already non dual seeing wife, I have to say "simply always awake", or "Old mate"

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Fortuitous to have an awakened partner. My name is Angelo

[@Mathewmatics86]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake thanks Angelo. And yes, you're right.

[@pariniluniya9194]

OMG! :o

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

:)

[@Robert-yi8hh]

Hello. Thank you for the video. I arrived to this video because I had the same question before or another question was "what is blocking or preventing me from waking up now." Two (2) things that appear to stand in the way. That is time and belief system. Based on my investigation, my direct experience and deep science, such as quantum physics, support that time does not exist. Even truly awakened people state that there is "no timeline" because You are already It, That, This formless Self, Being right here and now. So take time out of the equation. QUESTION: When there is no time, there is no "grace" too, right? My answer is correct because "grace" is also a thought/belief. Please do share your insightful answer. Then, recently in my investigation, the above questions appear to imply there is some kind of a boundary between "me" (ego self) and "no me" or "no-thing" (nameless/formless Self). The idea of "boundary" was further investigated. As it turns out, it was "me" who put up the boundary. It was "me" who had a belief there was a boundary to sense separation between "me" and the formless Self. I understand, intellectually, this "boundary" is an illusion/thought/belief. ANOTHER QUESTION: Should "Neti, Neti" be constantly applied in self-inquiry, including to all knowledge from reading books or watching videos on non-duality? My answer is yes because the all that is "known" came from nothing or the unknown. Please do share your answer. Thank you and your insightful answers are deeply appreciated. 🙏

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

You are using inquiry skillfully... keep investigating in your immediate experience, see what is a thought/overlay and what is actual experience... neti neti can only take you so far IMO, otherwise it leads to reifying nothingness/awareness as a non-conceptual thought. rather keep investigating where in perception does a boundary actually occur... if anywhere. Applying logic is great but it HAS to extrapolate to your immediate experience and that can take some time and practice

[@Robert-yi8hh]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Thank you for the reply. You said, "otherwise it leads to reifying nothingness/awareness as a non-conceptual thought." I have no clue what you are saying. QUESTIONS: How can you reify nothingness/awareness as a non-conception thought? How can a person make something real as a "non-conceptual thought" or a thought that has never been conceptualized? How can a non-conceptual thought be a thought itself? Are you saying that it leads to making the "experience" of nothingness during self inquiry (space between answers) as real instead of letting the actual nothingness during awakening/liberation to be "nothingness?" Please explain or clarify which is much appreciated. "Time and practice" may be good for the false ego self. Again, isn't "time and practice" based on beliefs, especially that it implies there are "layers and layers of thoughts" that have to "drop away?" Again and again, the latter is also a thought or belief. Thank you.

[@Robert-yi8hh]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Hi. Could you please explain what is a non-conceptual thought as I have no idea what that means. Thank you. P.S. After writing this, I was meditating or just closed my eyes and said "there is no time, it is right here and now" (and noticed my right hand with 2 fingers pointing out and circling), I just experienced an expansive shift in timelessness. Realized the circle remains the same and it does move anywhere. It doesn't change anything. Interestingly a "clock" started out as a circle. The numbers on the clock doesn't move and it doesn't change anything. It is the same with earth rotating in a circle. Time is a man-made concept. It is truly a magnificent illusion. No wonder the word "time" = ti(e)-me, which makes people tie themselves to to time (suffering) because they see objective that everything appears changing. There is beauty, peace in the nowness. Thank you.

[@JessBess]

but how can we distinguish between which thoughts are real and which aren’t? To communicate in this video you had to think and use words. Or do we only enter the thought world when communicating with others?

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

What do you mean by "real?" If you mean representing some objective reality, then it's easy... none :) The moment that is digested there is an awakening :)

[@JessBess]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake but there are things we all agree upon, like if there was a tree, we’d all agree it’s a tree and we use language and thoughts to communicate that? Isn’t that objective reality?

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@JessBess well if human agreement is what defines objective reality… 😂😂😂 As far as a tree, people are often quite surprised when they directly perceive that what is experienced as a “tree out there and I’m in here” is simply not the case … even when they’ve heard it 100 times before.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@JessBess not laughing at you BTW, laughing at the fact that humans have so much trouble agreeing on most things :)

[@JessBess]

​@@SimplyAlwaysAwake it's the belief that I have a future and I'm meant to have a purpose in this lifetime that gets me trapped in thoughts like mentally I can acknowledge that the past is the past and it doesn't exist right now I feel so exhausted from this, I'm so burnt out, I feel like I'm being dragged on the floor non stop 😂 I did experience not being there yesterday at the gym though but I'm always so exhausted even before I've trained 😂 I performed better because my mind wasn't in the way but then when I hit a good move I didn't feel better or good because it's not like I did it... but if I hit the move I was planning to do, I would've been proud of myself which is weird because if I won a competition or a fight but I didn't do it, I don't know how I'd feel or where that leaves me I did hear Matt Garrett quote you and say that you said that the best path to realisation is a life well lived (if I remember correctly). so i guess this is my path 😂 it's like i'm walking a path that's a mine sweep laid with hidden triggers in every direction but i'm trying to tip toe my way around them 😂

[@kushallamichhane8374]

Don't we even have to look or see at our experience what's going on ? So letting go of seeing what's happening here also ? While there not even that looking also it feels like no center of anything and falls asleep

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

There is a sweet spot between intention and surrender. I write about this in the book.

[@ambermay9728]

So nothing is real then. everything that’s in my perception, thoughts, feelings, sensations and my body. I’m not the one doing this person, something else is. Every one in my reality pops up in front of me or acts out my thoughts. It’s like I am a character in a dream-simulation playing out yet it’s not me, none of it’s true it’s all lies. I have tried to commit suicide many times to try leaving here but I’m always brought back. It seems like everyone is connected to my brain and are also me. Something inside of me is stuck observing everything.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

The important thing for you is sensory integration I think. Too much disassociation (this isn’t real that isn’t real), will cause a major imbalance in perception and energy. When feeling really FEEL fully the entire field of experience. Then when hearing notice how the sound rings out inside and outside of everything, colors and forms the same. You can actually practice in this way until you feel the intimacy and closeness all the time. Also if you ever feel you are in danger of harming yourself etc it’s important to get help immediately. This channel isn’t for treating psychiatric disorders etc. With that said i think the integration with the senses work will probably help bc disassociation is a very uncomfortable experience.

[@ambermay9728]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake I don’t believe in mental illnesses, that’s made up programming in the dream reality that I am observing in. My point of what I am saying is, is that this reality is not actually real and my body, thoughts, feeling - emotions, mind is not being controlled by me!! That I’m just some kind of sim character - avatar in a game simulation it’s all a mental construct that’s made up of all different kinds of programs (the TV, Addictions (smoking, drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex etc) the doctors and hospitals illnesses and diseases… everything is a program are you not seeing that! Isn’t that what your explaining in your equanimity reality videos. Something ages us, makes us sick, all work for money that isn’t actually real… what I’m saying is that I am a sim character in some kind of game, yet there’s something inside of me that witnesses and experiences all the things that’s happening to me throughout my whole existence.

[@jonmarston4166]

😂🤣😂😘

[@johnstewart1148]

Hello Angelo … would it be possible to have your email? 🙏🏽

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

[e-mail] is one I check when I can get to it.

[@bolivarabreu9011]

.

[@kristenolbrys2901]

Thanks!

[@kristenolbrys2901]

I truly appreciate your teaching 🙏🏼

[@spocksdaughter9641]

Thanks

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Thank you! Very generous!

[@spocksdaughter9641]

Thanks

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Thank you :))))