Phil

So the word dog is not the same as a real dog which could be god to a backward thinker. Glad I understood!

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(Trevann replies)

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Phil

I was being a bit ’tongue in cheek’ there.  I’m not sure he is saying much beyond stating the obvious. Seems to me we are always one step removed from reality, with the possible exception of unquestioningly observing our own consciousness. Words, particularly nouns, are symbolic abstractions of that which they represent assuming they are representing anything concrete in the first place. This allows for abstractions of abstractions. Anything that manipulates our perception could go on to affect our possible actions. Some words can be very emotive triggers for some people in certain situations and in that way control them significantly.

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Trevann

Yes, exactly. As you know, meditation or Present moment awareness is the observational study of that process, observing and differentiating between these two fundamental human ways of engaging with life, engaging with it directly and/or interpreting it in our ongoing thoughts and stories in the workings of the mind. Observing our personal interpretation of life and ourselves as apparently separate individuals in a world that we perceive as 'over there' allows us to see that interpreting process for what it is and to let go of all the 'personal' illusions and complication we bring to life, including our 'identity', as in who we think we are. And, wonderfully, letting go of all that, brings us into the unadulterated and connected world of Presence and the freedom to act in a loving and caring way without our actions being compromised by 'personal' considerations, needs or desires.

At least, that's the way I see it. Ha ha! Peace and love!