Do we really need anything to feel good?

[quiethumir]

Is it possible to just feel good by being ourselves? Most people seek entertainment, relationships, sex, money, etc.

If we get to the point that we no longer need anything to feel good, is this enlightenment?

[RonSouther]

I don't know what enlightenment is, but I have seen in my life that with true self acceptance, my needs are really basic....essentially to provide for my basic physical needs and to be able to express myself creatively.

Other than that, I don't need much.

[sharshar89]

I don't know that..But I do know that whatever I have that I had wanted..Though I have them..I don't feel good..
Probably the good feeling lasts like 10minutes at most

I think its impossible to feel good for nothing..What if you are homeless an crippled and jobless..Will you feel good?

[Tobes]

It's interesting. I have talked with someone who has done a lot of travel in third world countries and/or tribal communities, and I am told that in spite of not having many needs met, and often being in poor health, that they are happier than many in the US. The reason: Social bonds of reliance on one another instead of the independence, pride and material quest which afflicts our culture. Also, there is a lack of the countless decisions and confusion which afflicts our culture, because they of necessity live in the moment.

[lifetimelearner]

I need sex !

not kidding


no really,truly I feel (esp lately) that being in the present moment brings me more peace then I have ever felt before

[taylor]

Originally Posted by quiethumir

Is it possible to just feel good by being ourselves?

Yes. It's not even difficult. A consistent meditation practice can teach you how to feel good almost at will just sitting there, chilling. It also lasts after you're done meditating so that feeling good is a default state.

If we get to the point that we no longer need anything to feel good, is this enlightenment?

No. Feeling good is one thing, enlightenment is another. Feeling good refers to a sort of emotional calm and even heightened sense of being. Enlightenment is where subject and object are one, witness is swallowed up, silence and awareness are primary, all things are the substance of emptiness.

[quiethumir]

Originally Posted by taylor

Enlightenment is where subject and object are one, witness is swallowed up, silence and awareness are primary, all things are the substance of emptiness.

I don't understand the terminology that you're using. Can you explain more in depth please? Thanks.

[Million Dollar Man]

I only needed to activate my inner strength and potential...
and see my true essence...

That is when I didn't need the other things as much..
or didn't need them to be happy.

[quiethumir]

Originally Posted by Million Dollar Man

I only needed to activate my inner strength and potential...
and see my true essence...

That is when I didn't need the other things as much..
or didn't need them to be happy.

Interesting. How did you activate your inner strength and potential and saw your true essence?

[taylor]

Originally Posted by quiethumir

I don't understand the terminology that you're using. Can you explain more in depth please? Thanks.

I wish it was easier to explain really. I thought Hawkins did it best in Eye of the I, but I obviously can't write out a book chapter.

I guess some might say enlightenment is a 2 step process: 1) rest in witness 2) dissolve witness

Right now you see the world through perception, which is related strongly with thought forms. This means you don't really see Reality, but rather your images and opinions about Reality. The way out of this is to begin to rest in witness, which is the quality of sentience, observing, awareness, being, existence, I AM, etc. If you abide in this space long enough and quit identifying with thought forms, you will merge with witness. This is identifying with subjectivity, rather than objective forms like thoughts, body images, etc.

The next step will occur of its own eventually where you see that witnessing occurs of its own and then you disidentify with the witness as well. At this point subjective vs. objective will merge in Oneness. This cannot be explained or understood just by the nature of it not having any form or tangible qualities to describe. But basically all forms that right now seem solid, will be found to be groundless, empty, without reality.

[quiethumir]

Originally Posted by taylor

I wish it was easier to explain really. I thought Hawkins did it best in Eye of the I, but I obviously can't write out a book chapter.

I guess some might say enlightenment is a 2 step process: 1) rest in witness 2) dissolve witness

Right now you see the world through perception, which is related strongly with thought forms. This means you don't really see Reality, but rather your images and opinions about Reality. The way out of this is to begin to rest in witness, which is the quality of sentience, observing, awareness, being, existence, I AM, etc. If you abide in this space long enough and quit identifying with thought forms, you will merge with witness. This is identifying with subjectivity, rather than objective forms like thoughts, body images, etc.

The next step will occur of its own eventually where you see that witnessing occurs of its own and then you disidentify with the witness as well. At this point subjective vs. objective will merge in Oneness. This cannot be explained or understood just by the nature of it not having any form or tangible qualities to describe. But basically all forms that right now seem solid, will be found to be groundless, empty, without reality.

Thanks Taylor. I think you've explained it pretty well. I understand about merging with the witness. It's my first time hearing about dissolving the witness though.

Why would I want to pursue this? What are the benefits? If I'm already happy and upbeat most of the time, why would I want to be enlightened?

[sk8joyful]

Originally Posted by quiethumir

If I'm already happy and upbeat most of the time,
why would I want to be enlightened?

Most humans live with at least some Limiting-beliefs.
When you get enlightened, you will shed them.

[BillieAnn]

Originally Posted by quiethumir

Is it possible to just feel good by being ourselves? Most people seek entertainment, relationships, sex, money, etc.

If we get to the point that we no longer need anything to feel good, is this enlightenment?

Yes, it may be good. But if we are not possessive, too. And obsessive. And if you do not bother somebody else's opinion