My Newest Experiment

Hypothesis: I am not the body or mind. There is no traditional 'I'.

Method:

1. Observe the body's sensations and thoughts throughout the day.
   
2. Be non-attached and non-judgemental to what is observed.
   
3. Do not label or analyze what is observed until the end of the day.
   
4. Write a blog entry at the end of everyday with observations.
   
5. Repeat for one month

1. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, I had an awareness of there not being an 'I'.
   
2. I've attempted to do this half-heartedly before, but I feel like a half-completed experiment is not worthwhile.
   
3. I've explored near-death experiences and past-life regressions through many books. Many of these books were first-hand accounts. Others were written by people who had developed some level of professional respect in there career and took risks by exploring the phenomenon. All these books were interesting reading, but I'm interested in testing out stuff.
   
4. I went through a past-life regression via hypnosis over the summer. It was a very interesting experience and I learned a lot about myself. However, I didn't go as deep as I would've liked and its really hard to know where the info is coming from. Is it the subconcious or it is actually a past-life?
   
5. I think doing the experiment will lead to interesting observations, ideas for new experiments, and generally lead to more happiness in life.

1. Distractions. When doing things like checking email and having conversations, it is extremely easy to get distracted for hours. Writing a blog entry will lead to more accountability. I've also created a sign that says "Observe" that I've made my computer desktop background, that I will post throughout the apartment, and that I will keep in my notebook. I will also mentally remind myself to observe me every time I think of it.
   Self-Delusion. The risk of using myself as an instrument is that I'm the only one who can feel what I feel. So, I have to be extremely careful that I'm not just believing what I want to believe.
   
2. Making Excuses. The body will get worried, angry, etc. In those states, I imagine that I will have pretty convincing reasons for why this experiment is a complete waste of time. As those emotions come up, as they surely will, I will not avoid them, but I will focus on being aware of them. I think starting out with a finite amount of time on this experiment will make it easier not to accept excuses.