Matrix

Regarding the first exercise, ‘Layers of Mind’: Walking to a university lecture, I was practicing being aware of the ‘non-content’ layers of mind (as defined by Jack) as I walked. I was particularly interested in the ‘state of mind’ layer – the general orientation level. I had previously been enjoying catching the quality of that kind of ‘space.’)

On this particular occasion, though, it wasn’t the felt-sensed quality that was interesting, but rather, the role or function of the underlying layers. I became aware of some way in which these background layers provide a kind of fundamental ‘grounding’ to the ‘sense of self.’ As I inspected the experience, I could see that they provide a kind of ‘matrix’ – a functioning without content of their own; functioning instead as the upholder of the ‘content’ level. (Of course, ‘content’ could be inferred to the implicit layers; but it is not explicate.)

I got interested in the question of what was happening when I got ‘distracted’ by thoughts (distracted by ‘content’). At those moments, I lost awareness of the functioning of the background ‘matrix’ & yet, it seemed to me that the emotionality of (what for now I’m calling) the ‘distractions’ was still dependent on the ‘matrix,’ even generated by the implicit level. The feel was of a implicit knowledge, without which the ‘content’ couldn’t continue; acting as a support for the explicit content (including when it was merely sensory knowing that was the content).

I’m so delighted to see this layering.

Christopher