Most people are heavily conditioned, even though they insist or feel that they are not heavily conditioned. It is very easy (and comforting) to react and perceive through (and “as”) a tremendous array of conditioning. However, such reacting is not genuine living and such perceiving is not true perception. Such a pseudo-existence is not freedom whatsoever. It is based on fear, fitting in, conformity, misperception, belief, dependence, and superficiality. Such conditioning is not different from what sorrow is, (for a sorrowful mind is a reflection of inner disorder and inner disarray). Transcending the conditioning (that one is not separate from) is very arduous and is not the result of mere methodology but it is essential for true wisdom and true bliss to manifest.
Jack and the Bean Stalk … Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2022
My Blog primarily consists of close-up nature photos (that I've taken locally) combined with original holistic-truth oriented prose and/or poetry involving mindfulness/awareness. I love nature and I love understanding the whole (not merely the parts and the details). I'm a retired teacher of the multiply handicapped.
I have a number of interesting hobbies, such as fossil collecting, sport-kite flying, 3D and 2D close-up photography, holography, and pets. Most of all, I am into holistic self-awareness, spontaneous insight, unconventional observation/direct perception, mindfulness, meditation, world peace, non-fragmentation, population control, vegetarianism, and green energy.
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One does not perceive that it is like peeling an onion whatsoever. Who or what is doing the peeling?… another layer or segment of the conditioning? That would be like a dog chasing its own tail. And time is not a factor… so there is no “until we arrive.” 😉
I am doing my best to just be atm but I know I am steeped in the conditioning of my family of origin and of society in general. It’s really rather difficult to grow, but I am trying.
Great, Carol, but please do not make an effort out of it, especially with some image of an “I” trying to do better. Just effortlessly observe without much separation and conformity to patterns. It’s great fun and is interesting really. 😊
conditioning – hmmm – I think it’s realistic to say that everyone has conditioning to deal with – it’s a human thing – you are right when you say that observing ones conditioning is interesting and from my point of view it is the way through as long as we are not under the illusion that we do the changing!
Yes, very well said, one thinks, Sara! 😀 Yes, we all have (and actually “are” conditioning) and we all have to deal with it. And yes, there is no entity that is separate from the conditioning that is doing the changing.
If, without time being a factor, one psychologically (momentarily, without method) dies to all the background and all that was hammered into us… is that viable? Perhaps. 😉
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
For only by transcending conditioning can you be truly in the moment.
Yes, but “being in the moment” may have its own conditioning, for “being” may not be separate from “becoming.”
Transcending conditioning is much like peeling an onion – one layer at a time until we arrive at what separates us from reality.
One does not perceive that it is like peeling an onion whatsoever. Who or what is doing the peeling?… another layer or segment of the conditioning? That would be like a dog chasing its own tail. And time is not a factor… so there is no “until we arrive.” 😉
I am doing my best to just be atm but I know I am steeped in the conditioning of my family of origin and of society in general. It’s really rather difficult to grow, but I am trying.
Great, Carol, but please do not make an effort out of it, especially with some image of an “I” trying to do better. Just effortlessly observe without much separation and conformity to patterns. It’s great fun and is interesting really. 😊
conditioning – hmmm – I think it’s realistic to say that everyone has conditioning to deal with – it’s a human thing – you are right when you say that observing ones conditioning is interesting and from my point of view it is the way through as long as we are not under the illusion that we do the changing!
Yes, very well said, one thinks, Sara! 😀 Yes, we all have (and actually “are” conditioning) and we all have to deal with it. And yes, there is no entity that is separate from the conditioning that is doing the changing.
If, without time being a factor, one psychologically (momentarily, without method) dies to all the background and all that was hammered into us… is that viable? Perhaps. 😉
That little aphid must look at that tree bark as akin to a tall beanstalk.