Hey folks,

If you've read my thread you'll know I'm pretty new to this but I wanted to offer some information regarding how to work on deconstructing the social identity. I come from a background in chaos magic and one of the main parts of this particular approach was deconstructing the identity, something which I now realize I did quite a lot of before even getting 1st path and so I'd like to make available some of the ways which are helping me along in this process towards an actual freedom from the human condition. I'm nowhere near finishing up yet so all of this is just the jumbled scribblings of another guy along the way and I'd appreciate if any of the AF'ers could correct any of my misunderstandings if necessary. Generalizations are to be expected....

A Random List of Notes & Scribblings

The Power of Discrimination - This means test it for yourself, don't accept any belief at face value. I was mega skeptical of the AF method until I got rid of a lot of my erroneous beliefs about it and started doing it myself. It takes bravery to question your deeply cherished beliefs about something you've invested so much time, energy, emotion, passion, so much of your self into but I can confirm, as neither an Actualist or Buddhist, that it is worth the effort.

Examining glamour - "Glamour" is a term used by Phil Hine, author of Prime Chaos, partly used to describe how a belief system is perceived by others. This is part of the identity we project and all that this entails e.g. Someone thinks "I am a Buddhist so you will likely see me as a peaceful, calm person who meditates and doesn't eat meat". Another may think, "I am a Satanist so you will likely see me as a bad, evil person who eats dead babies" or whatever. The point is that we all project a glamour related to our current beliefs, examining this is useful as it takes one through such areas as concepts, writing styles, images, narrative content and leads to dismantling some embedded, and in my case unquestioned, beliefs which will likely lead to progress.

Look at how beliefs structure reality[1] - The social identity is based on beliefs which are both social and personal. The social aspect may include such patterns as seeking verification or approval of our belief from others e.g. joining a forum like this in an effort to confirm some ego-propping fantasy of being enlightened.... Selfhood is reinforced by allegiance to ideologies, social groups, attitudes and beliefs.

Belief imposes a map over perception - I like to think of it like an old punchcard system which only allows certain information to be read by the machine. A belief creates limitations, it will never allow the whole picture to be perceived which becomes obvious in PCE.

Belief requires emotional attachment - A belief is just a matrix of information we put emotional energy into so there is always an affective aspect to any belief one can hold.

Consensus reality is fragile - Self-evident truths must be questioned, they are only limitations and parameters of consensus reality. Question them.

Exploring meditative attainments - Realize that these are par for the course, there's a reason why we don't become attached to any of these phenomena. The belief that "I" achieved this, that or the other only perpetuates an identity.

Which beliefs are preventing me from being happy and without malice right now?
Which filters are blocking out what is actually here and now?

There is no other way to experience the world than through the senses. This is something which is increasingly clear through following these practices and something which I didn't consider quite so important until now which is why I mention it in this thread. Nick put it as "attentiveness to sensuousness 24/7" which seems like solid, useful advice.

I've come to see beliefs as escape routes, ways out from accepting the actual truth that everything just "is" and doesn't need "me" for it to continue just as it always has. We develop concepts to describe our experience of the world which, while useful in communication between people, usually takes the reader aware from their own direct experience of this sensuous actuality.

Hopefully this will be of use to anyone confused or wondering how to get started exploring this part of AF practice. As I said at the start, this is just my notes which I wrote today while working on my own stuff so it may only end up being useful to me but I thought I'd post it anyway. Again, if anything here is contrary to the recommendations from those more advanced with this than me then I would really appreciate your input as I don't think this area gets enough attention when it's so integral to the process of eradicating the human condition.

Best of luck folks, let's bring peace on earth in this very lifetime.

[1] By which I mean consensus reality, the "real world" of everyday consciousness.

For me, bravery occurs as an affective antidote to fear. I'd question if perhaps bravery could be a way of not going all the way - a way to hang on to some sense of self in the process. Sorta like this... "well, I may have to give up these cherished beliefs, but at least I can identify as a 'brave person.'"

I like the idea of pure intent. I like the idea that the process of questioning beliefs can be the adventure of a lifetime.

Something to watch out for, perhaps.