What is Selfing?
So let’s introduce another concept here that’s useful.
That is the concept of selfing.
We can be triggered by circumstances and something like a little explosion happens and we’ll start selfing. Right?
The way I see self is its armor.
It’s literally body armor.
It’s a protection, a defense if you like.
You get into defensive mode.
That’s what all of the stories are about.
So when we get triggered by something, we’re almost inevitably going to do what I call selfing. We’re going to be – everything is going to be from the perspective of an actual self.
It is when a belief that there is an inherently independent self is expressed.
It is usually an automatic expression.
It might be just thinking or saying “This thing is mine” or “I like such and such”
Another way to say this is…
“Selfing” is when your mind keeps telling you a story about who you are — like your name, your job, your past, or what people think about you.
It’s like your brain is saying:
“I’m not good enough.”
“I need to be better.”
“That person hurt me.”
“I’m so smart.”
These thoughts make you feel like you’re a separate person, different from everyone else. But in the world of awakening, people say this “self” is just an idea — not something real you can touch.