Inquiry is a practice from non-dual teachings, a practice of self-discovery. It’s used to question our minds‘ habits about reality. For example, we can observe that our thoughts are experiences and are therefore content. They’re not who we are. Ditto sensations and emotions. Who then are we?
We may also find it useful to ask “What is this?” to check our assumptions about what we’re experiencing. Too often, the mind jumps to habitual conclusions. This is a type of cognitive bias.
Similarly, Byron Katie’s question in The Work: “Is it true?”
As we approach awakening, it can also be useful to ask, “Where am I?” We may notice we’re not “in here” in the way we were. Especially when we’re in the witness. And further along, to notice how we’re using our attention. Are we still exploring the edges?
[I expanded these questions from a discussion with Jerry Freeman.]
However, the hazard with inquiry is that it uses the mind. The identified mind is trying to control the experience. I’ve seen inquiry used to deny parts of our experience that don’t meet spiritual concepts, such as “the world is an illusion.” Or as an escape from our experience, which creates disassociation rather than detachment.
Essentially, the mind co-opts the process as another way to control the experience rather than to recognize our deeper nature. Another layer of concepts is used to resist what is here. This makes the mind’s attachments stronger, rather than resolving them.
Recently, I was studying level 2 of Embodied Processing, a somatic therapy. This includes Embodied Enquiry. While inquiry still starts with the mind, it’s done somatically, exploring the felt sense of the body and the direct experience. This keeps the practice embodied and not disassociative.
They described inquiry without being trauma-informed as “half-baked.”
Further, this encourages developing the witness or noticing faculty to notice the experience, as it is. It avoids the common pitfalls of inquiry and mindfulness and supports resolving past resistance to experience.
I still recommend a transcending meditation as this culture’s samadhi, which cultures presence. That builds a platform for Embodied Enquiry and a true witness.
Davidya