Mi'sen

Having a framework does seem to be helpful for doing the work, otherwise the "I am insane" period post-awakening can last longer and be more damaging. It also seems that dissolving the framework is a good idea after the work is done, so it doesn't turn into dogma.

Don't forget the "I am insane" period *before* awakening. Without a map, it's really easy to get stuck there. Potentially for the rest of your life.

How's your experience of dissolving the framework been? I can't even bring myself to respect any framework to begin with, so I wouldn't even know where to start... I'm sure it's easy to slip into when the results come, though - judging by every enlightened person I know.

Really good point about the "I am insane" period before awakening. The potential to get lost there if going without a map is maybe even greater than post-awakening, because there is less clarity and one is more prone to delusion.

I am on some sort of cusp now, I think. I have normal days, and days where I identify as much with my sole or any other sense object (don't know why the sole, but it's really persistent) as with any "normal" sense of self.

If I didn't know this was completely normal, I can guess it might throw me for a loop or five.

Yeah, the depersonalization is one of the scarier side effects. It still gets me.

It's not a side effect. :)