Zone 1 Examples: Who am I? What am I experiencing?

When a raindrop falls on Amelia's hand, she experiences an immediate sensation of cool wetness, distinct from the warm sun on her other hand. More than simply registering the fact that it has rained, Amelia stays present with the experience, noting the immediate sensation and changes in temperature, texture, and even her sense of difference between the wet and dry hand. This first-person experience is her phenomenological experience, unfiltered by extra mental commentary.

Sitting in his quiet room, James reviews the theories he’s been studying. He reflects on the emotions these ideas stir within him - excitement, confusion, even fear. He watches these feelings rise and fall, observing their impact on his thoughts and understanding. This practice of self-observation, of exploring the inner landscape of his mind and emotions, is introspection.

Maria lies down, closing her eyes to meditate. She focuses on her breath, finding herself drifting between wakefulness and a dream-like state. Later in the day, she consumes a ceremonial dose of ayahuasca, leading to even more profound alterations in her consciousness. These represent different states of her consciousness.

In the middle of watching the movie 'Up', Abby suddenly recalls how she herself had lost a loved one. She feels a wave of sadness engulf her, mixed with gratitude for the beautiful memories they had shared. Abby allows herself to feel and mourn the loss again in this moment of immediate emotional experience.

As Pablo walks through the art museum, he pauses in front of Van Gogh's 'Starry Night'. He is struck by the vivid swirling colors, the emotion depicted through the strokes; it's as if he can feel Van Gogh's passion and chaos seeping into him. This moment of aesthetic appreciation is deeply personal and profound.

During a silent retreat in the Himalayas, Norah encounters a state of boundless love and unity. She feels deeply interconnected with every person, every creature, every star. It feels like an encounter with the divine, a profound spiritual and transpersonal experience that leaves her both humbled and exalted.

Eli decides to turn down a lucrative job offer to pursue his passion of wildlife photography. It’s a challenging path that requires determination, but he consciously makes this choice. This intention reflects his volition, his personal agency in choosing a path that aligns with his inherent desires.

Sophie tells herself that she’s an introvert who loves reading and gardening. She has always felt out of sync with the extroverted and tech-driven world around her. This story she tells herself about her life, her persona, and her experiences forms her personal narrative.

While playing the piano, Leo finds himself dissolving into the music. His fingers move naturally, no conscious thought needed. He loses track of time and is completely absorbed in the activity. He finds himself in a flow state, his actions smoothly moving from one moment to the next, propelled by his passion and skill for music.