Hey, 800lb Gorilla fighters! - How much 'free will' you really got?

(edit note: if you have not tried this simple test then don't waste my time or yours in posting a reply)

Dquixote1217 wrote:

I simply do not believe that anything in this world is pre-determined.

But I nor anyone else is a robot, and free will always plays a part.

Ok, DQ, here is something to see how much 'free will' you have. It a very simple test and will only take 5 minutes.

If you think you have 'free will' and not so much a robot, not a creature of habit, then try this:

Sit down in a comfortable position in a place where you will not be disturbed or have any distractions like a televison, radio or others that will need your attention. Settle yourself  and set a timer for 5 minutes.

Close your eyes and clear the thoughts from your mind and focus only on your breath. Just breathe naturally, and simply watch your breathing, the in-breath as it comes in the nostrils up the nose and down the windpipe and into the lungs, keep watching. There is a small hesitation and then watch the out-breath, as the exhaling air flows back out the way it came in, another hesitation. Then the process repeats.

That's all you got to do, only this. Watch the breathing in and breathing out again and again for 5 minutes until the alarm goes off. Simply enough?

The only thing that is a condition is that if one single thought comes in and distracts you from watching your breathing, then you have to reset the 5 minute timer. After doing this simple thing then you report back here.

I should also mention that because it is observed here that there are a number of people on these boards that are very much affected by what you say in your posts, as shown by the votes that are cast (e.g. cause & effect), that you should be absolutely honest with yourself on this. And carry that honesty into what you report in your post. Remember, if one single thought comes in and detroys your free will of watching your breathing during the 5 minutes, then you have to reset the timer and start over from the very beginning.

I will be waiting for your reply.  I'd be interested in how you do.

-*- turiya