Thank you all for replying. I don't think I managed to convey what I really intended with the original post; I was more bemused than confused, although yes I freely admit I've much to learn. I really was musing on the curious situation of having to work, raise kids, make small talk with people, etc, all the while having a gradually increasing sense that it isn't fitting to regard any of these experiences as being self, or as belonging to self. Obviously I'm not able to convey the peculiar emotion I had in mind, but no matter!
So, with thanks to all for their kind words of advice or comment, I think it would be fitting to now bring this topic to a close, and allow it to sink into the virtual abyss of old, forgotten posts.
The mind: not mine, but my responsibility
Re: The mind: not mine, but my responsibility
To the Buddha-refuge i go; to the Dhamma-refuge i go; to the Sangha-refuge i go.