| | Some people have developed strong concentration because of their professions, even before they begin practicing meditation.
Ill just throw this out there. Some of this may contradict with what Daniel or others teach, im not trying to dispute other teachers methods, just present another teaching on the same insight practice.
Wat Chom Tong in Thailand (The abbot Ajahn Tong is a disciple of Mahasi Sayadaw also) teaches meditators to try to practice equal parts concentration and mindfulness. How to do this is little difficult to explain or know unless you go too far on either side.
Focusing on the foot can cause people to build concentration quickly, especially for those who have already developed it. This applies to me also. Now, when i do walking meditation, I back my concentration off and start with a wider awareness. During practice sessions, if im doing a 3,4,5,6 step walking motion, I know im walking and note it (lifting-moving-putting or whatever), but I'm not concentrating on the foot or the feeling of the foot touching the floor. I just know the foot is moving or touching without focusing on the foot. I also, with the wider awareness, acknowlege more internally and externally. "Hearing", "Thinking" or whatever. I dont think there is a one size fits all in regard to this. Some people have stronger mindfullness and having their focus on the foot would not cause the concentration build up that you are experiencing.
If the swaying or anything else comes to attention, Chom Tongs teaching is to stop walking first, note the swaying, dizzyness, etc. until it stops, or at least note it several times and then start walking again mindfully. Whatever comes to attention note it, dont ignore, look for anything, or chase things.
I hope that gives you some further ideas of ways to practice if the concentration gets to strong.
Greg |