Practice log, for referenceInitially my sits focused on developing concentrative awareness through observation of the breath. However, I've noticed a shift within the past couple weeks and am hoping for input from more experienced practitioners (read: just about everyone!)
First, object has shifted from the breath to stillness itself. This wasn't deliberate, and it took a couple sits to even realize what was happening. Lately, I relax directly into stillness from the word go. I might hit jhana, I might not. The sense of stillness is so nourishing and enveloping that I find myself mostly indifferent in that regard.
Secondly, with stillness as object, my "fields of experience" have broadened significantly. They tend to be much more spacious and inclusive (especially in contrast to breath as object). These fields form, expand, contract and eventually collapse entirely. Increasingly, awareness is drawn toward and rests within the shifting qualities of stillness and space that these fields create, more so than the comparatively frenetic activities of any "discrete" phenomena.
Briefly put, a shift from micro to macro. I hope that makes sense as I'm at a loss for how else to describe it.
All of this feels intuitive enough and the gains in concentrative steadiness are notable. I've hit a couple states as a result of this practice that were absolutely solid and imperturbable. Left to my own devices, I'd no doubt continue down this path. However, I can't quite shrug off the feeling that I might be fooling or otherwise short-changing myself, perhaps having veered too early from pure concentrative development. Or, is this a reasonable foundation from which to pursue insight?
Any and all thoughts welcome!