| | Alright, it's time for some accountability.
I'm trying anapanasati style concentration using the breath below the nostrils. When I notice the mind has wandered, I try to release the distraction and relax head tension as per Bhante Vimalaramsi's 6R method, then return to the breath (I tend to skip the "re-smile" step. It hurts.)
As the mind gets more concentrated, tensions arise at the surface of the body, especially in the face, back, shoulders, arms. Sometimes it becomes difficult to stay with the breath, and a cloudy, noisy pressure seems to permeate the skull area. At these times it seems impossible to let thoughts be, as I feel dragged along with them.
Next time on the cushion I'll try to relax and "be with it" more, with less thought about progress or getting somewhere. I'm not sure exactly how to balance noticing and acknowledging/"releasing" distractions without encouraging the mind to wander. More experimentation required. |