George practice log # 6

George practice log # 6 Jure K 5/21/22 8:09 AM
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 5/21/22 8:09 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 5/21/22 8:09 AM

George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
My practice has mostly been just sitting and noticing an hour each day also doing the same before bed and intermittently throughout the day. I notice fear, misery, disgust arise in a sit and also out in daily life. My mood is low, interest level is low too hence why I haven't posted anything in over a week. Did nothing today and slept most of the day. 
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 1 Year ago at 5/21/22 8:30 AM
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RE: George practice log # 6

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Tonglen? I think I posted Shargrol's version of Tonglen in your log before.

If you have difficulties with misery and disgust then say "if there are beings out there being overwhelmed by misery and disgust may their experience come to me. May I experience it in their stead fully without resistance so they can experience relief from it." Then you imagine all that suffering coming to you and imagine those beings experiencing relief, being free from suffering, being happy. Then you go into experiencing fully that difficulty you took into yourself. Misery and disgust (or whatever else it may be). 

You go between imagining those beings experiencing relief and back to you experiencing the suffering in their stead without resistance 

Once youre done say "May all beings be free from suffering, may all beings awaken, may all beings be happy". Continue with other practices until you hit another difficult overwhelming situation and do Tonglen again. 

​​​​​​​Just an idea. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 5/22/22 1:08 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 5/22/22 1:08 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Thanks papa. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 5/22/22 7:47 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 5/22/22 7:47 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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I sat for 90mins today, sitting still and noticing what arises and also some tonglen. I can see fear, misery, disgust arise in my sits and also out in daily life very clearly.

My last sit was much needed relief when re-ob shifted into equanimity but I'm back in misery. I'm slowly giving up control of what's coming up and letting it all be the way it's intended to be. I feel like a wounded animal, retreating into a cave or burrow waiting to die. It hurts, there are times it opens up but then goes back into a reobservation cycle.

Energy levels are low and the mind is looking for ways out of the misery in particular. There isn't any particular scenario being played out in the mind though that is upsetting me. There is this image of my face with a blank stare and misery etched into it which I notice as an image but also a representation of feeling tone in the body. The physical manifestation of sensations in the body are made up of Heaviness, a different frequency of vibration around the mouth, chest and stomach, apathy, slowed functioning.

I want to open myself to the experience of these emotions as fully as possible and let whatever it needs to come out out.
shargrol, modified 1 Year ago at 5/23/22 7:23 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 5/23/22 7:23 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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One thing that can be good to notice with misery is that there is a kind of sweet sadness to it... Like how a baby starts softly wimpering as it cries itself to sleep at night... It's very soft and warm, and yes sad, but kind of a world-weary sadness that feels like letting go of trying to control things. It's an acknowledgement of recognizing our limits yet still caring. It makes sense why misery is a stable "stage" and not some instable state that we pass through quickly. Despite all the emotional releases that can occur, there is a gentleness to it.

I like your idea of experiencing the misery as fully as possible.
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 5/23/22 8:29 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 5/23/22 8:23 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Hey shargrol, thanks for your post! Yes I agree, I find the misery very humbling and see how the experience of this misery is where great compassion is born. We can be sad and completely miss this opportunity to gain insight into the misery because we just don't like it!

I sat tonight for an hour and noticed going through the jhanas this time.

1 jhana is whole body just comes into attention

2 jhana is pleasantness in the tummy and chest. Breath feels really good, like quenching a thirst.

3 jhana is boundary of body, tingling coolness just as people describe

4 Jhana as far as I'm aware attention moves from boundary of body to higher up in the head/face region?? I haven't read much on jhana I'm just going by exactly what I notice next. 

Beyond that isn't clear for me but if I continue to pay enough attention to what's happening I'll get it.

I just sat for the remainder of the sit, kinda got lost in some fantasy & just ended it there. But very much equanimity kind of territory.

ps forgot to mention, there was resistance, very small amount surrounding the arising of thoughts, like they shouldn't be there. I asked myself to whom shouldn't they happen too? I
want to notice this resistance more fully.
shargrol, modified 1 Year ago at 5/23/22 8:41 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 5/23/22 8:41 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Nice!
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 5/24/22 6:03 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 5/24/22 6:03 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Sat for 45 min. Kept it short because I can't stop burping for some reason, haha.

Again resistance to thoughts arising at times but much less than before and a more stable sense of equanimity now. I can see how the self arises when craving is present. I see it when the self feels like it needs to be mindful and note. It's like Kramer coming in through the door, what did I miss?

​​​​​​​I can feel cessations about to come on, it's only a hint though. Notice it particularly in between a thought and sensation or the ending of a thought the eyes start to lag and roll up.
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 5/26/22 6:44 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 5/26/22 6:44 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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1 hour sit tonight. I feel like I've been stagnant so I noted in this sit. Looking at thoughts, particularly vague images that are not perceiveable, just blobs of colour and shadow. Like wise with hearing stream listening to mumbling and then watch how the mind gives it meaning. This has got to be my favourite practice. Watching this murky stuff come out of no where and the self appears out of no where at the same time. Very cool stuff. I'm just going to continue to do this until I get sick of it. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 5/27/22 8:24 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 5/27/22 8:24 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Misery stuff coming up past couple of days, crying and grief stricken. Did some tonglen practice but mostly noting. Want to focus on noting more, a gentle, one every second or so note looking at unperceivable mind stuff 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 5/30/22 9:17 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 5/30/22 9:17 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Sat tonight for 45 min. More like a jhana practice, feeling body, then pleasant feeling in tummy and chest, then pleasantness in the face. Attention then moved up into forehead, an opening in the forehead came next and then it felt like it extended out 20cm in front of the forehead. Then I started getting visuals of ripples spreading out from this Center opening. Very cooool.
Martin, modified 1 Year ago at 5/30/22 5:32 PM
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RE: George practice log # 6

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Sounds cool! 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/3/22 4:11 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/3/22 4:09 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Practice has been everyday sits, went through dukkha nana stuff earlier in the week.

​​​​​​​I had a lucid dream last night. First time ever! I was in the dream and realised everything was weird, I looked at my hands and they weren't solid, they were flowing and wavy. I then remembered saying I'm in a dream!! I remember saying what should I do, should I try and contact someone? I tried that but eventually got bored and then decided to meditate. So I sat in meditation and went into a dreamless sleep. I slept through 2 alarms and was 2 hours late for work! So I noticed in the dream state that I still had my "mind" and I was in my body being "me". Wicked experience!
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/6/22 7:05 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/6/22 7:04 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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1 hour sit tonight. Getting glitchy kinda stuff going on during the day.

Was very frustrated during the day, the frustration peaked during the sit and I sat in relative comfort. I did some noting, maybe 20min. The noting then subsided and I sat resting.

​​​​​​​Attention was centred & in the body but then became wide and included thoughts. Focus then was Center of head and felt pressure on top of skull.

I don't know much about jhana and what that correlates to, sometimes I get a good sense of what's happening jhana wise other times it's confusing. 
Martin, modified 1 Year ago at 6/6/22 9:40 AM
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RE: George practice log # 6

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Are you working from any particular book on the jhanas?
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/6/22 5:46 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/6/22 5:46 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Martin
Are you working from any particular book on the jhanas?

Hey Martin, no I'm not. Could you maybe suggest one? I've been meaning to look at something but don't know what to go for, thanks.
Martin, modified 1 Year ago at 6/7/22 2:31 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/7/22 2:31 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Here are some that I think are good, in order of increasing difficulty (for me).

There is the description given by Thanissaro Bhikkhu in https://www.dhammatalks.org/books/WithEachAndEveryBreath/Section0007.html 

This is the mildest, and most accessible and gentle description I have read.  It could be a place to start. The jhanas it aims for are fairly light.

Another relatively gentle approach is  https://library.dhammasukha.org/uploads/1/2/8/6/12865490/the_path_to_nibbana__d_johnson_f18.pdf  (The description of the actual technique starts on page 74.). This is metta-based jhana, but the book says that if you don't like metta, you can do the same technique using the breath as an object. I actually wasn't much good with metta meditation until I tried this technique. For me, this technique produced a much deeper level of absorption than Thanissaro describes, but still of the level that, if someone called my name, I could just turn around and say "What?" Also, for me, the jhanas were a bit fuzzy but that might just be due to my take on metta. Certainly, though, this 6R technique is very powerful and makes short work of the hindrances. 


My favorite by a country mile is Right Concentration by Leigh Brassington. If you are interested in getting a sense of what he is talking about, he covers most of what is in the book in this lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCLT64SLYZk  That said, if you want a practice guide, you would want to have the book. This is the book from which I learned the jhanas, so that biases me.

With Right Concentration, I found that I got exactly what Brassington described. It is uncanny.  In my experience, these states are actually shocking. Which is to say that they are literally unbelievable. Over the past few years, I would have gone through the lower jhanas over a thousand times. And basically every sit still includes "wow, wow, wow, that's ridiculous!" moments. Think: winning the lottery on the 4th of July, and then going to the planetarium, on ecstasy, with your sexy girlfriend (or boyfriend, or for that matter, both), followed by laying in the deep grass on a summer day without a care in the world, and then commensurate quietude. But better. 

What I am getting at is that, in some practices, the jhana factors are present but sometimes it a hard to call to say whether the state is relaxed meditation or actual jhana, while with this type of jhana, it's not a "maybe" thing, or a "probably" thing. It's crazy in your face. The difference between relaxed meditation and what Brasington is pointing to is like the difference between, for example, walking down the street and swimming in the ocean. There couldn't be any confusion between the two. You would never hear anyone say, I think I went swimming yesterday, but it might have been a walk. Same deal with the sutta jhanas that Brasington gives instructions for. And it has an order. In my experience, the real second wasn't possible until first was mastered, and so on and so forth. So it's all very clear, very structured, and very obvious. 

Mindfulness, Bliss, and Beyond by Ajahn Brahm describes a more difficult technique for "harder" jhanas. I love Ajahn Brahm. He has such a great approach to concentration, and to life in general. If you haven't watched his videos, I recommend them. But this technique requires a lot of work to get to step one. I have gotten in through this technique and found it to be, not so much a visit to the planetarium, as an actual spaceship. We are talking about the complete disappearance of all the non-mind sense doors. But it took a lot of time and I did not find the results to be stable and reproducible. One day, I hope to do a long, self-directed retreat, and this would be a big part of it. 

Some of these things seem to work for some people and not for others. Brasington's approach and Brahm's approach, in particular, just don't seem to click for some people. There are other books out there too, and it may turn out that the one that works best for you is not on my list.
 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/7/22 7:09 PM
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RE: George practice log # 6

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Awesome, thanks Martin!
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/8/22 8:05 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/8/22 8:05 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Thanks again for putting me onto Leigh brasington Martin!

Please note these descriptions are coming from someone that can only really see the obvious qualities of the jhanas, I'm in no way a jhana pro and can't yet see the subtleties of them. However the qualities I do feel see are obvious and I know I am experiencing them.

I sat tonight with the sole intention of identifying jhanas. I was determined so put just that right amount of effort to concentrate. Now I know as I've read a little of TMI that you can kill concentration by focusing too hard on the object. I knew this already intuitively as I was naturally going through jhanas 6months from when I started meditation 6 years ago, I just didn't know what the hell was going on then!
First jhana was intense when I first started, it really blew my socks off but I don't get the same buzz as I used to. Also the energetics that happened, kundalini snake like stuff doesn't happen like it did back then, It was very prominent then. Now it's feeling central energy channel light up, very small amounts of body movements, shakes & diffuse light behind eyelids that happen in first Jhana. Second Jhana is less of this energy coming up and just really nice sensation in the heart, it's a lot more soothing. Every time I breathe in I feel that beautiful glow in the heart Center, kinda feels like quenching a thirst. Out of all the sensations I get from jhanas 1-4 the heart glow is my favourite.
Third Jhana is pleasant in the body but the sensations are not as pronounced. I can't feel the moment I move into each Jhana but I do notice the qualities as time goes on. It takes about 20-30min to get to forth Jhana on a good day and forth is when I take a deep breath in and body just sinks even more & things are like Leigh describes, neutral, equanimity and still very much in the body.
Five and six Jhana is where it's at for me. I think I spend the most time there. The body is long gone, I try going back to the body when I'm in either one of those jhanas and the mind does not want a bar of it. It just goes back to this boundless sense of space (I always thought of it as an opening, or going through something, that's what it feels like for me) that's in front of my face. It's so freeing and beautiful. 6th Boundless consciousness I think from a phenomenological level it's quite literally my forehead or top of head opening up and going into that space in front of my face. Again these jhanas blow my doors off every time I experience them, haha, I love it.

Seven and Eight I'm not 100 percent sure, I haven't really  looked into it yet as I've only really focused on the earlier stuff. But I do get a sense of focusing on nothingness of seventh. Very care free feeling with really no object to speak of. In fact before reading about jhanas sometimes I'd come out of a sit thinking what the hell was I focusing on then? I know it wasn't dullness because I was alert and I thought maybe I should try find an object? Maybe not needed!

Im glad I watched that lecture with Leigh (I bought his book too) it's reignited my interest during a period that kinda feels laborious and monotonous : )
Martin, modified 1 Year ago at 6/8/22 12:22 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/8/22 12:22 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Sounds awesome! I'm also a super big fan of the heart glow. It feels like being ET :-)
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/8/22 7:52 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/8/22 7:52 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Thanks Martin. How would you describe 5 & 6 jhana from a phenomenalogical level?
Martin, modified 1 Year ago at 6/9/22 2:52 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/9/22 2:52 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 746 Join Date: 4/25/20 Recent Posts
I'm not really that good at the arupa jhanas. Sometimes I get them, but most often I do not. Fifth, in particular, changed for me recently. I used to have this off-cushion felt-sense that my consciousness was a sort of dome or container, basically extending to the edge of my visible field, in which things happened. So 5th used to be based on pushing out the edges of this container. That would usually be accompanied by the sense that I was growing in height to, say, 100 feet tall. Then the body would cease to be perceived and only space would be apparent. More recently I was given instructions for seeing through the container, and now I don't have one to work with anymore. That makes 5th seem less "hard." What I still get is a zooming out sensation at the beginning, followed by a surrounded by vast space sensation. There is no verbal thought. There are no body parts (no head, hands, etc.) but there is still a sense of being present at the location that is the center of the space. What I think of as the transition to 6th is the "emptiness" of the space fading. Very occasionally, everything will fade and there will be nothing, which I take as 7th. But after 4th I'm really just poking around with a stick. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/9/22 6:49 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/9/22 6:49 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Nice, thanks Martin!
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/12/22 6:40 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/12/22 6:40 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
Back on the noting practice. Nothing fancy just straight outloud noting for an hour. I go with what feels right intuitively, sometimes there’s a week of resting in jhana but then sometimes I just feel like I really want to get my ass into gear. A lot of dullness yesterday but I’m getting back into vipassana. Fear, misery & disgust desire for deliverance coming up. 
I feel like nothing is really that interesting anymore, things have lost there sparkle. There’s nothing that really fulfills me right now, I don’t even care much about jhana. There’s this desire for freedom, Im sick of states. I don’t want ecstasy or dazzling lights, I want freedom. I want to feel free, I still feel chained and it sickens me. I’m glad this is happening because despite the shittiness, it’s great motivation for some hardcore practice.
So going the way it should I guess. Fuck I feel yuk
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 1 Year ago at 6/12/22 7:09 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/12/22 7:09 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Just a hunch but maybe practice 'Look how its ... ' could be good one right now.

Look how it wants freedom, look how it wants to feel free, look how it still feels chained, look how it sickens, look how it thinks it doesn't care about Jhanas anymore, look how it feels nothing is interesting anymore, look how its ... walking, look how its ...seeing ... etc ...

Ignore what Im suggesting if it doesn't sound right to you.

​​​​​​​best wishes g! 
George S, modified 1 Year ago at 6/12/22 10:53 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/12/22 10:53 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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https://www.mctb.org/mctb2/table-of-contents/part-iv-insight/30-the-progress-of-insight/9-desire-for-deliverance/

Here’s the “One Weird Trick” to this stage for those who are not going through it at the level of vibrations or kasina-induced visuals, but instead going through it at the level of emotions: honestly feel that crash, that utter devastation, that agony, that bottoming out, that despair, that longing for release, in all its down-to-earth, real, gritty humanity, allowing that plunge to happen inside you deep down, down, down. Then, investigate that, just as it is, because it is a crucial part of the trip, part of the journey, part of the remarkable opportunity to bring the clear light of wisdom to every aspect of our full emotional range, including the bottom of it. So, fall. Notice it. Allow it to be. Notice it is made of sensations: feel them honestly, as well as all the reactions to those sensations. This is the key.
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/12/22 8:27 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/12/22 8:27 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Thanks guys : ))
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/13/22 7:25 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/13/22 7:25 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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This post is going to talk about some personal habits and behaviours but will then go into the practice of it all.

For a while now I've been weary of my spending. I was never in a position to work or investigate any of this because I was a wreck and had no stability, luckily now I'm in a much better place emotionally and don't use alcohol as a coping mechanism, rather I enjoy a glass of wine or cigar purely for the taste and because I enjoy it so much. I don't over do it because I honestly feel sick if I have more then 2 glasses of wine a night.

I spoke to my therapist about this all and she was actually happy that i have been enjoying myself! Im happy that im enjoying these things too but can't help but feel guilt and shame surrounding some purchases. I tell myself this is the first time in your bloody life you have some stability and you're guilty that you're enjoying yourself!? Come on!!

Nonetheless I'm getting more interested in urges! What they feel like & what happens if I don't do something that I want and sit with that wanting feeling. I do notice after a while the feeling of wanting eventually subsides, it loses its grip and it goes away. I still like that cigar though! Tonight's sit was centred around noting urges and it's really interesting watching and waiting for urges to come up while keeping physical pain in awareness. Anyway going to explore this more!
George S, modified 1 Year ago at 6/13/22 9:28 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/13/22 9:22 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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I think it's healthier to be able to enjoy a glass or two occasionally than to stick to complete abstinence out of a fear of not being able to stop. This is all good ground for investigation - the urges, the feelings, the subsiding, the satisfaction, the guilt/shame etc. I find the initial effects of alcohol to be relaxing and mildly euphoric, light jhanic territory, but of course if you try to get into a deeper jhana using that method then it doesn't work so well emoticon The last time I had more than two drinks was a few years ago and I meditated afterwards to get a really close look at what having too much alchohol felt like in my body. I was amazed by what a heavy and dark feeling it was, even though I'd only had three drinks and I never noticed it when I was younger and would often drink more than that. These days, one is nice and usually enough. If I find myself wanting "more nice" and having a second, I pretty quickly realize it's not having the same effect and leave the rest.

It reminds me of something William James said in The Varieties of Religious Experience:

The next step into mystical states carries us into a realm that public opinion and ethical philosophy have long since branded as pathological, though private practice and certain lyric strains of poetry seem still to bear witness to its ideality. I refer to the consciousness produced by intoxicants and anaesthetics, especially by alcohol. The sway of alcohol over mankind is unquestionably due to its power to stimulate the mystical faculties of human nature, usually crushed to earth by the cold facts and dry criticisms of the sober hour. Sobriety diminishes, discriminates, and says no; drunkenness expands, unites, and says yes. It is in fact the great exciter of the YES function in man. It brings its votary from the chill periphery of things to the radiant core. It makes him for the moment one with truth. Not through mere perversity do men run after it. To the poor and the unlettered it stands in the place of symphony concerts and of literature; and it is part of the deeper mystery and tragedy of life that whiffs and gleams of something that we immediately recognize as excellent should be vouchsafed to so many of us only in the fleeting earlier phases of what in its totality is so degrading a poisoning. The drunken consciousness is one bit of the mystic consciousness, and our total opinion of it must find its place in our opinion of that larger whole.
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 1 Year ago at 6/13/22 2:35 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/13/22 2:35 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Nice you are watching those urges my man emoticon and also nice you like that fucking cigar emoticon Nice! 

I haven't been drinking for a while. 2 years I think. Just lost the taste for it. But as of late I'm starting to enjoy a glass or two of red wine. Love it! emoticon No guilt no shame no moralising. Just good old plain red wine. Organic, may I add! emoticon 

I think I get to about two glasses and im drunk! emoticon 

But I do recognise my main protective reactive patterns which are in form of the Air Element (businesses) and Ghost Realm (consuming). Mostly.

I'm not stopping with these actions of acquiring guitar related gear but only observing the urge, that thirst for new or better gear, to give me a better guitar tone etc ... 
Its my hobby after all so not meaning to kill it but to wake up to how it comes about. That way I might even stop it at certain times if indeed I don't need XY and Z. Or the third glass of red wine emoticon 

Slainte! 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/14/22 6:45 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/14/22 6:45 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Thanks guys for your posts! I'm the same now George, I find the feeling of being drunk pretty shit to be honest!

Papa I wish I could play an instrument! 

I’m comfortable enjoying the odd cigar or wine, it’s I think compulsive spending that I’d like to be mindful of or rather notice the urge to spend money on “stuff”. I didn’t mention this in my last post maybe because I was embarrassed and ashamed of it. There have been many occasions this year where I really didn’t need to spend large amounts of money on some things. It’s very addictive looking up and searching for items to purchase, particularly if they’re nicely constructed things. It's a bit of a thrill, mind you that thrill is actually a really shit feeling! It's like fear, anticipation, nervousness all combined. I think this habit is used as a coping mechanism and I want to uncover this. I also find that time could be better spent doing something productive rather then spending hours online looking at stuff to buy. Anyway I want it out and want to work on it hence why I'm putting it on the imaginary table : )
Tonight I sat for an hour noticing urges. I found the same scenario in my head of me being embarrassed and ashamed after spending money being played out, then the self that justifies everything. So doing like papa has suggested in the past and "watch how it is embarrassed etc" I just watched this whole thing until it disappeared!
George S, modified 1 Year ago at 6/14/22 4:59 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/14/22 4:59 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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There's nothing wrong with the intention, it's cheaper to treat yourself to jhana though emoticon
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 1 Year ago at 6/14/22 7:01 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/14/22 7:01 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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If you want to develop a constructive 6 realm practice I would suggest meeting up with Shargrol! 

In this example you are dealing with a Hungry Ghost realm. There is a way to visualise your online experience for the sake of practice so to easily see it in off cushion situations.

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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/22/22 2:44 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/22/22 2:44 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Practice is now consisting of noticing things gently. Primarily very subtle urges like expectation, subtle tension, central observer and then upon seeing those things watching how the sense of a good meditator arises. These are whispers in awareness that come about, I like this practice, you have to be very precise. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/23/22 8:25 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/23/22 7:15 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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I had a scary moment just earlier. Felt like the old familiar impending doom coming upon me, everything changed I felt like a helpless little child scared in a big world. It was terror, it paralyses me. I can’t believe I survived living like that for years. I don’t know why it was so intense. I was talking to my father earlier about my brother, maybe something rubbed off on me, I don’t know. It’s the same old stuff coming up in dark night, it’s this fear of abandonment, or like I’m abandoning my family, like I’m leaving or going. I don’t know why it’s the same thing! Or it doesn’t matter what the content of it is, it’s purely the mind making sense of a part of me that’s dissolving? Anyway I’m feeling ok now after sitting for an hour, it just went away and I perceived a more subtle version of fear, misery, disgust and and of course after  a pizza.

Correct me if I'm wrong community but seeing the not so painful sensations as they are leads to seeing ALL sensations purely as vibration? Meaning you don't have to sit with painful sensations with concentration, clarity and equanimity, you can also sit with pleasant or neutral ones and gain insight into fearful sensations? Can anyone shed light on that?

Im still frazzled, I feel a big sense of urgency. I'm going to do some breathing exercises.
George S, modified 1 Year ago at 6/23/22 12:21 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/23/22 12:21 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Yeah, basically it's "just an old feeling", with a habitual story/explanation attached. Feelings don't really need to be explained, they just need to be felt (i.e. experienced in the body). When they are fully felt then they are released and there is no need for the story any more. A certain amount of story/explanation (a.k.a therapy) is probably necessary if the feeling stems from old trauma and is having a destabilizing effect off the cushion, but the more ability you develop to simply sit with the physical sensations of the feeling without getting caught up in stories about it, the easier it will pass through your system.

That basically sounds like what you are already doing, so you're doing all the right things. It can feel overwhelming and draining at times, but with practice the intensity and frequency will diminish. The more jhanic ability you develop to access pleasant feelings like sukha, the easier it is to sit through unpleasant feelings because you have a kind of baseline of bliss to return to. One day soon you'll be sitting in meditation and the whole trauma feeling complex will arise & pass through your system in about 30 seconds and you'll be like - holy crap, meditaiton is amazing, I love life, I love everything ​​​​​​​emoticon
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/24/22 9:29 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/24/22 9:29 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Thanks George : ) there is the intuitive sense that that's what will happen but yeah I still freak out and question wtf I'm doing.

I sat for an hour tonight. Kinda weird, a lot of chopping and changing throughout the sit. I'll be noting every conceivable thing I can mostly in the mental stream, gently, but then I'd get a feeling like I need to let go of someone noticing. This switching happened many times throughout the sit. The letting go of a somebody is like a balancing act I feel, you need to get the right ingredients so to speak for it to happen. I get confused I don't know if I should try everything or try nothing!

Either way off the cushion I'm shitty and presumably in dukkha nanas then on the cushion I'm getting into equanimity territory.
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/26/22 4:12 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/26/22 4:12 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Fear coming up during the day regularly now. I started drinking coffee because I love how a good espresso tastes but I think im sensitive to the caffeine & it's bringing on these fear states, nonetheless I meditated on this fear. I sat with this doom, low vibratory sensations around me, very palpable feeling in the air. I looked into the body and thoughts like I don't exist came up, there was this sense of vaccuity, like i wasn't anywhere except the fear was still there. I said if I'm empty then this fear is empty too, I can't be this fear. Vibration changed to a lighter, freer flowing sensation. I sat like that for a little, like being pure spirit. Whenever anything came into my head I just noted empty, empty, empty. I opened my eyes and looked at my body and it all looked very strange, like what the hell is this thing?! Incredible sit, I still feel the sense of fear, it changes from empty then back to a sense of self in fear. Today I feel like I got a greater sense of how fear is simply vibratory phenomena and nothing else. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/27/22 5:51 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/27/22 2:54 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Off the cushion I'm feeling fearful & miserable. Im putting on a brave face but im hurting. When I sit I get clarity and calmness over comes me but when I stop practice I feel the full brunt of dukha nanas. I'm going to keep sitting, but it's going to be restful sits for now. I ask myself how hard does it have to get until I just pull out and take a break from practice. I don't know the answer and I DONT want to do that! I just hope the body holds up, it seems to be regulating emotions ok.

45 min sit tonight just simply sitting, the mind wants to note but I just redirected attention to the body. Mind was scattered and noisy, again redirected to the body. There was a deeper movement and pulsating in the lowest chakra, I guess that means the pot is being stirred up.
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 1 Year ago at 6/27/22 9:42 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/27/22 9:42 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Can you maybe consider experiencing the Dukkha for other beings? Tonglen. If there are beings out there having same experience as you, may their experience come to me so they can experience relief and awaken and be happy. May I experience their suffering in their stead so they can be free from it and happy. 

​​​​​​​Can you do this as your main practice and see what patterns come up? 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/27/22 5:27 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/27/22 5:27 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Hey papa, Yes I can do that and I was doing it last week a little. Maybe it's something I should start to incorporate more. One thing I notice during these difficult times is how my attitude towards people changes, there's a lot more compassion and care when talking to people, maybe this is something that needs to be integrated more.
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 12:45 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 12:45 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Just to be clear I was pointing towards Tonglen practice as suggested by Shargrol.

Good to use during overwhelming times. 

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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 1:41 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 1:39 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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The thing is it's never really overwhelming with fear on the cushion! Fear is present but not really an issue because I know if I just sit it will sort itself out. It's when fear comes up in daily life that it can knock me off my feet somewhat, that's when I get home do a sit and I'm sweet but then as time goes on the fear in daily life becomes more and more intense & that's when it gets overwhelming
George S, modified 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 9:14 AM
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RE: George practice log # 6

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Are you able to do micro sits during daily life? Even a 5-10 minute "bathroom break" can be enough to sit and fully experience/release fear!
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 7:13 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 7:13 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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40 min tonight just resting and noticing. Very clearly in A&P territory. Saw the arising and passing of thoughts on a magnified level and energy rising up through the body.

On another note I've made changes to my diet, like no caffeine and avoiding other things that may trigger unnecessary pain. The past few times the fear past through quickly, so I'm confident I'll be ok and I'll soldier on. When the going gets really tough I will employ the tonglen practice too. 
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 8:45 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 8:45 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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What I came to realise after the cessation was; 

oh, I'm in dark night , no problem! I'll sit two times daily and within two days it's over and done with. Which indeed always worked. 

As time passed I came to realise that I was using the practice to stop this unpleasant experience. But this unpleasant experience kept coming back. Again and again and again and ... so I stopped treating practice as a painkiller. It doesn't last. 

So I looked for a way to accept it and be very intimate with it. 
Tonglen was just a start. A way to mix it up when needed but now im more into Chöd Mantra (Gate Gate mantra and visualisation) which is more effective as 30-45 minutes daily practice. It's a supersized Tonglen to me at least. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 10:23 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 10:08 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Yes I totally hear you papa. That's what I want to do, I want be able ride it out and I'm doing that albeit some what reluctantly at times. I have kept a consistent practice going even though I know that it will come back. I know that fear itself never dissolves completely, you just have equanimity with it all but I'm still getting used to that I think. I've also come back to practice after going on some meds so I can function day to day and I'm stable but I'm also not used to being able to regulate the fear and what my limits are now. When it came on I got the feeling that eventually it will get to the point where it will get so intense that I'll spin wildly out of control like on previous occasions. I did miss a few days of meds and I think I have to cut out caffeine that's for sure because that messes with me. I can be fine for a few weeks drinking coffee and then it throws everything out of balance.
Yes I probably could do that George & I think I'll do that when things get rough next time.
If I didn't have to function in the world then I'd just sit with the fear and not give a shit but I have to make decisions, talk to friends and family, socialise and hopefully find a partner & I can't do that if I'm constantly fearful, it screws everything up.
Thanks guys, I'm not giving up!

PS When I first encountered a dark night I did the same as papa stated. I sat more thinking if I sit with this it will eventually go away but it didn't, it got worse and worse and worse to the point I couldn't work for 2 weeks. Then I recovered and tried again, this time I went way overboard and had to go hospital because I was that shaken and pretty much lifeless. Fear like other emotions are subjective and not to mention traumas that people have been through. I read people just meditating through it and that's what I did and it really hurt me because it didn't go, it got worse.  How am I supposed to know where to draw the line? The line I think is getting clearer, I haven't got there gracefully but I've learnt a lot along the way.
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Chris M, modified 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 10:55 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 10:55 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Fear like other emotions are subjective and not to mention traumas that people have been through. I read people just meditating through it and that's what I did and it really hurt me because it didn't go, it got worse.  How am I supposed to know where to draw the line? The line I think is getting clearer, I haven't got there gracefully but I've learnt a lot along the way.Fear like other emotions are subjective and not to mention traumas that people have been through. I read people just meditating through it and that's what I did and it really hurt me because it didn't go, it got worse.  How am I supposed to know where to draw the line? The line I think is getting clearer, I haven't got there gracefully but I've learnt a lot along the way.

George, you can go at your own pace and do the practices that help you, not hurt you. If trying to stay with fear is dangerous for you then don't do it. You are under no obligation to practice what is suggested here if you feel you believe it's dangerous for you. What works for some may not work for others - one size does not fit all. Please take your meds, be careful, and gentle, with yourself. Better be stay safe than sorry.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 11:38 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 11:38 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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It sounds to me like it could perhaps be a good idea for you to find some practice (or a whole tool box of practices for that matter) that grounds you and makes you feel safe, something that you can also draw on in daily life when things are shaky. Something that has a stabilizing effect (not in the sense of solidifying stuff), regardless of the cycling. A resource or set of resources. It is okay to do practices that build up your wellbeing and gather any resources you need before powering through a rough passage. 

There are so many layers to our senses of self, so many patterns, many of which are subconscious. Some of them fight hard to protects us from what we might see when we try to power through. There's compassion in that, often misguided compassion, but perhaps not entirely misguided all the time. Sometimes I think we need to build up and strengthen our more constructive patterns before we deconstruct some entanglements that have made our lives function at all, with all the ad-hoc scaffolding and patchings put in place. Putting in some more skillful scaffolding before taking such an entanglement apart probably makes the process less jarring. Then we can work with our minds rather than against them, and there will probably be less protective reactions from the subconscious as there is a more firmly rooted sense of okayness among all parts. 

Does this make any sense? 

It is simplified, of course, but I believe it holds some truth. 

I can see now why you wrote what you wrote in my log. I'll try to keep up with your log. I think we might have some things in common. 
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 3:52 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 3:52 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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George I second what Chris Marti said! I thought you spoke of the Fear Nana but I understand now that your fear might be something more psychological. I have suffered terribly from paranoia in my past. I know how debilitating that can be. 

Meds, therapy and Jhanas (5th Samatha Jhana) helped with that. Still can pop out a bit here and there but it's lost it's power it once had. 

Take it slow with insight practice or even Tonglen!!!
Whoever is experiencing traumatic stuff should not meditate longer than 7 minutes and only on breath, for calming purposes. 

​​​​​​​Sending best wishes! 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 9:49 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 9:49 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Thanks everyone. Yes Chris, I will switch my practice to a more calm abiding one when things get difficult and pace myself. It's all taught me to take care of myself more then to just push through hence why I felt it important to log the fear patterns arising. I'm keeping tabs on it. I'll never put myself in the position where I'm going to hospital again, no way. 

Thanks Linda, yes that makes sense! I'm figuring out what I need right now and I think a sitting without effort and rest being the main priority, along with some changes in diet and regular meds is working atm. I will however look into other avenues to help me so I have more tools at my disposal. I'm going to look into shaking therapy and breathing practices more.
Thanks papa, yes it is very debilitating but like I said im managing ok. 7 min is very specific! I'll stick to 45min calm abiding for now! 

Thank you all again for your advice : )
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Papa Che Dusko, modified 1 Year ago at 6/28/22 11:34 PM
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RE: George practice log # 6

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7 minutes was suggested by my therapist. He told me there was a research done with those suffering PTSD and anything over 7 minutes would be too much, but several 7 minutes a day would actually be helpful. 

We are talking folks being in a very bad shape. 

You seem to know your limits, that's good! 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 6/30/22 2:22 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 6/30/22 2:22 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Ahh right, thanks for clarification papa!
I sat last night for 40min. I was really tired from work so called it early. I'm relaxed & feeling good. I can think clearer and I can now see how I was really striving for a path moment, cessation, fruition. I feel like I've let go of the striving for now and I'm enjoying things again rather than the constant efforting. Also I have to understand that this is a life long thing, it's not done and dusted after a little bit of meditation. So patience is very much needed!
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 1 Year ago at 7/1/22 2:22 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/1/22 2:22 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Sounds good! It's all too easy to get trapped in striving, don't I know it. I have to remind myself now and then that I actually love the practice itself, when I'm doing it right, regardless of whether it leads to anything beyond that. Even if I don't get anywhere further on the path, it's still very much worth doing because it feels good and gives perspective and is restorative. In that respect, it's liberation here and now. It only gets boring or hard when I turn it into something instrumental. 

It's good to see that you are taking care of yourself. That inspires me too, so we can inspire each other and create a positive spiral. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/1/22 10:45 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/1/22 9:35 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Hey Linda, thank you. I had a session yesterday with my therapist and we chatted about this very thing. You're right it really comes down to here and now and that's it, no fanciful ideas.

I haven't sat tonight but a bunch of fear has come up. I'm not going just meditate through this now, I'm going to be a grown up about it and allow myself time to integrate this. Awareness is already aware, its doing the work itself so I feel like there is no need to do a formal sit at this point in time. Instead I'll go out see friends, go out in nature & enjoy my life, pleasant peaceful activities. I've had enough drama in my life as it is.

I'm glad you're inspired Linda, I know you face many trials in life, I don't think practice should be another trial despite there being difficult times. It gives me a warm feeling knowing someone can see the positivity in this, thanks!

​​​​​​​ps fear is gone 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/2/22 3:33 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/2/22 2:54 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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Haven't sat today, more fear came up earlier. It's related to relationships, attachment etc. when this fear comes up there's a tension and pain in the middle of my back, it gets very tender.

I don't proliferate on the fear and go into victim mode, instead I'm more curious about the fear and my behaviours. I now know why I've avoided intimate relationships and why they have never worked out. It's because of this fear. Fear of screwing it up, fear of loss.

There's a memory that keeps coming up of me being in grade 6 and liking a girl. I followed her around, I was smitten. She ended up telling a teacher and I remember the teacher yelling at the top of her voice, calling me a dirty, dirty dog. I felt so ashamed. Some of this shame is coming up too.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 1 Year ago at 7/2/22 3:37 AM
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RE: George practice log # 6

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Our patterns can be so counterproductive, indeed, and yet it's ultimately out of compassion. It just got misdirected. You could try expressing your heartfelt thanks to the parts/patterns that wish to protect you, while at the same time communicating that it's safe for them to relax and that faith in your growth is even more compassionate. 
George S, modified 1 Year ago at 7/2/22 9:26 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/2/22 9:25 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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That's a terrible thing to say to a child at an age when they naturally start to develop strong feelings for others and are very sensitive about it. It sounds like the teacher had her own issues with shame and was simply dishing them out onto you. 
George S, modified 1 Year ago at 7/2/22 9:31 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/2/22 9:31 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

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And I agree with what Linda says about recognizing the protective intention of parts/pattens and redirecting them. Your therapist probably knows about this, but Internal Family Systems is great for this kind of stuff, eg the book No Bad Parts, revisting the wound in a non-judgemental way and "reparenting" the shamed part that got split off.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 1 Year ago at 7/2/22 12:48 PM
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RE: George practice log # 6

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And I agree with what George S said about the teacher! 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/3/22 2:22 AM
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RE: George practice log # 6

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Thanks Linda and George, I appreciate your words immensely. Yeah I now look at it as a very inappropriate way to approach a child on relationships. Our class was in a large building with 3 other classes inside so when she said what she did everyone heard. When I came back to my class I remember my teacher looking at me and not saying a word. I think he felt sorry for me. Either way I remember being very ashamed. 
It follows me to this day. For example, I've been going to a Greek cafe where they make beautiful stuff, cakes and coffee etc. There is this woman there that I think is divine, I never thought anything of it but my friends know her and say she is single, that made me more interested. I've kept going there hoping I could talk to her but it's very busy and loud in there so it’s only been thank you and a smile. I notice every time I walk there though that I feel like a predator and I hope that no one will call me out.
Then of course comes the fear of not being enough for someone and fear of rejection which I think is related to the shame. I’m happy I’m able to untangle that mess now and have some insight into it all. I remember all this when it came up when I was a lot younger but buried it when I became older and retreated to be on my own. I don’t want that though I want to untangle this and redirect all these protective patterns. I feel like I’ve integrated some of it now so I’ll do a sit tonight. 
George S, modified 1 Year ago at 7/3/22 2:57 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/3/22 2:57 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 2722 Join Date: 2/26/19 Recent Posts
I don't know if this is appropriate, but I once did this thing called speed-dating, where you are basically in a room with a bunch of people and do a succession of 5 minute "dates". It could be a good way to practice making small talk and getting over the fear of rejection!
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/3/22 7:06 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/3/22 7:06 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
20min formal sit tonight, lots of shame coming up but not as much fear. Maybe the shame was beneath the fear or there's a fear shame cycle happening. There is fear of being shamed and then shame in being fearful.
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/3/22 6:09 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/3/22 6:09 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
Yes I've been on 3 speed dating events already this year, haha! Its definitely helped and I was on my way to a forth speed dating event but thought I'd give it a break. The speed dating though bypassed the shame some what because I knew everyone was there for the same thing, likewise with the fear. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/4/22 1:36 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/4/22 1:36 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
1 hour walk in nature and then I did a 40min sit. The mind was noisy but there was a sense of separation from the mental narratives. However at the end I became apart of the narrative and it has brought up more stuff. I thought this was going to happen, so now I'll give myself time to process this. It's the same pattern, it's a fearful feeling but without a doubt has shame in it which I'm yet to feel. &nbsp;I can see scenarios in my mind that have a shame flavour maybe the shame is coming up too. I'm not sure.<br /><br />I'm really liking this steady approach and being curious with emotions, it's so interesting. It's uncomfortable but if I give myself time to process the stuff and not just barge my way through it, I can keep going like this. Couple of days to process then another sit and process again. That makes me happy
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 1 Year ago at 7/4/22 1:59 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/4/22 1:59 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
Sounds good.
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/5/22 8:30 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/5/22 8:30 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
I've felt good so decided to do a 30min sit tonight too. Little bit of energetic stuff but then went away & Jhanic stuff happening too. I feel good after that sit so I'll do a 45min tomorrow night. Also there's a lot of muscle tension in the scapula region. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/6/22 7:07 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/6/22 7:06 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
45min sit tonight just resting. I feel good. I feel lighter. I had a dream last night of a primary school bully. In it I kicked his ass. Funny how dreams give you little signals like that to let the mind know perceptions on traumas are changing.
​​​​​​​
The fear and shame hasn't come up for a few days now. Something thats coming up with the shame or any ill will is that I’ve seen myself shaming others. Overtly but also mentally in my head. Having experienced what shaming does to me it makes it less likely that I’ll continue doing it to others and instead look for compassion towards others rather then put people down. There are times when I know I'm saying things out of jest & when I know that, others see and feel that too. But there are times when it doesn't sound like a joke and there's a change in the air, like oh shouldn't have said that!
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/7/22 5:45 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/7/22 5:45 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
45min sit tonight. Jhanic factors were there but couldn't make them out. Kundalini like energy and movements in the body were pretty much absent, everything was very still. Pleasant sit. 

​​​​​​​Getting heart palpitations every now and then, some tension in scapula region during the day, it comes and goes
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/7/22 8:01 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/7/22 8:01 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
I'm at work and I'm just noticing physical pain/tension that was in scapula has now moved to mid lower back rib cage and then I felt it move to the left. Emotionally I'm ok, a little anxious but definitely not full blown fear episode. I'm going to do an hour sit tonight, I feel safe enough to do it. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/8/22 7:44 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/8/22 7:43 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
Feeling angry and argumentative. Arguments have been repeating in my head all day. Tension in the back still present. I haven't sat tonight, I'm so tired. 
Martin, modified 1 Year ago at 7/9/22 3:12 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/9/22 3:11 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 746 Join Date: 4/25/20 Recent Posts
george Feeling angry and argumentative. Arguments have been repeating in my head all day. Tension in the back still present. I haven't sat tonight, I'm so tired. 
I don't know if this would be helpful to you but something that I found helpful when suffering from internal arguments was the recognition that, in terms of the purely mind-based process, my mind was producing both sides of the argument. So this process was not actually a case of "me" arguing with somebody else. This is interesting because, if the mind is capable of arguing both sides, the other side cannot be entirely unreasonable. That allowed me to soften my view in the moment. ​​​​​​​Also, when suffering from such internal arguments, I would tend to also see myself as having a hardened heart, and being unreasonably judgemental, which compounded the ill-will. But if the mind can make both sides of the argument, then the mind is quite open and flexible. And if the fluttering into existence of these arguments is upsetting, then the heart is quite tender and alive to the experiences of other people. 

​​​​​​​Also, as a separate piece, I recognized that, in terms of any real-world conflict, in which a specific person actually held the opposing view, both the "me" holding my view and the other holding the other view, were experiencing similar sensations of anger, defensiveness, and clinging. In that sense, we were, at that moment, united as people sharing the same dependently originated suffering -- brothers and sisters in adversity. This reframed the experience from one of separation to one of togetherness. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/9/22 1:25 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/8/22 9:10 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
I've sat for 40min this morning. Body is calm but there are a lot of arguments still going on in the mind. I feel very strongly on something. Kundalini energetics we're present at the start then there was stillness.

Shame coming up in daily life. I find I'm trying to rationalise a lot of it. I notice how the perception of self changes when I feel ashamed vs when I'm not. There's a sense that "I" could not be worthy of anything when the shame is coming up but when it lifts there is a bright, light attitude that's free of those burdens. I find shame very interesting & I also find it interesting that people use it daily. I think we use it as a means of inflating our egos, there's a feeling of superiority that comes when you shame someone. When someone uses shame against you, it creates a seperation between you and the other person as if to say "Im not like that but you are." Yet it couldn't be further from the truth, we're all the same, men and women alike. We all have our traumas, I dream of a world where everyone worked on them!
I'm going to sit with the shame right now and see what happens.
George S, modified 1 Year ago at 7/9/22 11:02 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/9/22 11:02 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 2722 Join Date: 2/26/19 Recent Posts
I think that's the unhealthy use of shame, but there's also the healthy kind of shame which is basically just a strong fast signal to warn us against doing something which could potentially lead us to being ostracized from the tribe (and ultimately losing access to food!)

The tricky part is working through the old toxic shame without confusing it with healthy shame signals. There was a period of about 6 months where I was working through a lot of old shame and I would feel disproportionate amounts of shame over really minor things. It was so extreme that it was obvious and even kind of funny - 'oh this is just a huge wave of old shame and has nothing to do with what is actually happening right now'. Eventually it died down and now it's almost like I can appreciate the protective feeling of shame as much as the other "negative" emotions like anger, sadness and fear.
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/9/22 2:36 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/9/22 2:36 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
I sat for 45min with a lot of pain and tension in the mid back & shame. Lots of mental stuff coming up but I just sat not really focusing on anything in particular. I wasn't trying to get rid of anything. Eventually the mind became quiet, I tried to revisit the stories but the mind was not interested at all and then the back pain went away. I sat there basking in a fine, soft, pleasant vibration. Oh man, exactly what I needed, I still feel the after effects.

​​​​​​​It was as if a beautiful vibration within and around the body appeared and along with that vibration all parts of the body synced up to it and vibrated harmoniously. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/10/22 1:30 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/10/22 1:30 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
Hey George yeah I think that kind of shame is unhealthy too. Shame is a great survival tool but obviously becomes problematic when a person internalises it and lets it impact his/her life in negative ways. It's all a bit of a mess for me still.

Hey Martin, thanks for the great perspective on the arguments. I never thought of it that way but agree with what you're saying. I guess the mind tries to process these things and find some resolution in it all. Important part being we don't judge what it's doing. 

I think the 2nd sit yesterday pushed things a bit. I actually started having OCD symptoms come up, they generally come up when things get stressful. I first started having OCD symptoms when I was 19, I still get it but the subject has changed. It's now changed to me having a serious mental health condition, bi polar or schizophrenia. When these thoughts initially came up I thought it would be wise to consult a psychiatrist and I did (they couldn't find anything to suggest bi polar etc) but now the same subject matter is coming up several times and it's followed by compulsive internet search's to ease the fear. I've now realised it's irrational and it is the same OCD symptoms (just different subject) when I was 19. It's kind of a fucking relief really to realise and know this. 

The sequence of events are really interesting here too. The fear, shame relates to a worthless sense of self and then the OCD symptoms showing themselves that are also related to a self that is in some way compromised (not really though) and therefore worthless. Especially worthless to a significant other. I have read that trauma is the root of most if not all psychological illnesses including OCD. I can see how they relate now. I will take a day or two to process this stuff.
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Linda ”Polly Ester” Ö, modified 1 Year ago at 7/10/22 5:42 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/10/22 5:40 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 7134 Join Date: 12/8/18 Recent Posts
It seems like things are going in a positive direction for you, and that's awesome to see. Of course, it's not quite linear (is it ever?), but generally a nice development. I'm glad to see that you are tangibly noticing that self-compassion opens up to more compassion for others as well. Isn't that a great relief? It is for me. Compulsiveness can be a real struggle, don't I know it. For me most of it manifests as tics, so that's probably different from what you are experiencing, but I suspect that there are quite a few similarities. In my experience, often it can feel like the tics sort of "fight back" against the awakening. I find it helpful to think of it as less of an actual struggle and more like this:

When there has been a release thanks to the practice, energy that was bound up in the released patterns are now flowing freely. Energy is always on the move, so it floods the system. Some pathways are more accessible than others, because habituation has made them accessible just like pathways are formed in the woods as people and animals walk along those pathways. The impulses leading to compulsion are very much habituated, and therefore lots of the energy floods to them. There's nothing agentive about that, just how the energy flows in the available infrastructure. However, actually acting on those impulses still requires some effort, so the more we can tune into the relief of NOT acting on them, the better. Because when we do act on them, we continue with the habituation that makes them so accessible. After a very pleasant and peaceful meditation session, it is possible to feel that acting on the impulses requires more effort than not acting on them. Enjoy that and really tune into that relief. It wears off, unfortunately, as the habituation is so strong, but by being mindful of it we can let go of some of the "retaliation" by willfully calling up the sense of calm more often. Just don't beat yourself up when the compulsion gets you. It's a tough challenge and we are allowed to be human. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/10/22 9:10 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/10/22 9:10 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
Hey Linda, thanks. It is a massive relief and very much welcomed. It also has this snowball effect in many ways, continuously spreading out through the mind/body system. Im happy that friends and family don’t have to see the hurt, victimised me but rather an empowered human that is living his life too.
That is an awesome understanding and makes sense! I felt like I'm reviewing a lot of old habits and then letting them go. Sometimes feels like going backwards but the way you have described it makes it normal : )
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/12/22 7:54 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/12/22 7:54 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
45 min sit tonight. Noisy and frustrating mind at the start but then mind calmed down to almost nothing. Mostly sukha became predominant and I just basked in that. Small amounts of tension in the scapula again. Small amounts of energetics, body swaying and shaking. Relaxing sit, overall.
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/15/22 9:25 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/15/22 9:20 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
Have been sitting for 45min everyday the past few days. Difficult and painful sits in the days past, a lot of physical pain in the shoulder blades. Today I did a 45 sit in the morning and decided to note a little as my mind was very noisy the last couple of days and just wanted some stability of mind. I got it this morning and the pain in the back subsided. I don't think it was full blown jhana but it was nice and restful.

I honestly feel like I'm walking in the dark here, don't know what's happening. Been feeling ok emotionally, just chipping away.

PS getting a bit biblical. Jesus is cool
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/17/22 1:18 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/17/22 12:19 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
So I want to set an intention before my sit today. I want to be more curious, be gently alert to what's coming up and notice resistance, maybe some noting. 45 min

Edit : It was a difficult sit. There was a little curiousity at the start but then it was uncomfortable & I just wanted to get up, I didn't look at the timer but I was tempted. Lots of resistance. So I guess now my intention is to sit with this resistance when it comes up
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/18/22 3:15 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/18/22 3:15 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
So today has been ok. Some fear & dread is coming up with arguments in my head too. I've noticed with the arguments that it's the minds way of defending a part of me. It wants to stand up for itself. The body wants to crouch foward and close up, protecting the chest area. I'm going to do a sit and see what else is coming up. 
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/19/22 10:58 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/19/22 6:04 PM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
I forgot that I'm allowed to make mistakes

Edit : A lot of old unhealthy belief patterns coming out. It dawned on me that the OCD like symptoms are a desperate attempt at finding safety in the grips of trauma. Also noticing how OCD is resistance to trauma itself or how trauma IS resistance itself. It's the things that I never wanted to look at out of fear! 

When these old behaviour patterns came out they freaked me out and then I realised hold on, this is all bullshit! I saw them simply as patterns that were adopted when I was really young and now I'm an adult and I can let go of all of this. Just like that a whole chunk of fear, resistance vanished. Incredible 
George S, modified 1 Year ago at 7/20/22 6:43 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/20/22 6:43 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 2722 Join Date: 2/26/19 Recent Posts
Awesome emoticon

Fear is ... nothing to be afraid of!
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/23/22 12:33 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/23/22 12:33 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
45 min sit today just resting and relaxing. Noticing tensions and watching them release.

Past couple of weeks have been a big learning curve. I'm seeing how resistance gives birth to tension in the body and also creates a narrative in the mind which can be mistaken as reality. Taking on belief systems that limit me and that are all mind made, constructs of past experiences. A lot of my fear is stemming from these limited self beliefs. It just got to the point where I saw it all and realised that it was all mind made ideas about myself, I still notice things come up from time to time but I just drop it now. I'm able to stop resisting what's really happening in the moment and not be fearful. Very cool
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 7/31/22 7:00 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 7/31/22 7:00 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
Been sitting most days but haven't brought a lot of energy into the sits. I think I've been sitting in semi dull resting states. Tonight I sat for 45min and noted the whole way through, felt much more productive and got concentrated too. So my intention from now is to turn the wick up and note as much as I can in my sits and really bring some energy back into my sits.

On another note I'm back at uni and doing a major in psychology, so my time has been taken up by reading and study. Probably why I haven't brought a lot of energy into my sits.

Regardless I will continue to practice but I probably won't be logging as much.
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 9/11/22 9:35 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 9/11/22 9:35 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
Hey! I've decided to quit uni as I really don't like the amount of information being thrown at me and I also miss working with my hands.
​​​​​​​When I work with my hands there is very little conscious thought process, me as a person disappears what's left is the hands doing stuff and the object itself being created. This flowing process then gives birth to a beautiful creation. With that all in mind im going to look into hopefully starting my own small business. Another advantage to doing the later is time to meditate, University really took it out of me and I didn't realise how much time it would take out of my schedule, I felt like I couldn't do anything else, my weekends were also just gone to study. No thanks.

Tonight I sat for 45min with a very noisy mind, it got a little uncomfortable and frustrating but I brought that all into attention and it somewhat subsided, breath rate became slower and shallower. Nothing amazing to report, I imagine it's going to take a bit for the mind to settle down once again after not meditating for a while. I'm glad I'm writing in here and sitting again, it makes me happy.

I'll be posting as often as possible now and I really want to look into doing a 10 day retreat. I'll see how things turn out in the coming months.

metta to all
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Jure K, modified 1 Year ago at 9/30/22 6:31 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 9/30/22 6:31 AM

RE: George practice log # 6

Posts: 461 Join Date: 9/8/20 Recent Posts
Have been practicing most days, simply sitting, getting concentrated and basking in that soft, supple feeling. I think I'm going through a bit of misery now, a little bereft, my therapist past away recently and she meant the world to me, she changed my life. Such an incredible human. I realised without her I don't have dharma friends, apart from people on dho of course. It would be nice to talk dharma with people face to face. It really lights me up, speaking about how the moment is all we have and how meditation is the practice where we can finally come to that resting place. You can sit and just enjoy it, you don't have to force yourself to get somewhere, it's the time of the day where you can stop doing that. You can sit and just soak up consciousness as it bathes and cleanses you. Becoming concentrated by enjoying something, no brainer!

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