When Joseph Goldstein was in DC this summer he shared an inquiry he's found quite helpful in his meditation practice. I've noticed it helpful as well and have been sharing this when I guide meditation. "What is the attitude in your mind right now?" Is there striving? Aversion? Grasping?
Somehow this question can help to 'reset' my awareness from being consumed by a reaction to what's happening to an attitude of softening, noticing and being more present to whatever is there.
In class this week I mentioned the retreats led by Sayadaw U Tejaniya, who emphasizes focusing not as much on technique as on being intimately aware of the attitude in each moment - the relationship to this play of pleasant, unpleasant and neutral sensations.
Tricycle Magazine recently featured an interview with U Tejaniya where he goes deeper into the practice of 'mindfulness in everyday life." He also has a few interesting things to say about his experience of depression and the practice of 'noting,' which I mentioned in class this week.
I hope you enjoy it.