13 NOVEMBER 2009
Time: 8:16am
What: 20 minutes seated practice
Focus: Third Foundation / Exercises 13 - 15 (Sati-)
Writing a blog entry on Saturday night regarding a seated practice you did early Friday morning... not so easy.
Remember the mind being scattered... distracted. Thoughts about books I'm planning to read, courses and trainings I want to take... Felt a desire to be able to absorb more... quicker. Realized the real desire was to push away or get rid of a feeling of lack. A feeling of not being adequate. I don't necessarily buy into the idea of material possessions creating happiness. Yet, apparently, I feel the need to accumulate knowledge. This train of thought led me to ponder the yoga teaching of aparigraha - which I recently read to be translated as "non-hoarding" - or the fifth mindfulness training (mindful consumption).
Interesting what comes to one's attention when you pay attention...
1 comment:
This is a really important 'insight,' Nicole. We often think of 'consumption' in merely material terms, and yet it is only one of the four forms of nutrients we take in.
For those of us with a more 'intellectual' bent, the consumption of knowledge is an area for great contemplation. I remember the moment (literally) when I realized I could never read all the books I wanted; the disappointment and slight bitterness of the realization, followed by -- when I really 'got it,' a huge sense of freedom, and lightness!
Wherever and whenever we feel 'lack,' that is just where the edge to work lies. Excellent!
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