We start with settling for about 7-8 minutes followed by about the same time with basic mindfulness practice. Then we explore "moderate" experiences of pleasant or unpleasant when they occur, whether a bodily experience, an emotion, or a thought (or a mix), experiencing pleasant or unpleasant and seeing whether there follows wanting (or not wanting) and grasping (or pushing away). We close with some reflection on what we explored: Was some of the wanting or not wanting skillful? Unskillful. This exploration is related to the talk given a short time later.
An invitation to drop into the body and meet this moment without contention, this talk explores how mindfulness becomes a doorway to recognizing the sacred in everything and an opportunity to learn to be well with what comes and goes because when we can actually meet the moment, that's where our power lies.
Life is sometimes like a roller coaster. You can choose to scream at the ups and downs or apply a balanced mind and enjoy the ride. How do we stay calm and balanced in the face of happiness and pain?
Understanding the 11 benefits of practicing Metta along with mindfulness of the loveability of the difficult person and all beings can lead to happiness and freedom of the mind from annoyance.
The arising of the 5-hindrances is beyond our control. However mindfulness and wisdom applied to these hindrances can make a difference between being caught up in them and being free from them.
Use the acronym of M.A.I.N. (Mindfulness, Attitude, Insight and non-clinging) towards mindfulness of wholesome emotion can lead to development and maintain these beautiful states of mind such as generosity, lovingkindness, compassion, joy, happiness and wisdom.
Mindfulness of hearing is one of five practices of mindfulness of Six Sense base. This practice can ground us by anchoring our attention apart from preventing unskillful states of mind from arising.
We begin with settling and developing more concentration for about 10-12 minutes. Then we shift to mindfulness practice. In the last third of the session, there are instructions for exploring one's own views and opinions, including in relationship to others (connected with the talk).
Citta, the heartmind, lies at the center of our Dharma practice. Understanding how the state of the citta determines our happiness or unhappiness, we are motivated to take good care of it and cultivate it. This process begins with bringing mindfulness and interest to our mindstates.
