Since the mediation retreat on Sunday, I’ve been practicing doing open awareness before concentration in my sits. Increasing the effort/curiosity on the body is so much more interesting when done from an expansive viewpoint. This had an unexpected and delightfully trippy consequence today. I finished a set at the gym and while walking to get water… BAM!! —I was the entire room and hallway leading to the water. I was not doing any specific technique during my sets or being particularly mindful, it just happened out of nowhere. Sitting down to finish my lifting, I shall not reify the experience, but take it as a reminder that the center of self is none other than an idea.

Gain/loss, fame/ disrepute, praise/blame, pleasure/pain. I tend to focus on accepting the unpleasantries which I avoid, but it’s equally important to not get caught up into the pleasant things we seek. Anyone else feel similarly? It’s not about not enjoying life when it’s pleasant, but rather about reifying, obsessing, and trying to recreate pleasure. Once it’s experienced, we can let it go. And in order to be free from suffering, we also need to be free of desire. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CQLSejYfvO6A3VbihhAns?si=d8Ytu-dMTvSbFD3n0TxjRg Brandon posted a podcast from this channel last month and I’ve been digging it. Sharing for fun. Hope yall are havin a nice Sunday!

In today's guided meditation, we started on the level of non-duality, then we went to emptiness of self, and then we rested on the breath. This is a reversal from what we typically do, and you might find it helpful, so let us know. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments.

hi yall it’s been awhile since I checked in! Last week when meditating, I noticed a pronounced ringing in my ears. I’m pretty sure it’s tinnitus and am not sure how long I’ve had it. That being said, once named, it’s been quite distracting when meditating. I watch the mind judge as the new label has turned something previously inconsequential into a noticeable distraction. It’s funny how this can happen with our attention. I’ve read posts about people using tinnitus as an anchor or gateway, which is the goal. However, at this point, I’m still in the acceptance phase and also kinda laughing at the absurdity of how long it took me to notice. If any of yall have experience with this, would love to hear! Other than that, continuing to sit for 15 mins in the morning and without a timer before bed. I’ve been playing with using the tinnitus as a reminder to be where I’m at, as I notice when the mind is quiet.

How did your meditation practice go today? If you didn't practice yet, could you make a commitment to take 5 minutes for yourself right now? Share your practice below via GIF, comment, or question. A rising tide lifts all boats.