The body is the first door to awakening. When the body is at ease, the mind more easily follows. We begin with intentional, kind attention to the body before turning awareness to an object of focus. Curiosity and investigation of the arisings and passing away of sensation in the body cultivates intimacy with habits of mind and corresponding body sensations.
Based on a heart that integrates around goodwill, key features of letting go arise. These are a successive process of disengagement, dispassion, cessation and release (or relinquishment). For example bitterness and guilt can be felt as they are and move on.
The renunciate quality of retreat removes our psychological cushions. Therefore soothing, not intensity, is needed. Gaining health and psychological flex, we can disband the fantasies that haunt the heart.
