These days have even more ups and downs than usual. For many it's both a time of sorrow and a time of joy. The mind can easily get caught in the difficulties when it's contracted by stress. But our Dharma practice shows us we have a choice how to wisely relate to our experience.
The energy of citta is conjoined with bodily energy. Steadying and brightening body gives citta a place to rest so it can withdraw from phenomena. With the disentangling from phenomena, the quiet center of citta, the knowingness, becomes more apparent.
Citta needs to be trained to rest back from engagement. By not going into the stories, spreading awareness over the entire body, and letting emotions rise and pass. As citta releases from contact, it accesses a finer more lasting and agreeable sense of security and well-being.
Beginning the process of centering, set aside what isn’t relevant right now. Strengthen the bodily reference to help support citta. Acknowledge the sense of I am – what is the I, how is that experienced?