Going deeper as we enter the 2nd half of this retreat, exploring the Buddha's words: ‘This is peaceful, this is sublime, that is, the stilling of all activities, the letting go of all attachments, the ending of craving, dispassion, cessation, Nibbāna.’ How can we have sati, samadhi and panna continuously?
In this meditation we engage a relaxed and alert attention by scanning through the body, opening to sound, and resting in the awareness that includes all the senses. This presence is stabilized with the use of a home base, for many the breath, and reminders to “relax back” when the mind naturally drifts.
Anxiety is spiking around the world and we need the radical medicine of awareness to unwind it. In this two-part conversation, Tara and Dr. Judson Brewer look at how anxiety is a habit that can be unlearned as we cultivate a curious and kind mindful presence. Jud offers the scientific grounds for this “unwinding”, drawing on his experience as a pioneer and leading researcher in the field of mindfulness and addiction. Together they explore the power of particular mindfulness-based strategies, including noting what is happening, recognizing our habit loops, arousing curiosity and cultivating self-care. They shine a light on the genesis of worrying, how it perpetuates anxiety and ways we can become disenchanted with the habit.
Two purposes for sense restraint - wise decisions about what to take in through the senses - using sense restraint to break the chain of dependent origination at the feeling-craving link - moderation in eating - working with drowsiness - using the SN 36:95 Malunkyaputta Sutta, SN 3:13 A Bucket Measure of Food and AN 7.61 Nodding Off.
