Mostly just hoping those two posh twats who like Farridge and Reform are never seen from again. But I'm also curious, do you think it weighs in their editing decisions?
In the last 18 months I have sat my second and third courses, and spent 3 weeks in service. My practice outside has been consistent, but for 1hr total over 2/3 sits, and not vipassana, instead only anapana.
To the latest retreat! It was a very positive experience for me - I connected with the work in a deeper and more consistent way than before, and I was able to sit adhithan consistently after the 7th day of the sit with almost no pain. This was due to greater understanding of anicca. I came to think of it more like a practice, a verb perhaps; it arises, and we can play a role in letting it pass away. I'm not sure if this is an accurate interpretation so would love to hear guidance on this.
The two instances that particularly stood out. On the 2nd day I went outside and my senses were greatly intensified; I could smell the air very clearly. Everything looked bright and sharp, and I saw a bird singing in a tree and it filled me with joy. I felt high in the best possible way. It struck me that I was experiencing bliss. What was likely happening here?
Similarly on the 5th day I noticed a physical cue, something I did with my fingers, that suggested to me a lack of presence, due to its automaticity. Realising this brought me to the most intense presence I have experienced. The footsteps in the dining hall were loud and intense, I could hear the guy to my left chewing. Also curious to hear thoughts on this experience!
Overall it was an amazing sit, but the thing I emerge with for which I am most grateful is this: no matter what happened, sitting daily and consistently is the priority.
In the last 18 months I have sat my second and third courses, and spent 3 weeks in service. My practice outside has been consistent, but for 1hr total over 2/3 sits, and not vipassana, instead only anapana.
To the latest retreat! It was a very positive experience for me - I connected with the work in a deeper and more consistent way than before, and I was able to sit adhithan consistently after the 7th day of the sit with almost no pain. This was due to greater understanding of anicca. I came to think of it more like a practice, a verb perhaps; it arises, and we can play a role in letting it pass away. I'm not sure if this is an accurate interpretation so would love to hear guidance on this.
The two instances that particularly stood out. On the 2nd day I went outside and my senses were greatly intensified; I could smell the air very clearly. Everything looked bright and sharp, and I saw a bird singing in a tree and it filled me with joy. I felt high in the best possible way. It struck me that I was experiencing bliss. What was likely happening here?
Similarly on the 5th day I noticed a physical cue, something I did with my fingers, that suggested to me a lack of presence, due to its automaticity. Realising this brought me to the most intense presence I have experienced. The footsteps in the dining hall were loud and intense, I could hear the guy to my left chewing. Also curious to hear thoughts on this experience!
Overall it was an amazing sit, but the thing I emerge with for which I am most grateful is this: no matter what happened, sitting daily and consistently is the priority.
Copying out your favourite works by hand is a great way to improve your writing. Especially by hand rather than typing it out I find.
What other techniques do people find useful?
Other obvious ones would be reading, and writing a lot, morning pages.
Something I would love to do at some point, any centres that particularly stand out for this?
Not interested in the debate around podcast gurus, I want to understand people's take on the research, and their anecdata. Let's hear it!
- after doing the transfer I've set up my direct debits, but one of them says it starts on the 1st June - will I still be able to transfer that over, or does it not qualify as 'active'?
- I've done it on the 30th April, with my transfer date for 23rd May. Do I need to just pay in £5k once? Or does it have to happen twice, for 2 calendar months?
thanks for any help!
Delighted by my good fortune. Keegan for £1.50!
The Woolf was the most expensive but worth it, read her letters last year and delighted to now be an owner.
Tolle Will look incongruous to some, but it is a special book IMO