No....
Glad you posted again! Sometimes I read & think I'll reply later, but then I lose track.
how one may practice in the trenches... when deep suffering arises or when in action or walking down the street. I have my own methods but I'm curious to hear!
A couple of things come to mind.
Ilona's Deep Looking videos. Here's one:
https://youtu.be/jKX1llYtlKE
Also:
Here is an anxiety exercise that focuses a person in the present, and in a part of the brain that cannot do anxiety. Basically, go through each sense and say (or think) "I see/ hear/ feel/ taste/ touch ______________." A minute or two of each and usually anxiety is gone.
I see the couch.
I see the keyboard.
I see the glass. Etc.
I hear the train.
I hear the keys clacking.
I hear my breath. Etc.
I feel the couch under my butt.
I feel my fingers on the keys.
I feel the cold air. Etc.
I taste a metallic taste in my mouth.
I taste the coffee.
I taste the food. Etc.
I smell the humidity in the air.
I smell my husband's shampoo.
I smell the soap. Etc.
As far as I can tell, the only time this doesn't work is when someone won't do it.
AND
Nature Exercise
Go out into nature and spend some time watching the movement of the whole. See how clouds move, trees swing, leaves wiggle, grass moves, insects, birds - all move all the time.
Then move focus to sensations and see how they too are in constant motion, thoughts come and go, sounds, colours, sensations come and go.
Notice that everything is part of one movement.
Then close your eyes and see if there is a line between you and out there, between you and life itself.
If yes, where is the boundary?
Is there an inside and an outside of Life?
Is there something which is not included in the movement of the whole?
Is there a witness that is watching life happening from a distance?
Is witnessing part of the one movement too?
Is there anything which is not just happening?
Go out, come back and tell me what you found - when you can.
