Witnessing: Difference between revisions
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imported>Jacob Robertson |
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= The Concept = | == The Concept == | ||
While doing common tasks, practice relaxing your hold on the concept that you have some sort of consciousness that directs your actions. Try to be the most mindful you can, and simply let your hold on The Self go, riding the stream of events that takes you through the task. You can do these exercises while doing any task at all, not just chores, but it may be easier to start with simple household tasks that you do every day. | While doing common tasks, practice relaxing your hold on the concept that you have some sort of consciousness that directs your actions. Try to be the most mindful you can, and simply let your hold on The Self go, riding the stream of events that takes you through the task. You can do these exercises while doing any task at all, not just chores, but it may be easier to start with simple household tasks that you do every day. | ||
== Progression == | === Progression === | ||
As you unlearn The Self, you should be able to progress something like this. | As you unlearn The Self, you should be able to progress something like this. | ||
* Small, rote tasks - combing your hair | * Small, rote tasks - combing your hair | ||
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* Everyday Enlightenment | * Everyday Enlightenment | ||
== The Pattern == | === The Pattern === | ||
Each exercise will feel a little different, and there are some ideas below, but the general pattern is | Each exercise will feel a little different, and there are some ideas below, but the general pattern is | ||
* Start your task | * Start your task | ||
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* Finally note how decision making (such as when to change the comb to another hand) also do not require conscious thought | * Finally note how decision making (such as when to change the comb to another hand) also do not require conscious thought | ||
= Brushing Your Teeth = | == Brushing Your Teeth - Beginner == | ||
This is just one example; it can be applied to any trivial activity. Note that you may not be able to do all of these steps at first - don't worry about that at all. Just try to understand the general flow and see which parts start falling into place for you. Also note that this exercise uses a [[Rooms and Boundaries#Mirrors|mirror]] but that isn't a requirement at all - see for example "Emptying the Dishwasher" below. | This is just one example; it can be applied to any trivial activity. Note that you may not be able to do all of these steps at first - don't worry about that at all. Just try to understand the general flow and see which parts start falling into place for you. Also note that this exercise uses a [[Rooms and Boundaries#Mirrors|mirror]] but that isn't a requirement at all - see for example "Emptying the Dishwasher" below. | ||
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* Once you are done, and the toothbrush and toothpaste are back in their places, mentally review the steps listed in The Pattern above and appreciate what just happened | * Once you are done, and the toothbrush and toothpaste are back in their places, mentally review the steps listed in The Pattern above and appreciate what just happened | ||
= Emptying the Dishwasher = | == Emptying the Dishwasher - Intermediate == | ||
This is an example of a fairly complex task, but it involves repeating certain steps over and over, which is a chance to practice without judgement. If you find that you weren't able to stay mindful while taking one plate out, maybe you can for the next plate! Also, be sure to adapt these steps to how you personally like to empty the dishwasher, this might not be the way you do it. | This is an example of a fairly complex task, but it involves repeating certain steps over and over, which is a chance to practice without judgement. If you find that you weren't able to stay mindful while taking one plate out, maybe you can for the next plate! Also, be sure to adapt these steps to how you personally like to empty the dishwasher, this might not be the way you do it. | ||
* Open the dishwasher and look at the dishes | * Open the dishwasher and look at the dishes | ||