Hi GC,
The most pithy and simple way I can think of to put this is as follows:
Think of peripheral awareness as a flood light that is always on, shining in all directions, but it can become obscured in various ways. Think of attention as a focused bean that can be pointed, it’s intensity can be changed, and it can obscure/overwhelm the flood light of awareness. Not a bad analogy as a very brightly light can obscure stuff in the background.
In terms of your question: The only thing you should be doing (apart from the actual practice) is to maintain a healthy balance between attention and awareness. Not totally focused and blocking out awareness (too much attention). Not totally dull and diffusing awareness/attention.
Reserving enough consciouses processing power such that peripheral awareness has some energy to operate with.
It will _automatically_ work —
In terms of attention — you apply attention as is appropriate for the practice you are currently doing — while at the same time maintaining that critical balance so that peripheral awareness remains nourished.
I’m sure others will add more helpful descriptions.
Sincerely hope this helps?
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This reply was modified 7 years, 8 months ago by Ivan Ganza.
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This reply was modified 7 years, 8 months ago by Ivan Ganza.