[JCMember]

Hi Don,

I initially hesitated posting up Sam Harris because he can be such a polarizing figure. I’m a big fan of Sam not because I agree with everything that he says, but because of his genuine (IMO) drive to search for truth out there. I also think he’s a big proponent of talking about things that have been considered taboo, and I share his belief in that this is a way to make progress.

Perhaps I’m a bit naive because I’m still new to many of these concepts, and I’m certain that my viewpoints will change as I gain insight into the true nature of our conscious experience. I’m also pretty sure that your knowledge of this stuff is leaps and bounds past my dim grasp. I guess you got to start somewhere, right 🙂 Thank you for your comments.

Hello Julie,

Thank you for recommending Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. I’m not familiar with his work, but am interested to learn more. Can you provide a little more background on what his viewpoints are? I’m not familiar with some of the terminology you used.

[JCMember]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[JCMember]

Thanks for sharing Becky! When you start to gain some momentum, it certainly is addicting. But yes, without guidance, one can quickly become freaked out by these novel experiences and call it quits. Happy to hear that you decided to have another crack at it!

[JCMember]

Ahh, gotcha. Glad you found what you were looking for!

[JCMember]

Hi Frederic,

Thanks for the feedback. I am doing my best with positive reinforcement. The difficult part is, I need to unlearn something I’ve been doing 99.999% of my life!

Regarding your advice around renewing intention before a triggering situation, how do I know when a triggering situation will occur? Do you mean situations like meetings where you know it’s likely to encounter reactive moments?

Yes, deep listening is tough! But I have noticed that I’ve gotten in fewer oops moments when I do intentionally listen.

[JCMember]

Hello Chris,

Thank you for your thoughtful response!

– During my lunch break, I generally try to meditate, and I definitely feel like it gives a momentum push for the rest of the day.

– Mindful Review is a good idea, I’ll try to see if I can incorporate this into my practice.

– When I am disagreeing with a co-worker, that’s when being mindful gets really hard. It’s as if the emotions say, move out of the way mindfulness, I’m more important. Looking back on incidents where mindfulness opportunities may have been missed, it’s clear that I didn’t react in the best way. But in the heat of the moment, it’s tough. Definitely a work-in-progress here. I have taken up the practice of lovingkindness with people I come in contact with, whether they be loved ones or strangers. Even people who cut me off in traffic, lol. It gets easier and easier to do as I practice.

– I did use the app on my phone to chime a bell every so often, and it worked pretty well, except for when I was really slammed. I think it’s getting to the point now where I’m checking in more than is necessary for a bell to remind me (unless the bell went off every 15 minutes, but I don’t think my co-workers would appreciate that!). It’s more the moments when I get sucked in when I need the bell most, but I don’t think the AppStore has an app for this yet :).

Appreciate the help Chris!

[JCMember]

Thank you Frederic, this is exactly what I needed!

Becky, I’m definitely going to check this out soon – much appreciated!!

[JCMember]

I’m starting to realize that Frederic is very correct on this point:

“Similarly, I had to let go of the desire for results. I wanted to build the “joy of being a practicioner”. Attitudes of curiosity and playfulness are seriously helpful, and are prepping you for the days when difficulties will come up. Relax. I mean it.”

I think about meditation as being “my time,” meaning this is basically the only time during the day where I get to just sit and be, and whatever happens happens. Note when your mind judges and don’t become your emotions. If you’re feeling physical pain, try different sitting situations (chair, cushions, lying down, etc.) Also, make a log (I use an Excel sheet) of your sits. As you look back at the progress you’ve made and the amount of time you’ve dedicated to meditating, it will inspire you to want to continue on. In addition, once you start to progress, you’ll experience things that you’ve never experienced before. You’ll change both on and off the cushion. You’ll begin to realize that this stuff is for real, the it’ll quickly drive you to keep making progress.

Ultimately, meditation is preparing yourself for those dark and difficult days. The easiest and best time to do it is when life is still handing you roses.

[JCMember]

Hello Becky,

//novice alert, but I can give sleep advice//

I have had bouts of insomnia in the past. I also had similar anxieties about the techniques learned in TMI becoming an impediment to my sleeping patterns. I’m about 3 months into my practice and I can say that it just hasn’t been the case that my sleep has been negatively affected (I can’t speak from experience regarding later stages of meditation). I think an important thing is maintaining a sleeping routine. For me, it’s hitting the sack at around the same time every night, with book in hand (one that’s easy reading and makes you feel good). Generally, I’m out in 10-30 minutes. Once your body gets used to this, it tends to stay in this mode. Of course there are nights when this pattern gets disrupted, but going back to the routine as soon as possible seems to eventually get me back on track. A gripping movie or documentary, ones that one generally isn’t mindful during, tend to leave me on edge before I go to sleep. I try to avoid these situations, but do partake from time to time. So long story short, I think meditation and sleep can live happily with one another. It’s the routine that’s key.

[JCMember]

Thank you Chloe! Your post was extremely reassuring and helpful!! I like your comment about not worrying about worst case scenario and concentrating on what’s more likely to happen. It’s just that this is such new ground to me, that I’m a bit anxious about challenging my fundamental beliefs.

I would like to have a teacher – one that is familiar with TMI. How do I go about finding one? I’m not sure if I’m mapping myself properly, but I think I’m in the stage 5-6 range. I believe I have experienced a few Jhanas, mostly without trying to invoke them.

I have been going to weekly Vipassana meeting and listening to Dharma talks for the past couple months. I enjoy them so much!

Thanks again Chloe!

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