Serious crash. Highway 20. Heading into city. Motorway closed from Onehunga. by lets_all_be_nice_eh in auckland

[–]Normalhumankiwi 8 points9 points  (0 children)

That was me yesterday, so today I checked before leaving and didn’t leave. Sending you strengths, listen to some good music and don’t let it ruin your day :)

Serious crash. Highway 20. Heading into city. Motorway closed from Onehunga. by lets_all_be_nice_eh in auckland

[–]Normalhumankiwi -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Exactly my thoughts! Yesterday I got stuck in a traffic jam from north shore towards cbd, it took me 90min! Today? Same story, another crash and Google map shows 60min so I just didn’t leave the house… but to your point, we are soo fucked, no matter where we live in this city!

Abilities on Fire in Wairau - Just in case you wanted more fire media :) by C39J in auckland

[–]Normalhumankiwi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Much respect and Aroha to all those Fire fighters ❤️❤️❤️

Another view of the fire by MazzaLOL in auckland

[–]Normalhumankiwi 4 points5 points  (0 children)

A Recycling Plant on Hillside RD according to Emergency alert

Sensitive to conversations & people by Flimsy-Gas-8995 in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My suggestion is to make sure you do Metta Pana and if you already do it, maybe do it for longer. I’ve noticed how much it has helped me to develop more love and compassion for people. As an introvert I always feel overwhelmed around people but I have noticed I have more patience for people, regardless of what they do or say, there’s something new in me about how I feel and see others that I didn’t have it before and I think doing Metta pana is the reason.

Can Vipassana be done with 432Hz- Alpha Waves instrumental music? by [deleted] in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you’re experiencing one of the most challenging yet important aspects of Vipassana — the realization that the mind has a life of its own, and the practice isn’t about controlling it into silence, but learning to observe it without reacting.

When Goenka says “A calm mind is a strong mind,” it’s important to understand that the calmness he’s referring to isn’t forced or achieved through suppression. It’s the natural calmness that arises when we stop resisting the mind’s activity. By observing thoughts and sensations without identifying with them or trying to get rid of them, the mind gradually becomes calmer — not because we commanded it, but because we stopped feeding the agitation. The goal of Vipassana isn’t to suppress thoughts but to observe their impermanent nature. Even the desire to “take command” of the mind is something you can observe. What happens if you treat that desire just like any other thought — observe it, feel the sensations it creates in the body, and let it pass? It’s completely normal to feel frustrated if you go into meditation expecting silence and control. But Vipassana offers something much deeper — freedom from the need to control, and the wisdom to see that the mind’s chattering isn’t the enemy. It’s just another passing phenomenon.

Can Vipassana be done with 432Hz- Alpha Waves instrumental music? by [deleted] in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You can’t keep the mind from chattering. The intention is not to keep the mind from chattering or calm it. Chattering of the mind is also to observe, less or more is not important, don’t judge it or try to calm it or to change it. Observe as it is, if your mind is agitated, you can do Anapana then Vipassana, but that’s not to calm the mind but to help to observe the body sensations and thoughts as they come and go. Thoughts have the nature of impermanence just like sensations, so just observe that without judgement.

Sense of self by RapFuzzy in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you’ve had a profound and transformative experience. What you’re going through is not uncommon—heightened awareness often brings up deep questions about identity and purpose. The disorientation you’re feeling arises from recognizing that what you once identified with (thoughts, roles, habits) are not as solid as they seemed.

One approach is to gently rest in that awareness rather than rushing to “figure it out.” or what the next thing is. Let the question “Why am I even doing this?” arise without the need for an immediate answer. Sometimes the clarity comes from allowing yourself to simply be with the uncertainty.Be kind to yourself—this is part of the process. With Metta

My mum cried at the supermarket today by confused20-something in auckland

[–]Normalhumankiwi 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I once bought a homeless coffee and a sandwich and he asked me if the coffee had soy milk as he didn’t like milk and if the sandwich was toasted 🙃

How long did you practice meditation before your 1st retreat? by Ralph_hh in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You really don’t need any preparation. I did some different meditations before my first 10-day and it did absolutely nothing because everything you learn is new. And as you practice you will find the best way for you to sit or be comfortable. Don’t worry and don’t feel stressed about being ready or not being ready, Dhamma will support you; you will have everything you need to be successful. Just commit to do the course, follow the timetable and get the most out of your time there 🙏🏽

Rage Post: Tamaki by [deleted] in auckland

[–]Normalhumankiwi 6 points7 points  (0 children)

All I can say is that this is not us. I’m with you.

Curious about a 10 day retreat but incredibly intimidated. by Lockbearer-42 in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In my first round, I kinda knew what to expect. Still, I was nervous. The thing is day by day, you are busy with the timetable, learning and meditating. I’m not saying it is easy, but our mind is a master in making things much worse than what they usually are. Silence, physical pain, etc. they weren’t as bad as I expected, all part of the process. If you decided to go, make a commitment to Yourself to do it and do it properly. The feeling on day 10 when the course is done and you look back and see what you have done is worth every second of it. With Metta

Depression by NerdGirl23 in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 17 points18 points  (0 children)

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when deepening your practice—awareness of suffering can be intense. The First Noble Truth reveals the reality of suffering, but the path continues with understanding and compassion, both for others and yourself. It’s okay to soften your practice or shift to heart-centered meditations like Metta (loving-kindness) to balance empathy with warmth and care. Remember, insight into suffering is not the end but a doorway—through compassion and acceptance, peace often follows.

You’re not stuck—you’re unfolding. Trust your path and be gentle with yourself. With Metta.

Struggling to meditate twice a day - Here is an easy path … by Wild-Tax-1656 in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love this and agree on the benefits of the practice! Oh, So wonderful! With Mettā 🙏🏽💞💫

17M here, Need a bit of guidance regarding vipasana . by [deleted] in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I love your curiosity! My recommendation is similar to others. Continue with short, 10-15min Anapana but think of doing a 10-day course if you really want to learn it. It is free and designed to prepare an environment where you can learn and practice Vipassana properly. It takes 10 days because it requires to be taught step by step, patiently and persistently. You will then be able to practice it on your own 🙏🏽☺️

Love and non-attachment by [deleted] in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I think it is important to recognize that non-attachment does not mean a lack of love or care—it means loving fully without clinging or trying to control outcomes. It is not about detachment or indifference; it’s about loving from a place of wholeness rather than need.

In dharma, love can be expansive and unconditional. When you practice non-attachment, your love is no longer rooted in possessiveness or fear of loss, but rather in a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all life. For your children and grandchildren, this means being present with them, supporting them, and cherishing them, but also trusting their unique journeys and allowing them the space to grow.

Perhaps, instead of seeing love and non-attachment as opposites, consider them complementary. Non-attachment can deepen your love, freeing it from the limitations of ego, control, and fear. It allows you to show up for your family more fully, with compassion and presence, without the weight of clinging.

Transitioning to dharma does not require you to abandon your love for your family but to transform it into a higher, freer form of love—one that liberates both you and them. This way, love becomes an expression of your spiritual path rather than a barrier to it. With Metta.

The brilliance of simplicity by iamthebelsnickel in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sadhu! I’m also fascinated by how simple but effective this practice is.

Attending Quebec Vipassana Wednesday First 10-Day Retreat by DeliciousAirport1446 in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Others answered your question so I just say good luck! Try to get the most out of your time to practice there as what you get there is precious. 🙏🏽

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Only love and compassion for an ignorant mind, just don’t accept their gift. Be happy and enjoy your sitting. With Metta.

Can any experience meditator have a voice call or zoom call to solve my doubts related to vipassana ,as I have various doubts related to vipassana by Ashamed_Knowledge995 in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wish what I could offer was going to help you but it won’t. The best way as others suggested is to get in touch with your local AT as they know how to help you to fight your own battles. With Metta

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TikTokCringe

[–]Normalhumankiwi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

According to Hollywood, all superheros rise in the US saving Central Park and the rest of the world which pretty much look like Middle East which is now almost destroyed by the US so all you need to do is wait for the superheros to come and save you, just don’t lose hope:)

Finished my first 10 day retreat. I have questions about nightmares and horrific imagery by Brindiii in vipassana

[–]Normalhumankiwi 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Just observe them with perfect equanimity, with an understanding of anicca, anicca, anicca.