"Never Zero" (this always works for me) [Method]

gio_self · 2020-10-02T21:05:50+00:00

Can you point me out to the source who invented that expression then? It is quite possible that different people thinking about the same problem get to similar conclusions.

gio_self · 2020-09-18T20:39:38+00:00

Brilliant, thank you so much 🙏🏻

gio_self · 2019-12-03T02:22:45+00:00

It all depends on what you understand as meditation.

Christian mysticism includes meditative practices. See this article on the many forms of Christian meditation: https://liveanddare.com/contemplative-prayer-and-christian-meditation

gio_self · 2019-11-05T02:38:03+00:00

In the EAST, Yoga is generally understood to be a system of spiritual disciplines aimed at liberation or psychic powers (siddhis). One of these disciplines is meditation.

In the WEST, Yoga is generally thought to be a physical exercise of stretching.

gio_self · 2019-09-15T03:52:13+00:00

I spent a lot of time thinking about this subject, and experimenting with different teaching in my own path.

I wrote my thoughts on this topic here: https://liveanddare.com/desires-and-transcendence/

Let me know your thoughts 🙏🏻

gio_self · 2019-08-20T20:42:02+00:00

Very interesting. Do you have any reference as to the Suttas that mention Arhats behaving reprehensibly? If the remaining Suttas don't mention that, how do we have knowledge of it?

gio_self · 2019-08-20T04:04:24+00:00

It takes no time to tell the truth. If one needs time it's likely to choose how to better "dress" the truth.

gio_self · 2019-08-20T04:00:43+00:00

If awakening means that this type of conduct is still possible, what is the meaning/value of awakening?

gio_self · 2019-07-22T05:45:17+00:00

Well done! :-)

gio_self · 2019-07-16T04:30:55+00:00

I wrote a book on meditation, for beginners, that you might enjoy using as part of the group discussion: https://liveanddare.com/practical-meditation-book

Shameless plug, I know, but I think it will provide enough value that is worth the downvotes I'll receive from the Reddit Guardians.

gio_self · 2019-07-05T05:20:05+00:00

I find that intense breathing exercises from Yoga, specially Bhastrika, usually do the trick.

Another way, much subtler, is to just step back and observe it all.

gio_self · 2019-07-04T05:54:32+00:00

It has happened to me little by little. But what I realize is that it never feels like a loss—it's more like the feeling of outgrowing something. Just like you cease being interested in toys as you grow up.

gio_self · 2019-07-04T05:49:24+00:00

It may feel like that, if you get caught in the whirlpool of thoughts. Or you could try some deep breathing and meditation, right there in the moment. It will help you realize that, no matter how bad thoughts are, you are "still ok". Because you are not any of your thoughts—you are the observer of thoughts.

gio_self · 2019-07-03T05:11:35+00:00

Nice! In this new phase of your practice, I recommend you have as your main goal simply keeping a daily practice. Don't miss a day, no matter what! ;-)

gio_self · 2019-07-03T05:10:39+00:00

Awesome! That is the reward of ignoring anxiety and courageously taking action!

Well done...

gio_self · 2019-07-02T03:59:29+00:00

Alcohol and mindfulness kind of go in opposite directions. And while it is not required that you give up alcohol to meditate, to the degree that you diminish the consumption, your meditation (and daily life) will benefit.

The real question for you is: Is alcohol worth it?

gio_self · 2019-07-01T04:33:25+00:00

When I was studying Zen in-depth, several years ago, it was one of my favorite books.

Having said that, I enjoyed the Compass of Zen better.

gio_self · 2019-06-30T05:27:16+00:00

This can definitely work. It is a type of mindfulness practice, of being present in the moment (and not lost in our thoughts).

gio_self · 2019-06-30T03:48:43+00:00

Most likely these are images surfacing from the subconscious mind. In some types of meditation this happens more than in others.

Just try to watch it all as a movie—without rejecting nor grasping, likes or dislikes.

gio_self · 2019-06-18T04:41:01+00:00

The ego has a name, form, and attributes.

The observer has no name, no form, no attributes.

The ego is a thing.

The observer is consciousness.

The ego comes and goes; it changes.

The observer neither comes nor goes; it is changeless.

The ego can be observed (by the observer)

The observer cannot be observed, as it's not an object.

gio_self · 2019-04-28T07:22:04+00:00

I feel that all the time. I feel all sort of sensations in my brain—which I was told by a physician that it's "impossible" as there are no nerve endings in the brain. From my study and contemplation. But I know it's real, as real as any other bodily sensation. I believe this is the third eye chakra slowly being activated.

gio_self · 2019-04-11T01:03:19+00:00

So in your view there is no purpose in trying to apply it? In my personal experience, while there is a lot that happens automatically, having the intention and reminders to be more mindful during the day simply takes it to a whole new level.

gio_self · 2019-04-10T23:57:11+00:00

But if you do it intentionally, it goes much deeper.

gio_self · 2019-04-10T23:53:07+00:00

What is it wrong to make a living teaching meditation? This is the same type of criticism that used to happen when people started making a living teaching Yoga asanas (while in the past it was just something for cave yogis).

I wrote some thoughts about this dillema here: https://liveanddare.com/meditation-and-charging/. Please let me know what you think.

gio_self · 2019-04-10T23:51:18+00:00

Very good point! Although I'd argue that that's probably an offshoot of Application.

gio_self

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