Thursday, February 28, 2019

What do you look for, when you look inside yourself?

This will be a short post- I'm going to write it as a meditative experiment:  Two different ways to look inside.  As with most experiments, I recommend you actually try it yourself, as your results may differ from those of others, or even from the results you'd imagine yourself getting if you only read it.

If you prefer audio, there's a link to a recording at the end of this post.
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No need to make yourself comfortable, or anything.  Just come as you are.

If you take a moment to notice your experience of this moment, what are the first few things you notice?  Are there certain thoughts that come up?  Certain sensations in the body?  Emotions?

What about behaviors- how is your breath, how is your body showing up in the moment?

After you let yourself notice a few of those things, ask yourself this:

Now that I've done this scan of my present moment experience, if I were to notice how it feels to be me right now, and let a mental image pop up that represents that feeling, what's the first image that pops into my mind?

If you're not a visual person, what's the first sound that pops into your mind?  Or word?  Or a body posture that represents your current state?

Got it?  Ok, great.  Onto the next half of the experiment.

Continue being yourself.  Good job!

Ok, now you're going to notice your experience of this moment.  The difference is, you're going to specifically scan your experience for anything enjoyable, pleasurable, pleasing, or in some way 'less uncomfortable' than the rest.

Again, it could be pleasant thoughts or hopes.  Things you're noticing visually.  Things that feel good in your body.  Emotional sensations.

Maybe your body posture has something strong in it.  Maybe you're swaying in a pleasing manner.

What feels kinda nice?  If nothing feels nice, what feels less annoying?  Where is it comparatively more enjoyable for your attention to land?

Once you've noticed a few pleasant experiences, ask again,
noticing how it feels to be me right now, what's the first image that pops into my mind?  or word, sound, posture.

And there you go, the experiment is completed.  And the results will be different for everyone.

How did the first image differ from the second?  Was there a difference?

If you'd like to share, please comment below, or let me know personally.

Cheers for now,
Aaron

p.s. Someone requested an audio version:  Here it is!

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