Maria to Piet, Rod and Heloisa

Dear Heloisa, Piet and Rod,

Yes! I'll definitely experiment with meditating on trying and seeing that as a form of thought as suggested by Rod. I understand better what Rod meant by "expectation". Hopefully I'll have an interesting report.

Both Piet and Rod are definitely right that trying to "stop" will not work. For me "trying to stop" means to catch and observe the dualistic tendencies of the mind reaching out, creating, and re-framing of the known, and just recognizing these tendencies hopefully is enough to "stop". Unlike a bad habit, I find that what we are talking about is so subtle and the habit is so ingrained that it is sometimes hard to see what is happening.

I am really excited about being part of this WoK experiment as just exchanging ideas and getting your feedbacks are most helpful. I truly appreciate Piet's comments regarding my last posting. I have a hard time putting into words the shift in awareness and its subtle changes and am sloppy with wording. Piet's more precise description allows me to understand better my own experiences.

So to clarify the experience described in the last posting, it seems to me when the "self-centered" anchor fades, there is a sense of general opening which spreads out so that all becomes oneself. The need to divide, classify, and distinguish seems to subside. The senses are more relaxed. Thoughts arise but they are like ripples on the surface with a deeper, solid knowing that is present.

Maria