Someone recently wrote "I am powerless over my thoughts. They just happen, like breathing."
I explained "there is a place beyond thought within everyone. Go there instead of staying in the boxing ring"
It's really true. We battle with our relentless thoughts like two boxers in a ring. This can be exhausting.
As Einstein once said, you can't solve a problem on the level of the problem. So, we cannot find a solution to our powerlessness over thoughts on the level of our thinking mind. We must go deeper.
To arrive at the place beyond thought there are many techniques.
I'd like to share my favorite one.
This technique comes from the Vijnana Bhairava, an ancient yogic text from India.
AWARENESS OF THE SPACE BETWEEN THE BREATH
Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Relax your body.
Breathe naturally, with ease. Do not force your breathing.
Begin to notice the breath as it goes in and out of your nose.
After a few breaths, notice the pause that occurs after you exhale, before you inhale. There is a moment of rest; a space.
Then, notice the pause that occurs after you inhale before you exhale. Once again there is a space.
If you cannot notice the rests and pauses, just notice the "turn-around" of your breath. Eventually the pause will happen.
This space between the breath is the gateway to the inner stillness beyond the mind; beyond thinking.
Sit for 10-20 minutes a day noticing this space between the breath.
Each breath you take is a new opportunity to find this space.
If thoughts arise while you practice this technique allow them to be there but keep focusing on the space between the breath, In time the thoughts will not distract you.
Let me know how this works for you!
Warm regards,
Marilyn
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