Chapter 4 Flashcards
Liquid Gold: Our relationship to the world.
We have a special relationship with the world from the moment we’re born to the moment we die, but few realise this. The world is not just around us, but inside us. This is a relationship of direct dependence, the world continues to sustain us through our breathing.
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What is the relationship between the breath, body and ego?
Breath and body are not dependent on ego. However, the ego is entirely dependent on the ego.
Is it really ok to relax into your sense of your body during meditation?
Absolutely. Relax into your sense of body, your heart beating, your organs getting on with things, your blood transporting oxygen around your body, your lungs inhaling and exhaling air, etc.
What is the relationship between awareness and thought?
Awareness does not need thought, but thought does need awareness. For example, we don’t put our hands on a hot stove because we have awareness that it will be hot, before we even think about whether it will be safe or not.
Liquid Gold: Meditation gives us the opportunity to think a little less …
A feeling can just be a feeling, a thought just a thought, it doesn’t have to be elaborated on or become a concern of the ego.
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Why do we count in mindfulness of breathing?
To help us have an awareness of our breath. It’s an aid to staying with our breath, but should not be the focus of the meditation. It helps our mind staying with the experience of breathing, giving it something to do, rather than getting distracted.
How can we make a connection between our mind and body during meditation?
Whilst meditating on the breath, when a feeling or thought arises, you can tune into where that is felt or experienced in the body; for example, anxiety might be felt in the chest or stomach. It is through this awareness of our breathing body that the mental and the sensational are brought together.
How does the breath define the body?
Without the breath, the body would cease to be. So the breath defines the body.
