3 Mental Softness & Restlessness
Last updated
Last updated
What
Relaxing Mentally by releasing the effort underlying mental activity and tension rather than the activity itself
Benefits
Mental Calm
Recognizing Mental Restlessness
e.g., Discontentment, Frustration, Anxiety, Anger
Recognizing 'Effort' within Mind
Progress
Sensory Clarity to necessary & excessive effort underlying mental activity
Ability to release excessive effort
Ability to enjoy the release of effort
Ability to mentally relax
Instructions
Notice or Activate Mental Activity
Notice Tension in the area behind the eyes
Notice Effort underlying
Recognize Disadvantage
Release the effort underlying tension & mental activity
Notice the mind relaxing
e.g., Activity weakening, pausing or drop completely
Recognize Advantage
Enjoy
Until it fades & repeat
Consider
Subtleties
Some mental activities such as discontentment or anticipation are more subtle than for example thinking
With patient practice you will develop the ability to clearly perceive them
Necessary & Excessive Effort
Excessive effort is based on non-equanimity i.e., resistance towards your present sensory experience
Necessary effort varies depending on the situation and is based on equanimity
e.g., thinking about what your next steps are, curious about the pleasure of relief
Enjoy :)
Pointing your mind towards the benefit of releasing of effort via enjoying the experience
Daily Life
Check in throughout the day about any mental activity and their excessive underlying effort
Release the effort, enjoying the relief
Acknowledgement
