2. “When one is in the midst of an unpleasant situation, for example one is very stressed because one is running out of time trying to meet a deadline, what should one do? Does one focus on the bodily sensation at that time while trying to do the work at hand? There are tremendous negative forces at the time distracting one from concentrating or anything.” [Suffering] [Work] [Time management] [Mindfulness of body] // [Concentration] [Ignorance] [Craving] [Insight Meditation Society] [Mindfulness of breathing]
Sutta: MN 10.3: “Having removed desire and aversion for the world.”
4. “I’m working/practicing at staying composed and equanimous. As meditation deepens, I find some challenging emotions arise. I’m avoiding look at its story so I can focus on the reactions in the body to whatever that story may be. I’ve noticed that the reactions in the body are identical to the sensations climbing the hill behind the meditation hall. So I imagine that I’m outside climbing the hill and feel the heart rate rise, heat, tension when falling off-balance, etc. This is a much easier place to let go of the sensations because it cools any fears that may arise with the original story. Is this okay to do or should I face the demon in his own costume instead of one I’ve made for it?” [Equanimity] [Emotion] [Mindfulness of body] [Visualization] // [Perception] [Aversion]
Reflection: The hindrances come into play as a remedy for a situation that is already difficult. [Hindrances ] [Benefit/gratification] [Drawbacks]
6. “Can you please remind me of some skillful ways to deal with anger?” [Aversion] // [Goodwill] [Mindfulness] [Ajahn Amaro] [Impermanence] [Kamma] [Ignorance] [Spiritual friendship] [Medicinal requisites] [Ajahn Sumedho] [Media] [Politics and society]
Reference: Amaravati Chanting Book, p. 58: Reflections on impermanence and kamma.
Quote: “Sometimes even mindfulness is no match for a full-blown mental hindrance.” — Ajahn Sucitto. [Ajahn Sucitto] [Hindrances]