My Own Experiment Part 2

Then I experimented with insight meditation, or vipassana, where the purpose is to realize important truths like impermanence, suffering, and egolessness. This one is superior to tranquility meditation and the primary form practiced in Theravada Buddhism. Rather than simply concentrating, I had to become mindful by observing and comprehending, and it takes skill. I practiced with walking mindfulness (the one I enjoyed most), sitting meditation, and mindfulness in everyday activities.

First I found a quiet place to walk in a relaxed setting where I could pay close attention to the movements and sensations I was experiencing. There were several times when my mind drifted, but as soon as I realized this, I zeroed back in on the moment. What I liked is that the moment turned into what seemed like much longer than that. I found that I actually lost track of time, which is rare in today's society when we feel such an urgency, a "press" for time. It was bliss.

Photo Source: http://www.fortydays.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Mindful-walking.jpg

At last, when I sat down, it was time to focus on my breath going in and out of my body as I inhaled and exhaled and take notice of how it moved me, pumped my insides. I closed by eyes, though I did not have to. My mind wandered even more than when I was walking because I was at a standstill. But I kept bringing myself back to my intention.

Photo Source: http://robphillipsyoga.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/meditating-buddha-PY41_l.jpeg

Then I used the same skills as I did while walking and sitting, and applied them to everyday life, everyday activities, more specifically, eating. I was more aware than ever of the smell, the texture, the taste, of the food I put in my mouth. I felt as though I was participating fully and completely in the present moment, in a task I do not usually think twice about. I could do the same thing with drinking, cleaning, washing, or sleeping.

Photo Source: http://www.hungryforchange.tv/images/mindful%20eating%201.jpg