About Stress Meditation
THE 4 FOCUSED PRACTICES OF Stress Meditation:
1- "Stopping & Dropping"
2- "Opening & Smiling"
3-
"Noting & Floating"
4-
"Inquiring to Understand"
1st- "Stopping & Dropping"
* (letting go and dropping back into the body)
The daily practice of "stopping & dropping" and "opening & smiling" quickly re-balances the body, the heart and the mind. Immediately following the letting go of what the mind is clinging to and dropping the attention into the body, there is an natural unconditioned moment. When the mind has experience the difference between a strongly conditioned emotional state and the natural contentment of the unconditioned moment. There is a gradual development of trust in the process of letting go and the ability to release stress is increased. The practice of "stopping and letting go" seems simple, yet it is very powerful in working with negative emotions. The practice of "opening and smiling" restores the energy in the body, heart and mind. (app 40% of the practice)
2nd- "Opening & Smiling"
* (opening with CARING and inviting a simple smile to form)
This practice restores/transforms the energy in the body, heart and mind. We first learn how to physically open to the breath in the body. Then AWARENESS is given to the tight places in the body that are asking for attention. Next we invite the lips and eyes to form a slight smile. Then CARING energy can fill the entire body to restore the energy. (app 30% of the practice)
3rd- "Noting and Floating"
* (awareness and acceptance of all emotions, allowing them to safely flow)
The practice of "Noting and Floating" is used less often then "Stopping and Dropping". It slowly develops the ability to recognize more clearly what it happening inside the body, heart and mind. Then the practice gives the object of experience (often an emotion) the spaciousness it needs to float in so it can change. This allows for the re-balancing of our being, back into the contentment of the natural unconditioned present moment. (app 20% of the practice)
4th- "Inquiring to Understand"
* (inquiring and reflecting on what needs to be understood)
This last practice is what will reduce unhealthy stress in the future from arising as often. This is an interest and open ended inquiry into what needs to be understood. We question its nature if it is destructive to our self or others. It is not taking a solid position, rather and open minded consideration of cause and effect. When this happens, what often follows it? From these new understandings we start to trust the power of intention. (app 10% of the practice)