Week 16 Day 2

Week 16 Day 2
Medi object choiceless and breath
Intention to observe the breath and go through noting cycle.

Afternoon all! Today's noting practice 25 mins. Today I decided to see how many breaths I could count before losing count. The answer is 58! Thought 100 would be easy but guess not! I decided to do this after reading some articles on Lee Brasington's website. I then moved to more general noting where, as I breathed, I noted all the sensations in each sense, seeing, hearing, smelling, touching and once tasting...not necessarily in that order.  In the main there were loads of sounds to be observed, and also lots to feel - hands clasped, feet on ground, occasional itches and once pain down right side of face. I noticed some thoughts took me into the content but now cannot remember what they were, only that I knew that I had drifted into them. I returned to the breath and continued.  Tried to keep still as I realised that any sharp movement or deep breathing would disrupt concentration. Towards Hammersmith I felt restless as I didn't want to miss my stop.

I would say in the last couple of weeks, despite all the stresses and strains of difficult work situation, I have been extremely upbeat. Could it be the right brain activity has increased? I hope so! Also, I have been clearer about what I'm doing this for - to be happier and "to be able to investigate things as they really are"...Have a good day and practice!