This week we’re going to work with noting again. We will explore how we can apply noting effectively in off-the-cushion contexts. Using noting in such a way is kind of like using training wheels on a bicycle, you use the training wheels to get started, and then, once you can handle the balance without falling over, you take them off.
Similarly, noting off the cushion helps us get going with more powerful mindfulness in daily life when otherwise we’d tend to diverge into mind wandering in no time at all-despite our best intentions to be mindful.
To prepare ourselves we’ll start the session with a review of open ‘Mahasi-style’ noting. Then we’ll look at how we can note effectively while engaging in action. Finally, we’ll try it out, first with some noting infused walking meditation, and then with more ‘free style’ movement.