Feel Good technique

Feel Good - This was my practice today and this is why.

 

The Feel Good technique is a compassion/gratitude practice which when done correctly helps to train the mind to notice these things in daily life, thus affecting a persons general "mood".

 

Invoke Good feeling - Find that memory, story, visualization, or whatever in your life that you are truly "Feeling GOOD" about. For me that's my daughter, much of my volunteer work and helping others.

<specifics - gazing at my daughter as she sleeps, feeling of connection with another, making a difference to another human being>

 

Take this and focus on it until you can see it clearly, until you can discern small details of the experience. This is sometimes referred to as "ringing the bell" of that feel good memory/story/image/sound/sensation.

 

After you've "rung the bell" now focus on the feeling that you're having. Be curious about it. Rest in it. Enjoy it. What are the qualities of those feelings? Where are they located spatially in your body?

 

Then as it fades (as it will), practice equanimity with the passing of the experience. Do not push or pull. Shy away from or lean towards. Aversion and craving. Expansion and contraction.

 

If desired "ring the bell" again.

 

What this FUNCTIONALLY does is gives the body the impression of that feel good experience that you just visualized. Your body just reacted/responded as though you've had some approximation of the actual experience.

 

Why this particular meditation today of all days? Because you know, today I just needed to have a real genuine smile.

 

I wish you all my best on your introspective journey.

Reprinted from June 26th 2018