In this contemplation we are using a bit of ease, such as that which we find naturally here, or that we have become accustomed to tapping into in meditation.
Pleasant breath meditations are one way to find ease, and you may also find that you can naturally bring attention home in such a way as it is already there.
Either way, this contemplation peeks just a bit past that.
Look for who or what it is that actually is on the receiving end of the easeful feeling.
It is the same look of self-inquiry we have been using:
not necessarily trying to find a certain thing, but making the inward turn that might search back into an unknowing, an emptiness, a formlessness, a blind spot.
Does looking for the feeler of feelings,
even looking beyond that,
dissolving yourself into the awareness that allows feelings to appear in it,
does that prevent any feelings? Does it contribute to ease, relief?
Not that we really want an answer from the person who is so concerned about what we’re feeling–
but might we look into the blindspot of the feeler of the feelings and thus offer the thinking mind some proof that this is the way.
Have fun with that in your untimed silent sitting.
TIP: if you are still thinking about the time, try not to know what time it is exactly when you start, and avoid looking at clocks for as long as possible after. Keep doing that and the thinking mind might stop wondering about time.
Dissolve past that which feels
find who or what is it that allows feelings to appear
