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fact, the very heart of this type of practice. Our everyday lives are by their nature in constant flux; the added unpredictability of big surprises are just another more intense level for us to notice something new. Switching gears while keeping an eye open to noticing how the mind switches gears allows for flow throughout the retreat. Switching gears over and over teaches us more subtle tools that assist in the development of investigation and effort. As the gears shift, ask yourself: Is there resistance? Does planning arise immediately? Is the mind able to simply be present and respond? Recognize that all events, all mind objects, in fact everything, is part of your Home Retreat. Be part of the flow of whatever is arising whether it is pleasant or unpleasant. The posture of settling back with attention will help to cultivate patience and equanimity.
      Another good technique to practice and develop when sudden changes
arise is to cultivate the parami of patience. Always check to see if the quality of friendliness is present in the mind/heart; if not, it isn’t patience. The first step towards patience is to notice whether or not a mental tone of friendliness, acceptance and/or kindness is present when unpleasantness arises. Check and see. If they are not, simply notice, pause and see if you can allow them to enter. Forgiveness and compassionate humor are useful tools in this process. In the face of the unexpected when real patience is present, flexibility of mind/heart will be noticed and accessible.
      It may be helpful to keep in mind that there are no interruptions on retreat. Everything that happens, everything that is noticed, is an opportunity to observe with an intention towards attention.
everywhere. The changes that arise on Home Retreat are, in fact, the very heart of this type of practice. Our everyday lives are by their nature in constant flux; the added unpredictability of big surprises are just another more intense level for us to notice something new. Switching gears while keeping an eye open to noticing how the mind switches gears allows for flow throughout the retreat. Switching gears over and over teaches us more subtle tools that assist in the development of investigation and effort. As the gears shift, ask yourself: Is there resistance? Does planning arise immediately? Is the mind able to simply be present and respond? Recognize that all events, all mind objects, in fact everything, is part of your Home Retreat. Be part of the flow of whatever is arising whether it is pleasant or unpleasant. The posture of settling back with attention will help to cultivate patience and equanimity.
      Another good technique to practice and develop when sudden changes
arise is to cultivate the parami of patience. Always check to see if the quality of friendliness is present in the mind/heart; if not, it isn’t patience. The first step towards patience is to notice whether or not a mental tone of friendliness, acceptance and/or kindness is present when unpleasantness arises. Check and see. If they are not, simply notice, pause and see if you can allow them to enter. Forgiveness and compassionate humor are useful tools in this process. In the face of the unexpected when real patience is present, flexibility of mind/heart will be noticed and accessible.
      It may be helpful to keep in mind that there are no interruptions on retreat. Everything that happens, everything that is noticed, is an opportunity to observe with an intention towards attention.
The changes that arise on Home Retreat are, in fact, the very heart of this type of practice. Our everyday lives are by their nature in constant flux; the added unpredictability of big surprises are just another more intense level for us to notice something new. Switching gears while keeping an eye open to noticing how the mind switches gears allows for flow throughout the retreat. Switching gears over and over teaches us more subtle tools that assist in the development of investigation and effort. As the gears shift, ask yourself: Is there resistance? Does planning arise immediately? Is the mind able to simply be present and respond? Recognize that all events, all mind objects, in fact everything, is part of your Home Retreat. Be part of the flow of whatever is arising whether it is pleasant or unpleasant. The posture of settling back with attention will help to cultivate patience and equanimity.
      Another good technique to practice and develop when sudden changes
arise is to cultivate the parami of patience. Always check to see if the quality of friendliness is present in the mind/heart; if not, it isn’t patience. The first step towards patience is to notice whether or not a mental tone of friendliness, acceptance and/or kindness is present when unpleasantness arises. Check and see. If they are not, simply notice, pause and see if you can allow them to enter. Forgiveness and compassionate humor are useful tools in this process. In the face of the unexpected when real patience is present, flexibility of mind/heart will be noticed and accessible.
      It may be helpful to keep in mind that there are no interruptions on retreat. Everything that happens, everything that is noticed, is an opportunity to observe with an intention towards attention.
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Pāramis: (perfections): Ten qualities leading to Buddha-hood: (1) Perfection in Giving (or Liberality; dāna-pārami), (2) in Morality (sīla), (3) Renunciation (nekkhamma), (4) Wisdom (pañña), (5) Energy (viriya), (6) Patience (or Forbearance; khanti), (7) Truthfulness (sacca), (8) Resolution (adhiṭṭhāna), (9) Loving-kindness (mettā), (10) Equanimity (upekkhā). Buddhist Dictionary, Nyanatiloka. 2. https://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/books-articles/articles/theparamis/ Insight Meditation Society.

Abbreviations in footnotes: AN: Aṅguttara Nikāya, DN: Dingha Nikāya, MN: Majjhima Nikāya, SN: Saṃyutta Nikāya


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