At the start of a retreat, we are often troubled by expectations and habits. Gladding the mind is a gift we give ourselves. Practice around generosity, gratitude and metta can brighten the mind.
There is a direct line through mindfulness to formless awareness. Simply release the “self” associated with mindfulness and awareness reveals itself in its full expanse.
Exploring the beginning instructions reveals both the fullness of a “self, trying,” and the emptiness of a “self, in surrender.” Our world view changes according to which we pursue.
