Matthew Zalichin
Forum Replies Created
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Hi Jim,
As Bruce said, we do go through ups and downs as we practice over the years, and it’s important to keep going. However, we are each a bit different and people who know me from the ngondro forum know I much prefer to talk over these situations one-to-one rather than post some general advice to whoever might happen to see it that day. My personal phone number at Gomde New York (New York time) is 774-232-0883, and I’m generally free today March 11. Tomorrow is busier for me, but you could email me at mzalichin@gmail.com if you want to set up a time.
best, matthew
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For many people in the U.S., at any rate, it will be more feasible to take two consecutive days off during this upcoming Christmas-New Year’s week than it may have been in the pre-holiday month. So personally, I’d say to all of us who may not have been able to do this short practice intensive during the last 30 (solar) days, if you can do it now, go for it! (In fact, any time you can arrange to do intensive practice, go for it!)
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I generally relate these issues to meditation practice. The practice of noticing without judging begins with how we can relate to our discursive thoughts during shamatha practice. As we continue to explore that practice, including longer sessions as Rinpoche has been encouraging, it seems that even on the cushion there is never any guarantee that subtle judgment is not creeping in. Being aware of this continual not knowing if I’m judging or not, and relaxing within that, is a rich daily life practice.