Today we talked some more about working with difficult or discursive thoughts and emotions. We often find that our sitting practice contains two typical elements: thoughts that run on in a way that may seem like annoying chatter, and also periods of calm, more observational states. Both are fine.

From Jason’s book Thoughts are Not the Enemy: “In Recollective Awareness meditation we are working toward becoming aware, wise and compassionate individuals, not just good, positive-thinking people. So instead we move toward being honest with ourselves when we feel hatred, envy, lust, greed, and other negative emotions. We don’t want to replace them each time they arise–that would not be honest.”

Also take a look at what Herman Hesse said about difficult thoughts and taking responsibility for them:

Hermann Hesse on Hope, the Difficult Art of Taking Responsibility, and the Wisdom of the Inner Voice