Thank You, Tim.
Through this short course I have developed a greater appreciation for the benefits of meditation as I've become aware of how much time I spend focused on external challenges, neglecting my inner world.
Tim's comparison of our thoughts to sparkles in a bottle resonates with me. I used to view my thoughts as scattered mines in a field, treading cautiously to avoid triggering them. The concept of sparkles in a jar that need time to settle offers a fresh perspective, alleviating some of my catastrophic thinking.
As someone who tends to count to reduce anxiety, practicing Sati has the potential to transform my relationship with counting. However, it was the step of Sabai that had the most profound impact on me. As I delved deeper into the realm of empty thoughts, I could visually perceive the darkening void in my mind, akin to closing sheer curtains and then blackout curtains. This experience brought me a profound sense of peace and surprising feelings of accomplishment.
Resting has always been a challenge for me, as I was raised with the belief that it equates to laziness and unproductiveness. However, I now recognize that meditation can be more productive than many of the tasks I complete in a day. While I still acknowledge the importance of chores like doing dishes and laundry, now I also better understand the necessity of dedicating time to cleanse and declutter my thoughts.