Dhamma Wheel Buddhist Forum

I have been interested in Buddhism for 2 decades but only began seriously incorporating it into my life about 9 months ago.

I feel my vipassana practice has allowed me to appreciate more of the joy in my life, except for one aspect...

Whenever something silly or acutely funny happens (the dog does something goofy and I break out laughing, I get 'tickle ambushed' by my niece, etc) I find that within seconds, my mind steps back and becomes aware that, for a moment, I was lost in the moment. And suddenly it's not as funny or enjoyable anymore.

Part of me definitely enjoys being immersed in the experience, but I know I am less aware while it is happening. Unfortunately, I find myself being resentful that my practice seems to be taking a fraction of the silliness out of my life.

Anyone have any words of guidance or experienced similar issues? -Tj

Hi TJ!

I find the same thing happening for me too. I have been doing this (on and off) for just over a year now. For me, it is not just funny things, but all pleasant sense-experiences, such as food, sights ect. seem to lose some of their "magic" when I try to be mindful of them. They suddenly don't seem that great any more. I do also sometimes miss being immersed in them, especially as I am currently trying to remain heedful and aware throughout the whole day.
I think in the long run, this is a good thing, as it is the beginning of seeing the Dukka inherent in conditioned things, and the drawbacks of sensual pleasure. Not necessarily a good thing if one wants to remain a housholder . Perhaps the best advice, though I am not experienced enough to be sure myself, is to just carry on and push through it, and immerse yourself in the joy that the path gives.

Once when I deepened my meditation for the first time I had same experiences. I was worrying if I lose the ability to enjoy life...

thankfully that was to let go to, even that "weired" experience faded away and though I notice things faster nowadays I'm still having a good time and enjoy "silly" stuff most probably more than I should do

Basically: in the beginning the untrained mind if it gets trained it "feels" strange. but in my case that was impermanent. One probably hast to get used to the changing of how you receive sense impressions.

Same for me. It's a phase. Can pop up once or maybe more, but eventually it will pass. Now I see things silly in other ways and more than before. Just be careful not to take life too serious.