Observing

[Christopher]

I used to meditate a lot, but stopped for any number of reasons/excuses, but I've lately gone back to it. Must have been a gap of about 3 years - too long.

I've noticed that sometimes, when I remember to just watch/observe, that when I am anxious (for example), it's like I am watching the emotion. I feel detached, and it's difficult to put into words. I can feel the fear/anxiety, but it isn't making me fear, or be anxious. It only lasts a second or two, but there's definitely a detachment of sorts going on.

What is this, and will these small moments expand eventually? I am careful not to crave here, but it would be nice to have my experiences somehow 'approved' for want of a better term.

Thank you

[Ben]

That sounds good, Christopher.
If I were you, I would attempt to drill down and investigate the phenomenology of the emotion.
Emotion being a sankhara, it can be subject to satipatthana meditation:
kaya - physical processes - observe the changing physical processes taking place like changes to the intensity and frequency of respiration or heart rate.
vedana - sensation - observe the changing sensations manifesting at that time.
citta - mental state - observe the general mind state and its flux
dhamma - mental contents - observe the rise and fall of mental contents at the time.
Keep in mind that observation can only take place if one remains equanimous regarding everything that is experienced.

Try doing these meditations separately and in time proficiency in one will lead to proficiency in the others.
wishing you all the best,

Ben

[Bakmoon]

I used to meditate a lot, but stopped for any number of reasons/excuses, but I've lately gone back to it. Must have been a gap of about 3 years - too long.

I've noticed that sometimes, when I remember to just watch/observe, that when I am anxious (for example), it's like I am watching the emotion. I feel detached, and it's difficult to put into words. I can feel the fear/anxiety, but it isn't making me fear, or be anxious. It only lasts a second or two, but there's definitely a detachment of sorts going on.

What is this, and will these small moments expand eventually? I am careful not to crave here, but it would be nice to have my experiences somehow 'approved' for want of a better term.

Thank you

It sounds to me like you are practicing correctly. You are able to clearly see your emotions for what they are. I would just call it an example of mindfulness. What method of meditation do you use, by the way? Do you follow a specific tradition?

[Christopher]

Thanks all for the advice

I practice just sitting, and focusing on the breath, or anything that arises. I try to to judge it or react to whatever it is, and see it for what it is. After a while, I either go back to the breath, or just sit there open to whatever arises. I am starting to realise though, that I can do this any time any place any where - it's just remembering to be mindful, that's the tricky part for me

I 'think' it is Theravada but it's been so long now I forget.

[daverupa]

Thanks all for the advice

I practice just sitting, and focusing on the breath, or anything that arises. I try to to judge it or react to whatever it is, and see it for what it is. After a while, I either go back to the breath, or just sit there open to whatever arises. I am starting to realise though, that I can do this any time any place any where - it's just remembering to be mindful, that's the tricky part for me

I 'think' it is Theravada but it's been so long now I forget.

You'll want to add in some right effort; specifically, discover the causes of wholesome and unwholesome states which arise, and strive ardently to reduce and eliminate the unwholesome ones while generating and developing wholesome counterparts.

[Christopher]

The Eight fold noble path will aid in that?

[daverupa]

The Eight fold noble path will aid in that?

One of those eight folds is itself the "right effort" fold.

[Christopher]

Ok thank you

Any reason I'm not getting email notifications? I've checked my settings and they are all correct

[Ben]

Ok thank you

Any reason I'm not getting email notifications? I've checked my settings and they are all correct

No one gets email notifications. That module is not working and has never worked.
kind regards,

Ben

[Christopher]

Ok, thanks