Mindfulness of Volitional Action

In the Asheyana path, Calm Abiding practice is supported by one's work with the Eight Renunciations, having developed some space of mind in stepping back from bivalent perceptions.

Having worked with Calm Abiding within the context of the first Foundation of Mindfulness, Mindfulness of Body, one can begin to work with this extension to the practice, "Mindfulness Volitional Action."

The purpose of this Mindfulness practice is to develop particular habits of mindfulness conducive to progress along the path within and beyond the context of formal practice.

What is Volitional Action?

For the purposes of Asheyana practice, volitional action is regarded as action that takes place when one forms an intention to do so, prepares to do so, does so, concludes having done so, and is able to recall having done so,  Volitional action is conscious, intentional, and chosen action, regardless of surrounding conditions and related, unintended consequences. Volitional action interrupted at any point in the process of completion is Interrupted Volitional Action.

During a session of Calm Abiding or in daily life, one brings focus to the second Point of Practice, that of the Physical Body:

• • Recalling "Mindfulness of Volitional Action," one brings their body back to a good poise as in Mindfulness of Body practice.
    
    

• In a state of good poise, one brings to mind an intention to act. The intention should relate to a mundane action such as getting a glass of water, taking a short walk, or taking a seat to rest. Pause for a moment and check to see that the intention to act is set.
  
  

• Having given rise to an intention to act, prepare to do so. For example, in going for a short walk, one might put on shoes and a hat. Pause for a moment and check to see that one is prepare to act.

• Next, perform the action. For example, go for a short walk. During the walk, reflect upon the experience of volitional action. How does the action compare with the intention that was set? What is it like, having been so intentional with the action? Focus on fully experiencing the action using one's practice-developed mindfulness.
  
  

• Conclude the action. For example, having completed the short walk, arrive back where the walk started or at another satisfying stopping point. Close the activity be transitioning back to a neutral moment, like taking off one's hat after a walk and returning it to its place. Pause for a moment to reflect on having fully concluded the action that one set out to do.

• Some short time later, recall the volitional action completed. What is it like, having completed such a volitional action? Did it feel wholesome doing a mundane action so intentionally? Was it stilted? Was there impatience? Reflect upon the action for a moment using one's practice-developed mindfulness.
  
  

• Explore Mindfulness of Volitional Action.
  
  

  • Be curious and reflect, how much activity in daily life includes volitional action?
    
    

  • Are the phases of one's volitional action in daily activity clearly distinguishable?
    
    

  • Experiment with the main practice steps, but introducing Interrupted Volitional Action.
    
    

    • For example, prepare to take a short walk and interrupt the completion of the short walk at the point of preparing for a walk. What is it like, having the volitional action interrupted by oneself? Focus on fully experiencing the interrupted action using one's practice-developed mindfulness.
      
      

    • Be mindful of the case where conditions outside of one's control interrupt the volitional action. What is it like, having the volitional action interrupted by conditions outside of one's control? Focus on fully experiencing the interrupted action using one's practice-developed mindfulness.
      
      

By practicing "Mindfulness of Volitional Action," one can begin to see through direct experience how one sets one's intention to act throughout the day and how one can reflect upon the volitional action before, during, and after takes place. One can also begin to see for oneself how one responds to interruptions in volitional action, due to oneself and due to conditions outside of one's control

The fruition of Mindfulness of Volitional Action is called Poise of Volitional Action--a good posture to volitional action, with intention neither pushed nor pulled, with attention to one's volitional action and its experienced results.

May these words help the conscious Asheyana practitioner choose to hold the Poise of Volitional Action, with full mindfulness. May it be of benefit.