Mindfulness Restraint of Body

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 Restraint of Body."

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

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 Restraint of Body," one brings their body back to a good poise as in Mindfulness of Body practice.
    
    

  • One keeps their gaze lowered and to the front, around 45 degrees down from the horizon, slightly diffused to allow visibility of the periphery.
    
    

  • In movement, one moves deliberately, not overextending limbs, placing one foot after another mindfully, hips in line with shoulders. One can pace back and forth if one likes, mindful of the placement of the foot on the ground.
    
    

  • Not craning one's neck one way or the other, when one wants to turn and look at something to one side, one turns their whole body to look.
    
    

  • In sitting, one sits gently, with stability, present but not overly imposing.
    
    

  • In lying down, one finds a position that the body can fully rest in without the need for regular movement.
    
    

  • Tension, holding, or sense of urgency is released from body. The body feels gently held, upright and supple, communicating gentleness to the external environment and beings therein.
    
    

  • Eventually, one should begin to sense a reduction in craving to move around excessively and an attenuation of clinging to the body like a life raft in daily life. Not expending oneself needlessly, well-being begins to naturally gather in the body, even in the presence of challenges, pains, or limitations.
    
    

The fruition of Mindfulness Restraint of Body is called Placement of Body--letting the body inhabit space gently, with body held neither too tight nor too loose, with a quality of restrained potential of the full movement of body. The body appears composed and gentle in stillness and movement.

May these words help the calm Asheyana practitioner to stably abide in Placement of Body with full mindfulness. May it be of benefit.