r/streamentry • u/VegetableArea • 5d ago

Practice Does equanimity developed on the cushion transfer to real life?

I've been sitting consistently for about half an hour a day for last half a year and I see some gains and progress, usually after about 10 minutes my mind quiets down and I actually enjoy the practice and the slowing down of thoughts.

However my worry is, in daily life I dont see much improvement and I tend to succumb to the suffering created by the mind as easily as before. Any insights gained on the cushion dont seem to help in my busy daily life, and I tend to fall into unhappy thought loops, same as before starting the practice.

Any hints, comments?

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u/Fishy_soup 5d ago

Do you let yourself sit with any difficult emotions when meditating?

I also find it very helpful to bring awareness when they arise off the cushion, taking a breath, letting myself feel them, and inviting some compassion.

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u/VegetableArea 4d ago

the problem is, difficult emotions dont come up when meditating, they come during stressful events in the day

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u/Fishy_soup 4d ago

You can bring that awareness and compassion as they occur during the day too! And not just for difficult moments :)

Bonus video: this dharma talk really helped me with loops of guilt and shame (around a bad habit i had, but now come back to it for other things). The lesson of treating yourself with compassion in difficult situations is a powerful one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZgsNW9mP1w