"Passive" Effort
Within meditation this morning, I found myself on a thought train exploring what kind of effort it is that one is exerting in meditation practice. The term passive effort is commonly used, and this is a tricky pairing of words, almost oxymoronic. Exert effort but be passive in doing so. How does one actually do this?
In my opinion, metaphorical images frequently answer these types of questions better than word-based logic, and the image of a knot came to mind.
Maybe passive effort is like the effort required to untie a tight knot.
There is a certain focus required.
There is a certain willingness to not let oneself get frustrated and give up.
And there is a willingness to not just keep tying new knots on top of the first.
A passive effort of staying-with the knot, patiently tugging, careful to not rip the string, until the knot unwinds and clarity reveals itself likely in a form much simpler than expected.
What “knot”
might you untie
”passively”?
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