Teaching #22: Practicing Knowing That You Know
Once you have established the beginner’s mind, you are ready to start practicing knowing that you know. The problem, however, is that you cannot really practice this insight. It arises when the proper causes and conditions are present like fruit that ripens and falls from a tree. All you can do is practice mindfulness, so that you create propitious conditions that will encourage the insight to arise.
Chapter 6, Pg 62
For your reflection: Instead of just being aware that the mind is experiencing suffering around an event, notice that the knowing of it is independent from the experience itself. For example, if you become fearful upon hearing some bad news at work, shift your focus away from the bad news towards recognition of the anxiety it provoked in you. Acknowledge to yourself, “This is dukkha.”