Stilling Heart-and-Mind (Steps 6 to 8)

These three steps belong together. Having built up the enhanced sensitivity throughout the body, we first enjoy the sense of well-being to which it leads. That well-being prepares us for the next task and allows us to focus on stilling whatever mental or emotional reactivity may be troubling us.

These steps cover the transition from mindfulness of body to mindfulness of heart-and-mind. In Step 6 we experience a sense of ease and well-being which affects both body and mind. In Step 7 we turn directly to heart-and-mind to experience whatever manifestations of reactivity may be troubling us. Holding that reactivity within the context of the well-being, we then bring that reactivity of the mind to stillness in Step 8.