Swanwick Star Issue No. 6 (2013)

The Tree Exercise

Unfortunately, I did not have the privilege of attending Dr. Ravindra’s retreat due to my Mother’s illness. However, when I received David’s most excellent description, I found “the tree exercise” so fascinating that I tried it.

Each time, I looked at a tree, a one-word impression came to mind – crooked; leaning.

Then, that impression changed into a one-word experience – light; energy; colour.

Finally, there was a sense of movement or vibration.  

There was no “experiencer” in this experiment for “the experiencer” cannot exist without the word “I”. In fact, fresh impressions and experiences received in a meditative state of mind do not usually involve a “doer” for this reason.

Suddenly, I felt an affection and gratitude to this man I had not met who had devised such an insightful exercise!

…And, that was the first manifestation of “the thinker” during this whole experiment…

Why don’t you try the tree exercise and share your thoughts on our blog?

 

Chanda