It's encouraging to hear that we can change the quality of our attention "come in closer." Apprehending a thought closer to the beginning has been an interesting challenge, sometimes I can actually see the beginning of a thought. Last night I awoke in the night with troubling habitual mental formations (a usual combination of thoughts and emotions,) Being the middle of the night, I wasn't very alert, so stayed on it for much longer than usual (2 hrs?) When I finally realized and labeled "habitual thought pattern," it defused the power of them, and I could relax and go back to sleep. Hopefully next time it won't take as long. I struggle with having a negative response when I realize I'm lost in thought. The practice of seeing the moment of realizing that as a moment of awakening is very beneficial (especially if I can remember it while it's happening!) As always, so much appreciation!!
