Another "Simplest" Exercise of Searchlessness

Wait, watch, and be moved by what happens as you.

The “Simplest” Exercise of Searchlessness explored searchlessness in the phenomenological realm. This exercise more explores the cognitive realm.

As discussed in The Seven Non-Progressive Intimacies of the Nature of States there is a wide variety of search.

The mechanisms of the search can be of assistance in dissolving the search.

Set aside time to be completely without functional purpose. During that time, sit down in an unstimulating environment and wait, watch, and see what happens as you.

Wait until there is an unbidden motion to activity that is purely without function. If a movement comes up that is functional, dismiss it, and continue to wait.

Use the most expansive definition of functional: include enjoyable activities that are not ends in themselves, such as practicing a musical instrument, and also doing something enjoyable or relaxing for the purpose of relaxing or enjoyment.

If a fundamental biological need comes up, such as urinating or scratching an itch, then do attend to it.

In this resting-without-purpose, you may be moved to spontaneous, unbidden action, or not. Such action may include a local, transient purpose. For example, if moved to walk downtown, putting your shoes on; if moved to write an essay, turning on the screen of the computer. Sometimes, the movement can be quite small, such as merely to look at a particular object in the room with great interest.

You will come to recognize the flavor and texture of being moved in this way.

If, at the end of the set-aside duration, you find yourself unmoved, consider that this may indicate that your living has become solely a means to an end. It may take many sessions before contact with organic movement is made, which is contact with the “location” of living, itself.