Don't Believe Everything You Think
There is no difference between “mind” and “body.”
The "mind" is simply the sensations of the body being experienced and interpreted through the lens of the brain.
🌿 Background
Those who follow—or have been conditioned into—materialist beliefs often assume that the “mind” is just the experience of the brain. This illusion is strongly reinforced by our sensory input (sight, sound, taste), which seems to originate from the head.
In this worldview, the body is often neglected and relegated to what my teacher, Roshi Fleet Maull, calls a “glorified head taxi.”
Let’s pause here…
Many minds may have just reacted defensively (e.g. “But I do treat my body well—this teaching can’t be for me…”).
Even if you’re in peak physical condition, you could be entirely disconnected from the direct messages of your body. I played in a World Lacrosse Championship for Canada at a time when I was abusing my body as though it existed to serve my brain. Each injury was met with frustration—my body a “machine” not performing its duty.
Years later, I would weep on the jungle floor in Jamaica, surrounded by Rastafarian shamans during a psilocybin ceremony, as I connected directly with my body for the first time since childhood.
It wasn’t until I committed to a regular meditation and yoga practice that I began to truly connect with the wisdom of my body—and the embodied truth of my mind.
🏔️ The Obstacle
Every cell in the body evolved to prioritize survival above all else. These mechanisms are incredibly effective—but is “survival” all you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? (Mary Oliver)
If you’re reading this, I imagine your answer is “no.” You plan to awaken—for the benefit of all beings.
Survival mechanisms also live in our minds. From negativity bias to cognitive blind spots, our systems are subconsciously wired to protect us. But to move beyond “survival mode,” we must develop an intimate relationship with the mind and a regulated nervous system—so we can recognize, then transcend, reactive existence.
☀️ Mind Experiments (Ordered by Challenge)
Instead of taking my word for it, here are a few mind experiments you can explore during somatic meditation (body scan, Neuro-Somatic Mindfulness, Vipassana, etc.).
If you need a space to try them, I host a free weekly meditation every Wednesday at Noon CST: lu.ma/awkn
1. Reflect on “distraction.”
When your mind wanders in meditation, don’t immediately label it as failure. Start with a soft smile, then ask:
What sensation was I exploring when the distraction arose?
Sometimes distraction is a subconscious defense mechanism. If trauma is stored in that area, your body may be protecting you. Be gentle and trust your system.
2. Watch your eyes.
Behind closed lids, notice if your eyes suddenly jump into focus or even open.
What sensation were you exploring at that moment? What thoughts or stories arose?
3. Connect to your heart.
Toward the end of your practice—when you’re most embodied—bring awareness to the sensations in your heart. If you feel “numb,” just rest your awareness there.
Often, “survival distractions” arise in this region.
If a “bad” sensation appears elsewhere, explore it gently. Consider its shape, temperature, density. Many such sensations dissolve, revealing themselves as psychosomatic illusions projected to protect you from the intensity of the heart.
4. Meditate with difficult emotions.
When you feel triggered, sad, or angry, explore the story you’re telling yourself. Then let go of the belief that this story is true.
Instead, scan your body.
Where do you feel this emotion? What’s its physical footprint?
Without trying to get rid of it, ask yourself:
“What am I not willing to feel right now?”
This question (from Tara Brach) often reveals a deeper layer of sensory experience. If tears come, let them flow—tears often complete a stress cycle and allow the nervous system to shift out of survival mode.
RSVP This Week's Wednesday Meditation
Thank you for reading. If this resonates, or if you’d like to explore these tools in community, feel free to reach out or join our Wednesday sessions. 💛
With love,
Dalton
