In Ezra's book: The Authentic Life, while acknowledging that the essence of practice is to be open to whatever arises, he mentioned that sometimes, when we are caught in addictive thought patterns, we might have to change gears, the use of the phrase "Don't go there" as a sword to cut off thinking (driven by the addictive thought patterns) can be useful. Over and over again, "Don't go there", after a while the addictive cycle will be broken. Then when the mind cools down, we can return to "just being".
Sharing some thoughts after reading the above, from my own recent experience, having included mindfulness of the Buddha's name (Amituofo) into my repertoire of practice techniques, I have found that 'Amituofo' can also be skilfully used as a sword to cut off addictive thought patterns and bring me back to the present moment. Obsessive thinking arises, 'Amituofo', then noticing the whole-body breath, ahhh... present moment wonderful moment...
May all of us continue to enjoy our practice and be well and happy.
Amituofo. =)
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