[indocrew]

From a Soto Zen perspective (shikantaza): There was some interesting advice that Charlotte Joko Beck (in Everyday Zen) gave regarding physical as well as mental "itches"-- and it seems to work for me. Her suggestion is to simply say to oneself (not aloud, of course) "I am having a thought about _______________." She says it is particularly important that one is quite specific about what that thought is, and to bring your attention to it immediately as it arises-- that is, don't wait a few moments and then do this.

What I find is, oddly, that by becoming aware of this right as you are having this or that thought or sensation, it tends to quell it-- you tend not to identify yourself with the sensation or thought. This of course is not a matter of "forcing" out certain thoughts or sensations, but letting them come and go. I suppose it is the difference between "awareness" and "being caught up in." Anyway, its practical advice that works for me-- might be worth giving that a try.

() kyorei