- Dedication to meditation : Meditated nonstop for over 10 hours including self-inquiry, breath labeling, and walking meditation, interspersed with continual mindfulness throughout day five.
- Dream and infinity encounter : Fell into a semi-dream state during self-inquiry, experiencing a glimpse of infinity, which was interrupted by a fear-induced awakening with a gunshot-like sound in the mind.
- Combining mindfulness and daily activities : Experimented with extreme mindfulness in everyday routines, slowing down to savor the minutiae of experiences, leading to a heightened sense of aliveness.
- Effectiveness of 'Do Nothing' practice : Realized the true potential of 'Do Nothing' meditation through complete surrender without any expectations, finding it to be one of the most productive and enlightening practices.
- Separation of practice types : Identified the need to strictly separate 'Do Nothing' meditation from self-inquiry for maximum effectiveness, rather than blending the two techniques.
- Perception of ordinary moments : Discovered that mindfulness reveals the many small details usually overlooked in daily life, providing an unexpected joy and pleasure from seemingly insignificant moments.
- Savoring life through mindfulness : Emphasized the ability to fully appreciate and savor life is rooted in being present and mindful of every little detail, rather than chasing external accomplishments or material possessions.
- Anticipation for deepening practice : Expressed enthusiasm for the coming days of the retreat, with plans to further build mindfulness and delve into self-inquiry, anticipating a significant breakthrough.
- Commitment's role in meditation : Reinforced the importance of unwavering commitment to the meditation process, recognizing that a determined mindset prevents negative emotions from taking hold and allows for a more productive experience.
- Retreat progress and expectation management : Reflected on the retreat's progress, noting increased productivity in meditation, while maintaining an openness to whatever experiences may come, whether pleasant or challenging.