Yogi: When I’m absorbed in either work or play, it feels like the mind is getting a break; it’s a way of zoning out. When I’m aware, it’s the opposite and it feels like we need to take a break from awareness.
Sayadaw: The tendency in life for the mind to get absorbed in things is generally motivated by defilement – to indulge and to be fully distracted from the world.
In life, we habitually get absorbed through defilement such as greed in entertainment or we get lost in a game from delusion.
When we meditate, we then tend to focus and that brings defilement into the practice because focusing gets us to be absorbed in something. That is why we should not focus when we meditate.
The nature of wisdom is a more backed-up view which sees the different interactions – it sees a bigger and complete picture.
Yogi: I’m not sure that helps.
Sayadaw: Initially, having to be aware feels tiring; it is easier to just let the mind do its own thing and not have to watch the experience. But, when awareness builds momentum, yogis start to notice that the mind is less chaotic and freer, and the opposite is true when awareness slackens.