Yogi: On retreat and walking out to the village shops, many things were happening outside, but the mind was more interested in being aware of the movement of the body.
Sayadaw: This is how we should practice in daily life. In daily life when we are in a new surrounding, the mind pays attention to the outside. That’s why it is difficult to be aware. Now you’re keeping your attention inwards – if you practice like that, the mind will not have much interest in what is happening outside.
Only when necessary, the mind will pay attention to the outside world. This is a good practice for daily life.
In daily life, we have a habit of looking out and listening to the outside world fully. Now, the meditator needs to learn to stay with yourself, to seeing and hearing (reality).