Yogi: When I’m into the practice, I get terribly charged and it is so intense that I could go on without noticing if I’m hungry or I need sleep or I have to go to the toilet.

Sayadaw: This is the pattern of the mind that will just ramp up the energy without you trying. 

It’s a matter of finding out how much of that energy you need to do the things you need to do.

When I was busy running my business, I was more interested in maintaining the mindfulness. Although I was doing things quickly, I would be watching the mind. 

I used enough energy without overexerting. Wisdom will learn what is enough energy – and what is too much and what is too little – through mindfulness so that it can find the balance.

Yogi: I must be present to know how much effort I’m putting in. That’s where the interest came from, and it just wants to know how much do I press when I write.

Sayadaw: That’s right; you must do that much.