I’ve been practicing RAIN for about a year now – having first heard of it in Tara Brach’s talks. I wanted to make a quick comment about the “N” (non-identification). It took me about 10 months of doing this practice before I began to feel any sense of non-identification. Before then, I just thought something was wrong with me, becuase I never felt the “N”@ Now, I’ve realised, that, depending on our different issues, or thought patterns, these things can just take time. I find it an excellent practice.

Emma

R.A.I.N., both as an acronym and a technique, is new to me, as something I can put into practice myself, and I’m going to make an intentional effort to do so. I think good first steps for me would be to purchase Elisha’s CD mentioned in his posting of May 18, and check out the suggested online progressive program at Aliveworld. I recognize, however, that particularly with anxiety and panic, my therapist has been helping me do the same things in our sessions. (She recently encouraged me to put long hidden, newly revealed, and intense feelings of shame and fear–emotional overtures to panic–in a jar with a tightly closed lid, to be opened again only with her, if and as needed.) I encourage you to find a school counselor or a therapist who can work with you in a similar way, much earlier than I did! Also, know that I’m out here, thinking of you, and wishing you well in every way.

You may also want to begin doing some of the formal practices which is where insight comes in. On my CD for stress, anxiety, and depression there are 3 practices that progressively have you begin to approach yourself and then the final one guides you to “being with” emotions without identifying with them. Know, in the end, this practice is a process, like planting seeds in the garden, with attitudes of patience, persistence, and curiosity, we can begin to witness the garden unfolding.

Do you have any more specific advice (e.g., things to read, do) to help with the non-identification process? After living a relatively happy and stable life for 47 years, I have been suffering with Major Depression and anxiety for the last 10 months. I am using many techniques (including therapy, meds, amino acids, acupuncture) to get better but feel learning “non-identification” could be extrememly helpful. While I understand the concept, it’s been difficult for me to actualize. Any ideas? Thanks so much

As I am in DBT, RAIN felt foreign to me. I enjoyed the challenge in seeing the same coping skills presented in a different way. I feel it’s important for me to not stray from what is working for me, but at the same time know it is ok to Investigate it, not clinging to what I’ve learned in DBT- not judging it as right, or wrong. It was fun to compare the 2.