1) Sense Desire: Grasping, wanting, craving, pleasant sensations, food fantasy, romantic fantasy. When we fulfill wanting, the result is usually wanting more. Name it and come to know the power it has in your life.

2) Aversion and Anger: Fear, judgement, boredom, hatred, irritation, resentment, unpleasant sensation. Based on a basic dislike of an experience. Name the faces of anger and aversion as they arise. Where in your body do you feel it? What is the effect on your mind? What voices come with it?, i.e., "I hate this." "I'm afraid of that." Anger can show us where we're stuck. It's a warning signal. Let the forms of aversion reveal their story to you so you can know them and let their story back into your heart.

3) Sloth and Torpor: Sleepiness, sluggishness, laziness, and drowsiness can sometimes be a response to pain and sorrow that we don't want to feel. It can feel like you are part of a big cloud floating in the room, your head droops, you might even start drooling! Penetrate into the sleepiness and explore it's qualities. Sit up straight and focus on your breath to increase your energy. If sleepiness continues, try meditating in a standing position. Know that certain foods may increase sloth and torpor.

4) Restlessness: Pacing tiger, agitation, anxiety, worry, nervousness, scattered energy, difficulty concentrating, body is jumpy. Can sometimes be a response to not wanting to feel. If restlessness is intense, try counting your breaths from one to ten, then start over.

5) Doubt: Doubts about ourselves, our capacities, our teachers, or about meditation itself. With a judging mind it is easy to make yourself wrong. "What am I doing here?" "Why did I come? This is too hard." There is usually a strong desire to escape. What's needed is an increase in faith.