As rock oil is fractionally distilled into successive and unique products, so too can one form useful stones from the abyss within oneself.

What is my goal? (A moving target, no doubt.)
What is it that leads me to persevere through any time I may face, especially those most challenging times?
What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses? What do I find most fulfilling? What do I find most troubling?

These are the trays which serve as checkpoints in the distillation of self. The fluid moving through the apparatus may be one’s presence, and the heat one’s attention.

There are different ways to setup one’s apparatus, from the very simple to the arcane; as in basic mindfulness to advanced energy work.