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Mindfulness
Mindfulness means creating new categories, welcoming new information, tolerating more than one view. It also means letting go of the demand for categories, disassociating from the craving for information, detaching from the need for a point of view. Mindfulness means present moment appreciation of our inner states and the world around us."
Mindfulness can be practiced just about anywhere, at any time, under almost any circumstances.
Mindfulness sets the state for accessing intuition, creativity and community, which in turn helps you:
- Clarify your values
- Strengthen your personal power
- Make better decisions for your life
Beginning today, this moment, you can start a regular mindfulness practice. Through this practice, you will begin to recognize and appreciate both
- Your inner state
- Body
- Emotions
- Thoughts
- The influences of the outer world
- Environmental factors
- Other people's attitudes
Not later, as you reflect on them, but in the moment, while you are experiencing them. Although moments of mindfulness frequently occur spontaneously, you can also bring it into your life regularly through a disciplined, active practice, a kind of meditation or contemplation, in which you:
- Set the intent to see all aspects of the present moment with clarity.
- Practice specific techniques for encouraging deep relaxation and "flow."
- Encourge mindfulness to become a regular practice through repetition.
Does mindfulness intrigue you? Would you like to explore mindfulness furhter? Look here for advice about where to start.
The ancient followers of the Tao were
subtle, mysterious and penetrating.
They were too deep to be fathomed.
All we can do is describe their appearance.
Hesitant, as if crossing a winter stream.
Watchful, as if aware of neighbors on all sides.
Respectful, like a visiting guest.
Yielding, like ice beginning to melt.
Simple, like an Uncarved Block.
Open, like a valley.
Obscure, like muddy water.
Who else can be still,
and let the muddy water slowly become clear?
Who else can remain at rest,
and slowly come to life?
Those who hold fast to the Tao
do not try to fill themselves to the brim.
Because they do not try to be full,
they can be worn out and yet, ever new.
Tao Te Ching, Chapter 15
Mindfulness can help us appreciate a wider range of viewpoints.
Why is this important?
Because you never know where or when insights and opportunities may appear. If you close your eyes
because the view doesn't suit your taste, you could miss your stop.
Why would I close my eyes?
To protect yourself from anything that falls outside your "comfort level."
But I think I'm a pretty open person.
Perhaps you are. But you want to make changes in your life, and that could be dangerous.
So?
The human brain will always try to protect us from danger. The path to meaningful work is one of personal growth, which invariably involves thinking or doing something new. Anything new is unknown. Anything
unknown holds potential danger. No matter how much you want to make a change, the protective nature of your brain is going to try to stop you. ("Don't do that! You might get hurt.")
The brain is . . . an organ of survival, like claws and fangs. It makes one think things are true when they're really only advantageous.
Albert Szent-Gyorgi, Nobel Laureate
How does mindfulness change that?
Mindfulness helps you stand back and detach from the brain's automatic response to danger. You may still heed your own warnings and choose not to make a certain change, but you will have done so with your eyes
open.