"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light,
“…feelings like disappointment, embarrassment, irritation, resentment,
anger, jealousy, and fear, instead of being bad news, are actually very
clear moments that teach us where it is that we’re holding back...
They’re like messengers that show us,
with terrifying clarity, exactly where we’re stuck."
but by making the darkness conscious...
Knowing your own darkness is the best method
for dealing with the darknesses of other people."
Knowing your own darkness is the best method
for dealing with the darknesses of other people."
-- C.G. Jung
They’re like messengers that show us,
with terrifying clarity, exactly where we’re stuck."
-- Pema Chödrön
And, to be sure, Mindfulness Practice can provide many moments of deep calm and clarity.
Yet -- and this is generally not proclaimed in the slick internet ads -- it is also true that a regular mediation practice can bring to the surface a lot of feelings that we have assiduously managed to repress, deny, or otherwise avoid, as we scurry along in our lives.
Conditioned to operate in a fast-paced materialistic society, one that keeps us focused outwardly for fulfillment, we are programmed to just keep moving. So, once we slow down and sit still for awhile to focus inwardly, our world changes
Yet -- and this is generally not proclaimed in the slick internet ads -- it is also true that a regular mediation practice can bring to the surface a lot of feelings that we have assiduously managed to repress, deny, or otherwise avoid, as we scurry along in our lives.
Conditioned to operate in a fast-paced materialistic society, one that keeps us focused outwardly for fulfillment, we are programmed to just keep moving. So, once we slow down and sit still for awhile to focus inwardly, our world changes
Although we can experience greater calm, it is also not uncommon to
encounter darker, more distressing energies during periods of meditation.
Contrary to what we might think, this is a Good Thing. It's a sign that the Practice is working!
In the process of a deepening Practice, we no longer skim across the surface. We actually begin to get in touch with the aspects of our conditioning that have subconsciously operated to create the way we see and react to the events of our lives.
Contrary to what we might think, this is a Good Thing. It's a sign that the Practice is working!
In the process of a deepening Practice, we no longer skim across the surface. We actually begin to get in touch with the aspects of our conditioning that have subconsciously operated to create the way we see and react to the events of our lives.
How often have you winced
and thought "damn. Why did I say/do that!? Wouldn't you like to know?
The good news is that, with Practice, we are able to make conscious what had been subconscious. Over time, we are able to observe and navigate the more troublesome aspects of ourselves and our lives with increasing clarity and ease.
Truth in Advertising
Adrift in momentary delusions of grandeur, I sometimes joke about beginning a high profile advertising campaign for Monday Morning Mindfulness. Full page bold print ads, billboards, and television commercials would proclaim something like:
(READ MORE)
The good news is that, with Practice, we are able to make conscious what had been subconscious. Over time, we are able to observe and navigate the more troublesome aspects of ourselves and our lives with increasing clarity and ease.
Truth in Advertising
Adrift in momentary delusions of grandeur, I sometimes joke about beginning a high profile advertising campaign for Monday Morning Mindfulness. Full page bold print ads, billboards, and television commercials would proclaim something like:
(READ MORE)
