“When we do this work, we are becoming ecologists internally as well as externally, we are learning how to skilfully inhabit this internal ecology and of course it’s not separate from external ecology. The habits of mind that create suffering for us internally are the same ones that create suffering externally – the mixed up approaches to nature we have, they mirror each other. We are not bad, we are simply confused. How can we untangle the tangle and emerge from this confusion?"
Jaya Rudgard, ‘Equanimity as seeing with compassion’, 6th May 2019, Dharmaseed
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Articles like this ‘long read’ contain wise words and are very important to reflect upon. But reading such a strident (and to my mind misleading) viewpoint can also bring up all kinds of thoughts and feelings, which through my practice I feel more able to sit with, rather than getting tangled up in doubt, anxiety and frustration. It seems to me that when taught from a place of ethical integrity, authenticity and understanding, what I think of as ‘mindfulness’ can be a very powerful force for good and change in our world.
Jaya Rudgard says that “when we do this work, we are becoming ecologists internally as well as externally, we are learning how to skilfully inhabit this internal ecology and of course it’s not separate from external ecology. The habits of mind that create suffering for us internally are the same ones that create suffering externally…” There are many myths about mindfulness. It’s not a panacea or a silver bullet. When understood and taught well - and this is key - it is far from ‘basic concentration training’ (as Purser describes the practice in this article). Cultivating ‘acceptance’ does not imply resignation or passivity – instead allowing our experience to be here as it is, paves the way for clear seeing and skilful action. I have experienced this time and again for myself. When we cultivate awareness, compassion and insight, we are more likely to be able to make positive change, to look after ourselves and those around us, and to stay true to our values even in the face of doubt or fear. For me an 8-week MBCT course (taught by Chris Cullen, from the heart) was the beginning of a path for life. https://www.theguardian.com/…/the-mindfulness-conspiracy-ca… For me, not a lot beats a sunny midsummer morning out walking - and appreciating the ability to take time for this. Thoughts and feelings coming with me, about our world, the people and the creatures in it.
A yellowhammer and a skylark. There were buzzing insects and butterflies (a small skipper, marbled white and meadow browns) in the wild patches, though concern that there weren't more. Home now with some new ideas and intentions. Reminding myself to take one thing at a time as the to-do list heckles me. This beautiful and inspiring article is an excerpt from a forthcoming book by Willem Kuyken and Christina Feldman (Willem has described 'Mindfulness: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Psychology' as a teacher's 'route map and compass' for the 8-week 'MBCT for Life' course).
"It can be incredibly empowering to realize that we can find kindness—toward ourselves, others, and our experiences—in the midst of bodily pain, challenging thoughts and emotions, and seemingly overwhelming life situations. Friendly curiosity does not necessarily change the contents of our experience. The difficult is not automatically transformed into something pleasant. What is transformed, however, is the climate of our mind. The mind rooted in kindness powerfully impacts our experience. As aversion begins to soften, the difficult becomes approachable." https://www.mindful.org/how-to-befriend-your-life-as-it-is/ There are many possible definitions of what has been translated as 'mindfulness' and I struggle with finding the appropriate words when asked - it feels fluid, slippery in a good way, and deeply personal. The teacher Joseph Goldstein has said that because of the many nuances of 'mindfulness' it is like being asked to define love or art.
I recently came across this definition from Christina Feldman, which I particularly appreciate at this time, and which we chose to share as we began teaching week 5 of an MBCT for Life course yesterday evening. I hope it resonates for you. 'Mindfulness is the willingness and capacity to be equally near all things with kindness, curiosity and discernment.' ~Christina Feldman |
AuthorI'm Claire - and I (re)learn something every day from practising and teaching mindfulness... Archives
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