I've recently been reading CONSERVATIVES WITHOUT CONSCIENCE, and it's brought up the topic of hierarchical relationships through the lens of folks who are ready to follow unquestioningly or lead without consideration. There is something about the fear and closed mental state that go along with authoritarianism that may be the experiential antithesis of mindfulness--sort of a willed ignorance.
Acceptance lies between grandiosity and shame (the negative feelings associated with being either one-up or one-down in relationship). Mindfulness puts a bright edge on acceptance. With mindful awareness, escapism into exaggeration or avoidance can be understood and felt to be the denial of reality and denial of living that they are.
If one is always attempting escape, this life in this world appears to be a prison. If one is willing to embrace reality, the actual circumstances may not immediately change, and just "thinking positively" is like putting a dress on a pig. Mindful engagement, then, may begin as feeling like getting more intimate with a pig or taking a genuine interest in the characteristics of a prison cell.
The willingness to take an interest is the first step in removing contempt and dissatisfaction from one's life. Willingness is an invitation to authenticity. Authenticity couples with inspiration.
When our experience is based in authenticity and inspiration, rather than exaggeration and avoidance, we might find that there is room enough in this world for pigs and prisons and much, much more. But right now, at this very moment, am I willing?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment