Paying Attention

The aim and work in cultivating mindfulness is to fully experience each moment as it unfolds. It is the owning or acknowledging of the moment, rather than reacting to or attempting to change it. The feelings and emotions arising in the moment are seen for what they are, as are the reactions to them. The stance that is taken is that of the observer - “dis-identifying” from the thought or feeling, but still aware of it and aware of the larger picture, rather than becoming totally involved in it.

This can be quite a different stance from our common responses. We either try to avoid the unpleasant emotions and shut down (or dissociate ) or get so caught up in the thought process or feeling that we see nothing else and lose perspective of ourselves and of the situation in general (over-identify).

Even pleasant emotions offer a challenge, we hold onto these fearing their loss and in so doing over-identify with them (“I must feel….. to be OK”).

Mindfulness is the process of observing body and mind intentionally, letting experiences unfold from moment to moment and accepting them as they are, for now, observing our perceptions of them and the feelings associated with them. This has to take place first if we want to effectively deal with issues in our lives, first paying attention, then see the many connections to our lives and then plan or respond.

Mindfulness does not involve rejecting thoughts or perceptions, it does not involve trying not to think or react, it simply means being with whatever arises in the mind rather than trying to repress or deny it. In reality there is no goal other than to focus and direct attention.

One of the most fascinating experiences is discovering focus, control, and emotional ease as inherent qualities, waiting only to be uncovered and enhanced through the practice.