#4 Clear Thinking

     "Mindfulness can be considered a universal human capacity proposed to foster clear thinking and openheartedness. As such, this form of meditation requires no particular religious or cultural belief system. The goal of mindfulness is to maintain awareness moment by moment, disengaging oneself from strong attachment to beliefs, thoughts, or emotions, thereby developing a greater sense of emotional balance and well-being."

     Ludwig DS, Kabat-Zinn J. "Mindfulness in Medicine." JAMA 2008; 300(11): 1350-2.

     Don't we ALL want to think clearly and be open-hearted? Actually, YES and NO!

     Many models describe this paradox: "divided self" (Parker J. Palmer), "competing commitments" (Robert Kegan - below illustration), Internal Family Systems (Dick Schwartz - http://www.selfleadership.org/ ) etc.

Illustration from: Kegan R, Lahey LL. The real reason people won’t change. Harvard Business Rev 2001; 79(10): 85–92.