#205 Obstructions to Mindfulness

     Mindfulness is about seeing things (objects of awareness or objects) clearly, as they are. 
     When we have aversion to an object, we tend to quickly push away from it mentally, emotionally, physically. We immediately stop observing the particular object (person, thing, or situation), and see only (become fused or one with) our exaggerated negative opinions about it. Racial prejudice is an example, but we have aversive reactions to a very wide range of objects. Aversion variants include disliking, hatred, anger, sadness, fear, resistance, etc.
     When we have craving for an object, we tend to quickly pull towards it mentally, emotionally, physically. We also immediately stop observing the object, and see only our exaggerated positive opinions about it. We have cravings for people, luxury items, jobs, houses, vacations, foods, "substances", etc. potentially anything we don't have or don't have enough of. Variants of craving include greed, addiction, and liking.
     When we have delusion, we tend to be lost as if in a fog. When deluded, we can't observe clearly, don't know and can't understand. When an observation doesn't fit our worldview, we can't assimilate it into our consciousness, so we either subconsciously block it from conscious awareness, or feel confused and dismiss it as random, insignificant.
     Since the above 3 brain-stem-level primitive reflexes hinder our ability to clearly observe and understand reality (obstructions to mindfulness), whenever we become aware of them arising during mindfulness practice, it's best to shift the primary focus of meditation from the object of awareness (eg breath), to the particular obstruction: aversion, craving or delusion. 
     We observe these new objects, like other objects, with curiosity and a peaceful open mind. This mindful quality of awareness is incompatible with the activity of these obstructions. Alternatively, aversion to aversion, or craving for clarity and peacefulness are counterproductive mindless activities. The task of mindfulness practice is to achieve clarity and understanding about reality - which happens to include a clear unentangled observation of these obstructions. When caught up in obstructions, we're mindless. But whether observing obstructions objectively - or - experiencing minimal obstructions, we're being mindful!

Photo: RickBuddy   www.dpreview.com