#260 Open Awareness in Daily Life

     Open awareness refers to mindfulness of our internal and external environment, with nonjudgmental acceptance. Initially, this practice feels awkward and tiring to do, so in the beginning we tend to do it briefly and intermittently. But as the practice continues to bring about improvements in our quality of life, we tend to practice on a more regular basis. Eventually, continuously practicing mindfulness becomes our way of being in the world.
     What do we give up or what is displaced when one is practicing mindfulness? Or what is the nature of mindlessness? Being drunk, sleepwalking, living in a daze, going along passively with the momentum of our life, yet having the idea that we either know it all, or we don't know and don't care - all these describe mindlessness.
     Mindfulness on the other hand is remaining alert, curious and inquisitive - fully alive, whether the situation is pleasant, neutral or unpleasant in the conventional sense. Why add 'conventional sense'? Because if we don't jump to conclusions ie don't prejudge, nor judge quickly, any situation is much more complex and nuanced than at first glance. Nothing is completely terrible, completely boring, nor completely wonderful in life. Everything is extraordinarily complex. It's remarkable how radically different ordinary life becomes when appreciated with fresh unjaded eyes and without "attitude".
     Of course each of us needs to try mindfulness in our own life ie it's experiential.

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