#294 All Imperfect, Carrying a Heavy Load, Self-Acceptance

     "Mindlessness is defined by rule-governed behavior, rigid thinking patterns and automatic emotional experiences. Mindfulness (the antithesis of mindlessness) involves observing and describing one’s internal experiences (emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations) without reacting to them."

       Fink S et al. Sexual body esteem and mindfulness in college women. Body Image 2009; 6(4): 326-9.


     "One common element of psychological disorders is the inability to effectively regulate emotions and self-evalua- tions in different contexts."
        Steger MF, Kashdan TB. The unbearable lightness of meaning: Well-being and unstable meaning in life. The Journal of Positive Psychology 2013; 8(2): 103-115.

     The longer and more continuously we practice mindfulness, the more aware we become of how deeply conditioned mindlessness is. There also seems to be a powerful, automatic, self-protective mechanism which only allows us to see ourselves very gradually. We are only able to peel away the onion layers at the rate we can handle successive reality checks - that we are but imperfect human beings. An elderly Zen master once famously said "Life is a series of embarrassments." We seem to accept imperfection in others, but need to formally practice self-acceptance.

     See Kristin Neff's excellent TedX: http://mindfulnessforeveryone.blogspot.ca/2013/02/290-self-esteem-narcicism-self.html

Mr. Pickles in deep meditation, Jet in attendance - Photo: Mandy Wintink