#317 Resistance to Mindfulness: from Unnatural, Externally Imposed - to - Natural, True Nature, Home

     Many would agree, in theory at least, with yesterday's blog http://mindfulnessforeveryone.blogspot.ca/2013/04/316-fear-reactivity-mindfulness-mature.html. Some would be opposed, yet would not truly understand why. But even those committed to practicing mindfulness will, initially, feel some resistance to practicing.
     What's the basis of resistance to mindfulness practice? Why does it, in the beginning, feel like an externally-imposed "should" instead of something natural, a form of coming home?
     The biological answer is that we remain hard-wired for reptilian reactivity ie we retain a fully-functional brain stem. This brain stem commands us to survival-based action, then, microseconds later, we become consciously aware of the stimulus that prompted it. FIRST we feel a "primitive impulse" THEN we realize what triggered it.
     So we have millions of years of momentum mindlessly reacting to the environment out of instinct. Despite Socrates' well-known admonition: "An unexamined life is not worth living", many of us feel uneasy about getting to know ourselves. We've been brainwashed by countless ads to seek happiness outside of ourselves instantly by buying, eating, or drinking stuff. Many simply don't realize that life can be more than "ordinary unhappiness" on autopilot. "Don't fix what ain't broke" is the motto for those who see no reason to, lack motivation, or out of fear, avoid change, growth.
     We become increasingly aware of the corrosive effects of fear-driven primitive instincts on our lives naturally as we mature. Those of us unwilling to live lives of quiet desperation choose to evolve to a higher level of human consciousness and functioning. This maturation process is markedly enhanced by meditation. We can and must learn to make use our full potential as evolved human beings.

jr   www.dpreview.com