#322 Immediacy of Experience vs Avoidance & Procrastination

     There's a very strong tendency to erect barriers between ourselves and living a better, more meaningful life. It's sooooo much easier to admire, even idolize teachers, than to actually follow their instructions.
     The fact is, if the teachers are able to do it, so can we - as long as we persevere, and work away at it patiently, continuously, for life. If they didn't think we could do it, they wouldn't intentionally frustrate us.
     Good teachers neither need nor want praise & adulation. What makes teachers happy is seeing their students flourish by learning to live more wisely.
     Mindfulness instructions are NOT a list of "shoulds" or "commandments." You're not "bad" if you don't follow the instructions, or if you follow them half-heartedly. You won't be punished in the future.
      Mindfulness instructions are practical suggestions on how to live well, most meaningfully, moment-to-moment. Feedback occurs immediately, in real time - as you do, or don't, follow the instructions. It's direct experiential learning - do more of what works to improve your deepest quality of life, and do less of what doesn't work.

Gerry Frederick   www.dpreview.com