#401 Expressing our Freedom - the Jar of Soil & Water Metaphor - Part 4

     In part 3 we saw how our own selective focus creates what feels like the inherent attractive or repulsive magnetic power of objects that interest us, while at the same time, most objects completely escape our attention. Since we create magnetic charges, which distort perception and cause suffering, it's entirely reasonable for us to let go of this charge-creating process and thereby decrease suffering.
     Restricting the focus of one's attention to either desirable or aversive aspects of an object is like an unethical sales pitch to oneself! Unethical because one or a few features are focused on - magnified, leaving out all the features which would balance out - neutralize - the charge or power to attract or repulse us. So how can we drop the sales pitch, and see things objectively, as they are instead of how we'd like to have them?
     One way is to examine all the features - positive, negative & neutral - of the object of interest, instead of focusing on & magnifying the positive features if attractive (idealize, idolize), or negative features if repulsive (demonize). This is not a killjoy thing, it's simply clear, objective, balanced, dispassionate observation - what the object itself is actually like, without "me, myself & I" dominating.
     Another major complimentary way is to examine all the other objects of awareness surrounding the principal object - to see it in context. What is this whole present situation about? This approach does include how I'm feeling, what I need etc. It also includes all of the atmosphere that will to various degrees color my perception.
     By remembering that the world does not revolve around my needs, we perceive more accurately, judge more wisely, behave more kindly & appropriately. Even though there's all sorts of turbid muddy soil particles drifting, sometimes ever swirling, the bigger picture is clear, still water holding all of it.

Appreciation by David Gillespie   http://www.fogforestgallery.ca/bios/bio_gillespie.html

#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