#557 "Getting It"

     Many of us assume that our very survival depends on automatically grabbing what we want, avoiding what we don't. See: http://mindfulnessforeveryone.blogspot.ca/2012/03/88-avoidance-approach-dichotomy.html Thus, our complex, highly evolved brain is allowed to function at the level of an amoeba's cell membrane.

     In meditation, we learn that our quality of life improves as we recognize, then progressively let go of addictions & aversions. We learn that our prefrontal cortex is highly competent to bring about long-term happiness for us as individuals, for our fellow human beings, other living creatures, and the environment. Our fabulous, underutilized brains & hearts are ready & eager to function at an infinitely higher level. All we need to do is, like a good gardener, provide the right conditions for our higher functioning to flourish.

#484 Consciously Embracing Energy

     Moment-by-moment we make an incredible number of decisions automatically - without conscious awareness of making any of them: http://mindfulnessforeveryone.blogspot.ca/search?q=avoidance
      A bit more awareness reveals that we prefer personal safety over danger, personal benefit over detriment, and maintaining status quo over growth. While the first two generally (not always) make sense, the last one is detrimental to us long-term, & flat out boring short-term. Embracing (instead of avoiding) growth-change is plugging directly into the vital energy of life.
     By becoming conscious about how our mind works (meta-awareness), we can override suboptimal automatic decisions. This wake-up call is essential for our overall quality of life - the more awake & aware, the better.

Elena Shumilova  http://www.flickr.com/photos/75571860@N06/11874722676/