Unpacking the Meaning: A Mindfulness Practice
Jan 20, 2024
Mindfulness is about understanding the meanings we attach to everything in our lives, from objects to people and situations. This practice encourages us to see things as neutral, devoid of inherent good or bad qualities. Because from a Yogic perspective everything is neutral and our journey is to be able to arrive at a place of seeing this neutrality, so we can experience the world as it is.
Imagine your yoga mat. In a yogic perspective, it's entirely neutral. It's not inherently good or bad; it's just a yoga mat. However, our past experiences and associations can make it positive or negative. The practice is to recognize these associations and acknowledge that the mat itself is neutral.
We're going to suggest that your yoga mat can be a positive anchor, evoking good feelings. The same goes for other objects, like a notebook or a cup of coffee. Your positive history with these items places them on the "good side."
Mindfulness involves looking at everyday items and recognizing that your feelings about them are based on past experiences. For instance, your feelings about coffee may not be the same as someone else's. The goal is to be aware of your associations to people and objects without getting stuck in them.
The practice extends to examining emotions tied to past experiences. It's not about suppressing emotions but understanding that our current day reactions are based on our personal histories. By peeling back these emotional layers, we can approach things from a neutral standpoint.
The crux of mindfulness is realizing that everything is neutral until we assign meaning. This awareness allows us to choose the meaning we give to objects and situations. It's not about always looking on the bright side but understanding the power of our choice in assigning meaning.
The meaning we give it influences our perception.
Homework: The homework involves pausing a few times a day to reflect on the neutrality of objects and situations. Acknowledge the meanings you've assigned based on past experiences and consider if they align with the true nature of the item.
Mindfulness is a journey toward neutrality and understanding our role in assigning meaning to everything we see in our lives. As we peel back layers of association, we free ourselves to fully embrace the present moment with awareness and a see things as they really are in the moment.
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