Being Aware

Mindfulness is one of the great mysteries of human life. It is our capacity to be aware of being aware.

Observing Our Mind

There is a huge change in the life of someone who begins to practice mindfulness. With just a bit of practice, we notice how out of control the mind really is. We begin to be able to observe thoughts, feelings and emotions as experiences that we are having rather than identifying with them.

Seeing Thoughts & Emotions

To see thoughts and emotions like anger, sadness, fear and worry as objective phenomena rather than as oneself is radically liberating.

---

Mindfulness for a Happy Life
Robert Beatty

Role of Acceptance 

Acceptance is a key part of the restful mind. When we are able to accept things that we can’t change, we no longer waste mental energy or anguish and instead focus on the things we do have some control over.

Thoughts Create Our World

By always remembering that it is with our thoughts that we create our world, we realize that we do have choices in life, even in the most difficult times.

The Restful Mind
Gyalwa Dokhampa

Coexistence of Beliefs 

We can better appreciate how beliefs conflict with each other if we understand how they form in the first place. In recognizing that beliefs coexist in pairs the Chinese sages also realized that this is how beliefs initially form.

How Beliefs Co-emerge

Beliefs arise in contradictory pairs. Two opposite beliefs co-emerge and at first the two opposite beliefs coexist. Then in order to establish fixed positions and definite opinions about ourselves and the world, and to give things distinct and permanent characteristics, we push the two beliefs apart and suppress one belief from our awareness.

Disconnecting Opposite Beliefs

Everytime we assert or deny a particular belief, we simultaneously disconnect from the opposite belief. Our belief becomes solid and real for us to the extent that its opposite becomes transparent to us.

Essential Wisdom Teachings: The Way to Inner Peace
Peter & Penny Fenner