14/6/15
I’m feeling really good since I decided to make and share this blog. These last few days I’ve been happier than I have been in a long time. I don’t exactly know why that is, there’s nothing specifically changed or happened, it has probably got something to do with my new resolve. The fact I’ve ‘gone public’ and shared it means I really need to keep it up, I would be embarrassed if I stopped now.
The most poignant thing that I have to share today is that no matter what is going on around you, whether you’re happy, sad, elated, miserable, excited or bored… keep a watch on your mind. Not in a stressed out, micro-managey type way, but in a relaxed, non-judgey almost third-person type of way. Our Tibetan Rinpoche often reminds us to let the waters of our mind’s settle, “don’t stir up the water”… observe and let the thoughts just be the thoughts, don’t buy into them, it will usually just make things harder and increase angst.
It is a good thing for our own well-being to get in the habit of reviewing the types of thoughts that are going through our minds regularly or it is likely they may lead you astray and interfere with your peace. Attachment, confusion, negativity, envy, stress etc etc…
The Buddha taught it is possible to train our minds so that no matter what is going on for and around us, we have a strong and stable mind, one that doesn’t buy into drama and distress. Working with my mind is really one of the best things I have ever done. By giving it quiet time (fancy word = meditation) and space to process it can perform at a level where more positive thoughts come than negative ones. I meditate and allow my mind to slow down often and this has truly reduced my stress levels and suffering over the years and helped me to manage upsets better. I’m absolutely sure of that.
Today I went to the markets and I felt great, the sun was shining, I was buying coffee and scones and I browsed and I saw a friend and we had a wee yarn and a laugh and I thought to myself ‘this is great, I feel really great’, and simultaneously I also realised that moment would pass and soon be gone. I hope no-one finds that morbid, it is not at all intended to sound that way. In actual fact, having that simultaneous thought helps keep a clearer perspective.
I have been going to Nelson Buddhist Centre for over 5 years now, and while I’m still on a learning curve, I feel about the best I have really. Sure, i’ve had crap and difficult times here and there, Buddhism has provided me with the best tools for the job though and there has never been a problem that couldn’t be solved or a question that couldn’t be answered and I have certainly asked a few. For a sensitive and analytical person like me, i’m so glad for it. Without it, I really suspect that I would get lost at sea when storms come.
No matter what a person’s belief or faith or view point, I think it is true to say that everybody is seeking happiness (or if not, at least reduction of their suffering) on some level.
Tiff