Several years ago I first heard about mindfulness from one of my mentors. He told me to be mindful when I told him that I felt nervous before one presentation.
I happen to learn more about mindfulness from “The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion” book.
Some words have profound meanings that can change our mindset when we understand it. I believe mindful is one of those words. Christopher define mindfulness as awareness of our condition with acceptance.
Apparently, being aware of one’s own physical, mind and emotion condition is not easy. I realized that I had often experienced it. Sometimes I get distracted by the hastiness of urban life. Other times I actively avoid unpleasant, painful or difficult thoughts and emotions such as self-blame, shame, nervousness, sadness, etc. “Acceptance means to embrace whatever arises within us, moment to moment, just as it is”.
Christopher gave us an equation: Pain x Resistance = Suffering. We suffer when we resist our pain.
Process of turning toward discomfort occurs in stages:
- Aversion – resistance, avoidance, rumination
- Curiosity – turning toward discomfort with interest
- Tolerance – safely enduring
- Allowing – letting feelings come and go
- Friendship – embracing, seeing hidden value
The book also teaches us about self-kindness and self-compassion. I will write about it later on. I highly recommend the book, one of the best book I’ve ever read.
Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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