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Consciousness in These
Days
By Editor
The practice of the
mind in Buddhism is known as the four foundations of mindfulness
consisting of the body, compassion, the mind and Dharma.
The body means
physical behaviors, manners and actions such as standing, walking,
sitting, sleeping, raising arms, holding, brushing the teeth, chewing,
etc.
Compassion connotes
the feelings of happiness, sorrow, or indifference, for example;
knowing that we are happy when we are satisfied with something,
realizing that it is hot when we are in a humid place, feeling nothing
when we are ignorant.
The mind signifies
any thoughts that appear in our mind, for instance, scattered-brained,
depressed, annoyed, greed, angry, etc.
Dharma represents
the Buddha's teachings naming; the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism,
Podchong 7, five-sense doors, etc.
How consciousness helps emotional D-toxication?
Emotions are the reflection
of the mind against temptation from the outside and from within.
Whenever we feel something, we often interpret and "season" it until
we feel more painful than it is supposed to be.
You may be reprimanded
about your work which you realize that it is a mistake that you
yourself have made. However, you cannot help feeling enraged; "I
know that it is my fault but why do you have to blame me so harshly?"
You come home, still thinking of the reproach. In addition to that,
you even further consider whether you should quit the job. You question
yourself why the work did not come out the way it should be. You
see your wife but you do not feel like talking to her because you
are moody or yet take it on her.
After getting blamed
at, you will later feel upset. This might affect the people around
you or cause them restlessness.
Mostly, we ourselves
are often the origin of our sorrow. Others can only hurt us from
time to time. They cannot follow us home into the bedroom or the
dining table.
When we are conscious
and know that we have to let go of such reproach especially an unreasonable
one, we will feel less hurtful or the feeling will only stay with
us only constantly. As an ordinary person, it would be better to
see it as useful for it teaches us not to make the some mistake
again and would be a step towards successfulness.
For a better benefit,
being conscious can abolish scattered-stormed feeling, unhappiness
and stress. When the mind knows that we are walking, moving forward
with the left foot-the right foot, sitting on a chair, or holding
a pen. Our current thoughts will be clear. The thoughts of the past
and the future will be gone.
Some might think that
this will make us do things more slowly. Certainly, it will but
whatever we do will be meaningful and intelligent. We would not
be living our lives without a purpose. Instead, we will think carefully
and take an action reasonably.
Ways to being conscious
To concentrate on the
breath is a very popular way to gain consciousness. Many people
have always talked about it. Therefore we will not mention it here.
Another easy way to
build consciousness is a physical one such as various common movements;
when you walk, say "left-right" in your mind relating to the step
you are taking.
Try this with the hands
when you, for instance, swing, raise, place your arms, scoop up
something, twist your body, etc., in accordance with the movements
of the hands at that time. This exercise is simple since the hands
are very sensitive to any stimulations.
We should always be
conscious with the feelings created by the five senses. This is
clearly stated in the four foundations of mindfulness especially
the vision and the sound for both occur frequently.
When we encounter with
someone we particularly dislike, we might feel a bit irritated,
causing us to feel stressed. We also experience the same reaction
when we hear other people gossip about us. But if we are conscious
and know that it is only what we "see" and "hear" without seasoning
it, the pain will be less.
Do not be misunderstood
that we should be indifferent to all things around us. Still, we
should look at things realistically and solve all problems due to
its cause and factors. For example, when we hear other people talk
behind our back and what they say is true, we should fix it. But
if it is not, we should correct it. If we cannot do so, that is
when it is better to ignore it.
To start
For a start, try to
practice it with the breath. That is to be aware whether in or out.
Then focus on whether such breath is long or short.
Stop your usual habit
for some time and find the right time to do it. That is not to be
in a rush with no disturbance. Try it during meals, during a walk
or talking the stairs, etc., for 5-10 minutes each day and increase
the amount of time that best suits you.
When our mind is conscious,
we are at peace. We would not be affected by any emotions or feelings
seasoned by our mind. If this can be accomplished, the poisonous
emotions will definitely decrease.
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