Envy is a self-conscious emotion that can cause us much pain. Through the cultivation of mindfulness, we can learn to see through the illusion of "I, me and mine" and engage in value-congruent behavior that supports our intentions for happiness and wellbeing.
Though we are often encouraged to take pride in our accomplishments or the groups we associate ourselves with, this self-conscious emotion can become an obstacle and lead to suffering. Mindfulness can help us cultivate more skillful states of mind that have a greater likelihood of leading to lasting happiness.
Can mindfulness help free us from the discomfort of self-consciousness? When we cultivate mindfulness and self-compassion, we can liberate ourselves from the tyranny of "I, me and mine", making space to live with greater authenticity.
Are you holding yourself in servitude to shoulds, oughts, and musts? Instead, make an active commit to non-self-harming. Mindful self-care is part of a practice of non-violence toward oneself, embracing attitudes and actions that are self-respecting and life affirming.
While there is great value in the transmission of knowledge from teacher to student, no teacher is as potent an instructor as lived experience. In mindfulness training, knowledge arises out of the direct experience of the teacher's own mindfulness practice and is transmitted through one's embodiment of these attitudes and practices. The teacher isn't an expert per se, but a fellow traveler on a shared journey.
