Mindfulness practices can be incredibly healing and liberating. Many people who are new to mindfulness don't realize that the attitudes and intentions behind our practice are even more important than the practices themselves. Here we discuss some problematic views that can cause us to feel stuck.
True enemies may be easy to spot, but what about "near enemies"? If near enemies were people, we might call them "frenemies". A near enemy is a subtle quality that we may miss or confuse as useful or helpful when, in fact, it can become an obstacle to our mindfulness practice that is hidden from us or in disguise.
Compassion, lovingkindness, appreciative joy, and equanimity are beneficial mental states that could be considered four complimentary "flavors of love". Together they form a firm foundation upon which authentic love can take solid root in a way that is boundless & indestructible. We can cultivate these qualities through a dedicated mindfulness practice.
Meeting online, for a great number of people, is the only way they can realistically participate in mindfulness classes and practice meetings. Not everyone can make it to a meditation center. For these individuals, the virtual community can be a lifeline. But, what happens when, on the sole basis of preference, we curate the inconvenience of face-to-face interactions in our learning, practice and daily lives?
"Listen to your gut" can be dubious advice. Mindfulness can increase awareness of our gut instincts and allow us to include other important information that may be available in a given situation. This helps us respond with greater wisdom and increases the likelihood that outcomes will be more satisfying for all involved.
