Cultivating a mindfulness practice strengthens beneficial qualities that mature into a more skillful way of being in the world. When we let go of attachment to outcome and direct our efforts to creating the best possible conditions, we find the courage to persevere.
Being a practitioner of mindfulness without a system of ethics may help one relax, become more focused, or be less reactive in difficult situations, but much deeper benefits are available to us and to those around us when we begin to practice from a principled foundation.
Is mindfulness the best hope for humanity? If we were truly aware, the vast majority of us would likely be relating to ourselves and the world with greater compassion and wisdom. But, it's easier to to stay asleep...
Intention is the driver behind action and our ethics inform our intentions. Together these concepts are important because they orient us and point us in a certain direction. Aligning our mindfulness practice with our highest values helps us step out of the cycle of suffering and live with greater purpose.
Can taking offense ever be helpful? When we are offended, it's because we find someone or something repugnant or we perceive that our values have been violated in some way. It's more than just feeling hurt or disappointed, although these emotions may underly it. More often there's a sense of being insulted or disrespected in … Continue reading Taking Offense: A Variation on Aversion
