Vinaire's Blog

 

August 11, 2014: This essay is superseded by 

Contemplate thoughtfully.

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Reference: 

THE 12 ASPECTS OF MINDFULNESS

Being There

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When mindfulness is practiced, thinking becomes contemplation. Problems are solved by looking at them closely and obtaining the relevant data. There is no random figuring out.

1. Become aware of inconsistencies.

   Inconsistencies are things that seem out of place and do not make sense. We naturally question such things. But often, as children, we are told to shut up because we are too young to understand.  Our questions tend to get suppressed.

   A child who has been discouraged from asking questions, and punished in his attempts to find answers, may grow doubting his opinions and judgments. He may think that he is not a good student. He may be afraid of speaking in front of people. He may suffer from a sense of inadequacy.

   The remedy is to practice mindfulness and become aware of those questions that never got answered, and to become aware of the inconsistencies, which surround one even now.

2. Inconsistency comes about when missing understanding is filled by assumptions.

   When we observe an inconsistency, the complete understanding is not there. Either some relevant information is missing, or false data is being added. There are assumptions in play. Any explanation forwarded needs to be closely examined.

   When one becomes aware of an inconsistency, it is better to acknowledge it and pause for a closer examination.

3. Always look at the area of inconsistency more closely.

   Contemplation is patiently looking in and around the area of inconsistency without assuming anything. One looks for things that have been put out of sight or suppressed. One examines relationships that are out of sequence or misplaced. One separates what is actually there from what is being assumed to be there.

4. Narrow down the inconsistency more precisely.

   Narrowing down is separating what makes sense from what does not make sense. Inconsistency is something that continues to be puzzling. One follows the trail of what continues to be puzzling.

5. Alternate the steps 3 and 4 to progress as far as you can.

   Follow the trails of inconsistencies as far as you can. If a trail dead ends then take another broad view of the inconsistency and find another trail to follow.

6. As you continue with this process clarity will start to manifest itself.

   As you become increasingly familiar with the area around the inconsistency, you will start to get a better definition. There will be increasing clarity about what does and what does not make sense. The key is to stay alert to assumptions.

7. Sooner or later the whole inconsistency may fall apart.

   It may come as a bright flash of insight. Suddenly, there is complete understanding.

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Exercise

1. Get settled as per KHTK Exercise BEING THERE , and simply be there practicing mindfulness.

2. Review your childhood confusions and questions to see if any of them is still unresolved.

3. If none appear then review your current period for things that seem out of place and do not make sense.

4. Pick up the first inconsistency that comes to your mind from the childhood or current period. 

5. Acknowledge to yourself that the inconsistency is there.

6. Look in and around this area of inconsistency to see if any details have been hidden from you.

7. Become aware of such details one by one until nothing more is hidden.

8. Look in and around this area of inconsistency to see if any details have been suppressed.

9. Become aware of such details one by one until nothing more is suppressed.

10. Review the area of inconsistency to see what does not make sense now.

11. The  earlier inconsistency may have been cleared up. In that case pick up the next inconsistency that comes to your mind.

12. If the earlier inconsistency is not cleared up then a new area for that inconsistency might appear.

13. Repeat steps 6 to 12 above.

14. End this exercise when an inconsistency has been cleared up.

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One can do this exercise up to a couple of hours at a stretch, but how long you do it is up to you. Do this exercise as often as practical until it becomes a second nature to you.

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[For further details, please see: KHTK Mindfulness]

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