I’ve always been skeptical about comedians - tears of a clown image. Hidden pain and the need to find fault with others to make yourself feel superior - tough to be around! I congratulate the author for recognizing that he needed help. Becoming mindful is, indeed, a lot of work. I remember someone came up with the idea in the 90’s, I beleive, to place a rubber band around your wrist. The idea was to snap the rubber band every time you had a negative, hurtful thought - even about yourself. I was in my 40’s at the time. Needless to say, my wrist was quite red. Now, in my 60’s, the mindfulness has taken hold, as has the love and compassion for all of us on this imperfect/perfect path called life. It would still be a good idea for me to get a rubber band, just to see if what I’m saying here is true. I’m up for the challenge. My sister has a silver bracelet with the inscription, Let It Be. She does look at those words and it reminds her to pause, reflect. Love this simple idea that could have a massive impact on raising consciousness.
Pegeen, your comments are incredible! (You’re a great writer!) I love the rubber band move, and I could imagine snapping it for many reasons in addition to being negative or hurtful: (1) wasting time online (2) having a craving for pot [knock it off!] (3) ruminating too much on the past or the future.
Thanks for your kind words Bill! I tend to think I’m too verbose in my responses, so I appreciate your encouragement. Remember, on this path, we must be kind and compassionate with ourselves - and patient! This is not about “self-improvement” but more about dismantling all the layers of untruths that block our true inner Light. Self-love, self-care and mindfulness - and the rubber band ceases to sting. You are amazing!
This is so spectacular I read it twice. First in book form (a few months ago) when I stumbled upon it in a paperback collection of essays called ‘The Best Buddhist Writing 2012.’
Spirituality meets relationships meets social media. Hilarious, heart-felt writing. I was thrilled to see it available (free!) online, so I starred it and read it again (just now) and, of course, I’d love to discuss it here.
Tulku Yeshi Gyatso, the Tibetan monk, has incredible advice about media consumption. It might be the best I’ve ever read: “If you need information, make a list of what you want, go to your computer, find this, and turn it off. You have control.” Not much. “Look for what you need. PBS! Beautiful programs. Animals! NASA! Share with your son this science and culture. History Channel is very good!”
I’ve always been skeptical about comedians - tears of a clown image. Hidden pain and the need to find fault with others to make yourself feel superior - tough to be around! I congratulate the author for recognizing that he needed help. Becoming mindful is, indeed, a lot of work. I remember someone came up with the idea in the 90’s, I beleive, to place a rubber band around your wrist. The idea was to snap the rubber band every time you had a negative, hurtful thought - even about yourself. I was in my 40’s at the time. Needless to say, my wrist was quite red. Now, in my 60’s, the mindfulness has taken hold, as has the love and compassion for all of us on this imperfect/perfect path called life. It would still be a good idea for me to get a rubber band, just to see if what I’m saying here is true. I’m up for the challenge. My sister has a silver bracelet with the inscription, Let It Be. She does look at those words and it reminds her to pause, reflect. Love this simple idea that could have a massive impact on raising consciousness.
Pegeen, your comments are incredible! (You’re a great writer!) I love the rubber band move, and I could imagine snapping it for many reasons in addition to being negative or hurtful: (1) wasting time online (2) having a craving for pot [knock it off!] (3) ruminating too much on the past or the future.
Carpe diem!
Thanks for your kind words Bill! I tend to think I’m too verbose in my responses, so I appreciate your encouragement. Remember, on this path, we must be kind and compassionate with ourselves - and patient! This is not about “self-improvement” but more about dismantling all the layers of untruths that block our true inner Light. Self-love, self-care and mindfulness - and the rubber band ceases to sting. You are amazing!
This is so spectacular I read it twice. First in book form (a few months ago) when I stumbled upon it in a paperback collection of essays called ‘The Best Buddhist Writing 2012.’
Spirituality meets relationships meets social media. Hilarious, heart-felt writing. I was thrilled to see it available (free!) online, so I starred it and read it again (just now) and, of course, I’d love to discuss it here.
10 out of 10.
Tulku Yeshi Gyatso, the Tibetan monk, has incredible advice about media consumption. It might be the best I’ve ever read: “If you need information, make a list of what you want, go to your computer, find this, and turn it off. You have control.” Not much. “Look for what you need. PBS! Beautiful programs. Animals! NASA! Share with your son this science and culture. History Channel is very good!”