Comments on: Overcoming Our Attachment To Thoughts

By: Nate

Nate — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:20:37 +0000

Hi Bob -

Thanks for stopping by!

Yeah, sometimes it’s hard when we get those feeling or we feel that someone else is threatening us. We begin to create stories in our head and come up with ways we can respond, or react. It helps when we begin to realize these are just thoughts. They are not who we are. If we have the patience to sit and observe these thoughts with non-judgement we will see that they pass. This can be quite a liberating process.

By: Bob Bessette

Bob Bessette — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:23:17 +0000

Nate,
This is really good stuff and it really hits home with me. A similar occurrence happened to me this morning. I was pulling into the work parking lot and there was another car right on my tail. He ended up parking right next to me but I really didn’t like the aggression he was showing with his driving. I felt like approaching him but I let it pass. So, I did the right thing in that case.
Your story reminds me of a saying that says “If you tell the truth, it becomes part of your past. If you lie, it becomes part of your future.” The elder monk forgot about the incident while the younger monk held onto the thought and it bothered him.
Nate, you and I are a lot alike. I look forward to reading more here.
Best,
Bob
.-= Bob Bessette´s last blog ..Review of Daniel Scocco’s eBook, Make Money Blogging. =-.

By: Nate

Nate — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:42:46 +0000

Alex -

Thank you for your comment! Yes, I think positive thinking definitely does help out quite a bit. Also, just becoming aware of our thoughts and not trying to place labels on events helps as well. It helps us better accept the impermanence of all things, whether we consider them ‘good’ or ‘bad.’

By: Alex Blackwell

Alex Blackwell — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:25:18 +0000

I love your story. Thoughts do indeed become things. It’s amazing when I challenge myself to clear my thoughts and focus on the positive, good things happen.

Thanks for sharing.

Alex

By: Nate

Nate — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:15:26 +0000

Hi Walter – good to hear from you! Yes, I agree, it is a difficult task indeed. Sometimes I’m shocked when I meditate at the overwhelming flow of thoughts…and the randomness to them. It goes to show you that we are not our thoughts though and that our thoughts are not permanent.

By: Walter

Walter — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 04:54:59 +0000

Detaching from our thoughts is not an easy task to accomplish. However, it must be done in order for us to grow spiritually. The initial thoughts that we have come from the automatic response of the mind. We should always be aware of this in order for us to be free from following our instincts.

By: Nate

Nate — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:23:13 +0000

Jen – thanks for the kind comment. I really appreciate it! I’m glad the story helped. I love hearing and reading stories like this. They offer great lessons in how we can live our lives. I hope you’re doing well! Peace.

By: Nate

Nate — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:22:05 +0000

Hey Earl!

Yes, definitely similar principles to Vipassana as that ‘school’ of Buddhism revolves around mindfulness…although, I suppose most Buddhist practices do.

Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it. I’m trying to be as genuine and honest as possible about my journey and struggles. I’m absolutely writing about this stuff because it’s something I definitely care about.

Oh, back to the Vipassana. Yes, I’m mildly familiar with it. Actually, once I’m done with my MBSR course, I will likely go that route. There’s a Vipassana meditation center a couple of blocks from my house. I’m sure I’ll also look into doing some longer retreats as well.

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:04:40 +0000

I love your posts Nate. This is great and perfect timing, I was in the middle of exactly that kind of drama in my head as I came to read your post! I have let it go and will bring this awareness to my life today. Loved the story. .-= Jen´s last blog ..A wake up call =-.

By: Earl

Earl — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:38:40 +0000

These are similar principles to the Vipassana meditation practice that I credit for creating such positive change in my life. The idea is not to fight our feelings, but to accept them, examine them and react in a more healthy manner so that the following time, that reaction becomes a little more natural.

I love how you’re able to use small stories from your everyday life to further support your points. It’s what keeps this blog as real and genuine as they come.

And your posts lately have really got me thinking about doing another 10-day meditation retreat!

Are you familiar with the Vipassana?
.-= Earl´s last blog ..Guest Post at Quest4Balance.com! =-.