Creating an upward spiral. How mindfulness helps you cherish your Self.

“Find out what is immediate, intimate, instead of trying to find out what is distant and unknown.” -Ramana Maharshi, Talk, No. 17

?Every year we make prayers and resolutions. We do so with the belief that the upcoming year will be more auspicious than the preceding one. Although most of us see this as superstition, there is truth in the fact that positive energy and positive outcomes generate more venerable results. Negative energy, on the other hand, is a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more we are focused on what is not going well in our lives, the more these outcomes manifest. This principle operates like the laws of physics. This is why the wise Ones counsel us to mind our thoughts.

“A Zen mind is a beginner’s mind”, Suzuki used to remind his students. If you make the most of this opportunity, your door is open, and fresh air will be like a summer breeze. Call this mindset, the mindset of good fortune. Misfortune, on the other hand, generates anxiety, stress, and a downward spiral. When you feel this ailment coming on, we suggest nipping it in the bud. Chanting the name works wonders. Not only is there a rhythm to the bhajan, but it helps clear the mind of negative thoughts that can disturb your peace of mind.

I never understood why people insist on beating up on themselves. Should this be your case, perhaps you should wear an amulet or rudraksha necklace. The “deity” within will protect you. However, nothing will protect you if you insist on being reckless. I am reminded of a friend who went with me to a Chinese restaurant and couldn’t decide whether to order the Moo Shu or Szechuan beef. In theory, he loved both dishes at this restaurant but the flavours were profoundly different. His mind was in a muddle. So he ordered both and was disappointed by both.

Why did he order two dishes knowing full well he could only eat just one? Indecision. Have you not experienced this state of mind and reacted by acting a bit rashly?

When you are uncertain, it is best to “walk away”. Simplicity is always the best strategy to go to when you are unsure. I, on the other hand, ordered the Buddha’s delight and it was perfect. In Zen or any other meditation, one concentrates on achieving samadhi. The wise know that this is just a mind exercise. Samadhi comes of its own volition. You can not wish this state of being into existence. It just is. This is why it is said to strive for just one thing. Focus. Stay centered and just let go. By letting go you position your being to receive. Satisfaction and fulfillment are found in total emptiness. It is never found grasping for things or experiences.

The last thing I would like to mention today is to cast off your attachment to the past. Too many of us let our minds drag us back to some mythical past. “Better times” is a misnomer. The best time you can ever have is in the present moment. You are so “into” the present moment that your mind doesn’t even register “awareness” because it is blank. Relish change. The nature of life is change. The effect of observing yourself from a fixed point brings clarity and awareness. The best time to notice change is early in the morning, which is why Zen monks wake up at 4h00 to sit in zazen. There is a stillness in the air that can only be experienced in the morning. Such a practice regiments your lifestyle and thus gives you a freedom you never thought you had.

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About the author

Andrew Scharf is an Award-Winning MBA Admissions Consultant ?? Executive & Career Coach recognised for helping top performers, and aspiring professionals be all they can be. His?mission is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world at Whitefield Consulting .

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