EP 320: The True Benefits of Non-Judging Awareness

Published: Aug. 19, 2020, 12:12 a.m.

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As human beings, we have a strong tendency to judge and form expectations for our experiences.

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We all do it!

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We EXPECT to get to work without traffic.

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We EXPECT to not have a flat tire.

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We EXPECT that our pen won\\u2019t run out of ink.

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And when we live with these expectations, we set ourselves up for the acts of clinging and aversion.

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We cling to the idea that our pen SHOULD work.

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And we don\\u2019t accept that our tire is flat when we\\u2019re leaving for work in the morning.

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And in this clinging and aversion, uncomfortable and disturbing emotions arise.

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And we suffer.

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But we still have to get up and grab a new pen and we still have to fix our flat tire.

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Well, the practice of mindfulness - living in each present moment without the expectations arising from prejudgment - teaches us to ACCEPT the unwanted inconveniences in our lives and avoid - or at least reduce - whatever suffering they may cause.

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We still have to get a new pen, but when we do, we do so feeling good.

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I know this might sound strange to you. It did to me at first, too.

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But with a little bit of practice, these skills are very attainable!

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Questions? Let me know.

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