The new Google Chrome Book doesn’t have a caps lock key. Does you mind still have the key?
How so?
The human mind has the tendency to exaggerate – to see more than there is.
This is often manifested as excitement or despondency leading to a fluctuation of mood.
It appears as though we share the same reality as those around us – if we look carefully however we see a world that is created and projected by our mind.
Lets say we get a new job, the mind will become excited as a result of the change and our wishes being fulfilled.
Excitement feels great to begin with….but it wears off.
One of the main tragedies of modern thinking is that excitement brings happiness. This view props up the economy. The confused attitude leading to large computer companies able to sell millions of a new product that it launches within minutes of its launch. The feel good factor wears off and then we need an upgrade or a smaller or larger model.
‘Are you excited’ is a well used question asked when something new or different is about to happen – we feel compelled to say ‘yes’. Would it mean that we would appear boring if we said anything different?
Excitement is a movement of the mind – a peaking.
It’s often difficult to see the movements of the mind as we are focused more on what is happening outside.
Why not check-in with our mind frequently during the day to see its movement?
The process of watching our mind naturally leads to it being pacified.
After the excitement then what? We need to look forward to something else, that will lead to the same experience at some point in the future.
Excitement is an exaggeration, in the same way anger is. When we are frustrated by a situation our mind exaggerates the circumstance.
We get a parking ticket, this leads to frustration – someone else receives one it can even be funny – we exaggerate our importance and the situation.
The mind that has a tendency to excite is the similar to the one that becomes disappointed and depressed.
In today’s society depression is seen as a result of a physical imbalance along with effects of childhood and surroundings. Maybe these are factors but one essential point is missing, the movement in the mind.
To learn how to pacify and control the mind in meditation is one of the kindest activities we can offer our self and the world around us. This will natural help us to respond to situations with the caps lock off.
Seeing beyond the surface and deeper into what is appearing to the mind. We can all accomplish this with training and determination
When faced with a problem – ask : ‘where is the problem?’.
The mind will immediately jump onto a problem and react however with a calm mind you can ask: ‘where is the problem outside of my mind?’
Meditation helps to make the mind more subtle and less caught up with ‘stuff’ of the modern world.
Investing in excitement is a little like voting or following a political party for a long time – you get to the point where you can’t imagine voting for the other options even if your party is not fulfilling your wishes. Anyway what would be the options.? To never be excited and lead a grey existence!
Not necessarily; it’s simply not being deceived by what is appearing to the mind. This requires patience and mental training. Looking at the world around us with fresh eyes.
The experience of happiness that excitement claims to be offering can only be discovered through cultivating peace within the mind.
TRY A DAY WITHOUT THE CAPS LOCK ON
see what happens and enjoy.
Article written by Adam Dacey