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JaiMaaDurga
09 February 2013, 08:57 PM
Namaste,

I wish to preface the post by reminding all readers that
I am simply a devotee of Devi, a member of HDF, and do not consider
myself any sort of an authority on spiritual matters or practices;
I am only sharing, in my limited and rambling way, what has been shown
me, and has proven beneficial to myself; any errors, or
lack of clarity or understanding, are solely mine, apologies in advance...

It was suggested to me that it might be helpful to share a
very basic (if not always easy) method for helping
increase awareness of the constant "inner chatter of the mind";
not only awareness of its presence, but the degree and quality of it;
for so often one may realize indulging it is an impediment to
progress, yet a sense of shame and self-scolding set in immediately-
which is simply the wily one changing costumes,
and remaining in the driver's seat.

One must be willing and ready to observe dispassionately, just as the
naturalist who wishes to learn the full spectrum of a creature's true
behavior will not alert the creature to their presence, so must one first be
able to observe their own chatter. One must first truly know the traits and
habits of that, which is assumed at first by many to be more familiar than
one's own family or face, but after dispassionate observation, is found
to be often more varied, and pernicious, than initially assumed.

So-
what might be a useful step, to begin this process of observing
dispassionately, that one might find our own "off button", or at least
the "volume knob", before ego is alerted, and redirects attention
elsewhere in its bid to keep the throne?

There are many, but the one that will be discussed here is again
simple, yet not necessarily easy: Observe one's complaining.

What comes out of our mouths, begins in our minds;
consider how much does the average person complain inwardly, in
comparison to the complaints made openly? One may begin first by taking
note, after the fact, of each instance of externally expressing complaint;
then progressing toward observing the internal process of reaction/
feeling/ thought which precedes both externally and internally expressed
complaint; after some proficiency in dispassionate observation is
achieved, then may one begin to make progress in simultaneously
addressing both the gross external manifestation, and the internal root and
indulgence of complaint.. even just this one avenue of approach
in "noise reduction" can be most efficacious in creating a habit of
better "mental hygiene", as complaint is a favorite weapon, and points
directly at the nature, of Lord Chatterbox..

Just as an athlete will train daily, all year round, for an event that may occur
only once a year, so practicing good "mental hygiene" in one's
mundane daily activities is most conducive to success in practice of
meditation, whatever one's sadhana may be.

Often, one finds that point being discussed or emphasized from the other
perspective (meditation leads to improvement in daily life, etc.), but,
consider: One does far more walking than running in the course of life, yet
when the time for running occurs,
the one who can walk far and long without difficulty, will not be troubled;
those with no habit of walking will soon be winded, suffering cramps, and
exhausted, left behind.. weak legs can neither walk nor run, only betray
the one they bear.

An aside: a word in English I learned recently describes a manner of
being and conduct, which serves well as an example of unhealthiness:

"captious"

Not to be facile, but I feel it best to leave it to the reader to look up
the definition; a quality to be avoided, both in one's self, and in the
company one keeps!

JAI MATA DI

Believer
06 March 2013, 08:32 AM
Namaste,

Some very wise words indeed.

After looking up the meaning of the word captious, I can't find any faults with your post. :)

Pranam.