In Mind Training, we work to remove all that isn't essential, the things we use to identify ourselves, others, the world, mental addictions, obsessions, attachments. It is what Sri Ramana Maharshi identifies as "neti, neti". Not this, not this. In the process we strip down apparent reality to the absolute essentials. We are left with nothing but the void, our breath, the moment. All else is window dressing. This is tough training and is just not for everyone. Not everyone is ready for it, most are simply not interested. As Morpheus said, "most of these people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inert, so hopelessly dependent on the system that they will fight to protect it." Further, many who think they are ready for intense training later find out they aren't. We grow accustomed to our attachments, our ego dressings, our illusions. It may just be easier to live with them, even knowing they are illusion.
Enter COVID-19. In the current situation, many of us are engaged in an involuntary version of Mind Training. Take away your job, your dojo, your gym, your favorite bar, the give-and-take of social interaction and then who are you? I am sure for many this situation is unsettling just for that reason, though they may not realize it. For those who are interested, this is a perfect opportunity for deep reflection to some degree. In fact, I think it can be healthy in this situation, because as we come out of lockdown we will not be going back to the world we left. The external things we once trusted for impression management and social support may no longer be options, and will at least be very different.
There are lots of thoughts and ideas being shared right now, some postulating about the strange new world. One thing we know at this point (early May, 2020): we don't know anything. We will be working with a clean slate to create this new world that will be socially-restricted and economically deficient, at least for some time. All the better if we approach it with open minds and no-limit attitudes.
Enter COVID-19. In the current situation, many of us are engaged in an involuntary version of Mind Training. Take away your job, your dojo, your gym, your favorite bar, the give-and-take of social interaction and then who are you? I am sure for many this situation is unsettling just for that reason, though they may not realize it. For those who are interested, this is a perfect opportunity for deep reflection to some degree. In fact, I think it can be healthy in this situation, because as we come out of lockdown we will not be going back to the world we left. The external things we once trusted for impression management and social support may no longer be options, and will at least be very different.
There are lots of thoughts and ideas being shared right now, some postulating about the strange new world. One thing we know at this point (early May, 2020): we don't know anything. We will be working with a clean slate to create this new world that will be socially-restricted and economically deficient, at least for some time. All the better if we approach it with open minds and no-limit attitudes.
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