<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1514203202045471&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/> Mythology and Intuition, The importance of Mindfulness | Core Spirit

Mythology and Intuition, The importance of Mindfulness
Mar 22, 2023

Core Spirit member since Mar 22, 2023
Reading time 6 min.

"Sometimes it felt like believing too much
in everything we thought was right
would give us the whole world, and even a little more
we'd make forests out of deserts
and diamonds out of broken glass
But now I see
that your smile looks different
almost like it's hurting you..."

Andrea Doria, Legião Urbana

The poem emphasizes the process of maturation and shifting one's worldview. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is enlightenment, which involves discovering the truth about life and breaking free from the cycle of death and rebirth. This process of awakening is not sudden but rather a lifelong journey. As we age, we gain more experience and knowledge about the world, which can change our perspectives and beliefs. Buddhism emphasizes the Middle Way, which means not going too far in either direction. As a result, change is unavoidable and essential to maturation and enlightenment. We learn how the world works as we get older, and this knowledge can help us navigate life with greater wisdom and understanding. Finally, change is necessary for growth and enlightenment, and embracing it rather than resisting it is critical.

"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens," Carl Jung famously said. Buddha said that he was "awake" when asked who he was. Being awake means breaking free from the illusionary world of Maya and seeing reality as it is, realizing the unity behind perceived separation. Looking outside for something that can only be found within is a trap the human consciousness can fall into. Awakening is an internal process that involves shifting one's worldview and bringing forth insights, intuition, illumination, and transcendence.

"Everything is pain

And all pain comes from desire
Of not feeling pain…”*

"When the sun shines on your bedroom window" - Legião Urbana

According to Buddhism, attachment to the material world, including people and objects, causes pain and suffering. This idea is reflected in Legio Urbana's poem "When the sun shines on your bedroom window," in which the protagonist realizes that his previous beliefs and perspectives are harming him.

Attachment can result in suffering, as evidenced by the agony of losing a loved one. Because everything is impermanent, Buddhism teaches that attachment causes suffering. We must practice non-attachment by recognizing impermanence and letting go of attachments to find inner peace. Although Buddhists have a different perspective on attachment, we are all responsible for our actions. We should distance ourselves from things and people who cause us unnecessary pain.

Focus on being present, acknowledging thoughts and feelings without judgment, and paying attention to breathing, body sensations, and surroundings to practice mindfulness. This raises awareness of thoughts and emotions, allowing people to understand themselves better. Meditation or daily activities can be used to practice mindfulness. Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude towards studies and feelings, allowing them to come and go as they please. Regular practice can help you find inner peace and reduce stress and anxiety. Non-attachment entails accepting impermanence and letting go of attachments to find inner peace.

“We are only what we feel,”

On The Way Home, Buffalo Springfield.

This quote emphasizes the importance of discovering one's worth and purpose in life. It implies that living a healthy lifestyle can assist individuals in reaching this goal while also benefiting others. Individuals can engage in various activities that contribute to their overall well-being and physical exercise, such as taking care of their mental and emotional health. Mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection are just a few practices that can help people gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, allowing them to grow personally and better understand others. Individuals can develop a sense of purpose and mean in their lives by cultivating healthy habits and prioritizing self-care, allowing them to live more fulfilling lives for themselves and those around them. They can, for example, learn new hobbies, volunteer in their community, or spend quality time with loved ones. All of these activities can help people find joy and meaning in their lives while also improving the lives of others.

MYTHOLOGY

The creation of myths demonstrates that humans have a natural propensity for storytelling. Myths arose to comprehend the unknown and answer life's "whys." As people's understanding of the world grew more complex, so did the complexity of their stories, which evolved into more elaborate mythologies populated by divinities and semi-gods. On the other hand, myths were not created to be read as factual accounts like newspapers but rather as prose and metaphors for life. Religion is a collection of metaphors for life lessons that provide insight into the human experience.

Myths hint at the potential spirituality of human life. They are not concerned with logic but rather with the deeper meaning of existence. In Buddhism, for example, stories are used as life metaphors to help people find their path to enlightenment. This is exemplified by the famous passage in which Buddha raises a flower before his followers. Only Kassapa responded to Buddha with his eyes, implying that the valid message is not always unmistakable and must be discovered through introspection.

Just as myths can provide insight into the human experience, Buddhism's stories, and teachings guide navigating life's challenges. Individuals can achieve inner peace, wisdom, and comprehension by acknowledging the impermanence of all things and practicing non-attachment. Buddhism's stories and teachings are life lessons that can help people find meaning and purpose, allowing them to live with more fulfillment and joy.

Buddhism, which has been practiced for over 3,000 years, emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in maintaining a healthy mind and body. Living in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, is what mindfulness entails. This concept is reflected in the Latin phrase "carpe diem," which encourages people to find fulfillment by living in the present moment. Meditation is a practice that can aid in the attainment of mindfulness as well as the reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression. Juvenal emphasized the importance of maintaining one's mental, physical, and spiritual health to live a more fulfilling life. As he famously put it,

"You should pray for a healthy mind in a healthy body. Ask for a stout heart that has no fear of death and deems length of days the least of Nature's gifts that can endure any toil, that knows neither wrath nor desire and thinks the woes and hard labors of Hercules better than the loves and banquets and downy cushions of Sardanapalus.”

So, precisely what is meditation? It is a technique in which an individual concentrates on a specific object, thought, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain. It can be done while sitting quietly, repeating a mantra, and closing one's eyes. The practice uses the body's and mind's inextricable link with breathing to increase awareness and inner peace.

“We have not even to risk the adventure alone,
for the heroes of all time have gone before us.
The labyrinth is thoroughly known…
we have only to follow the thread of the hero path.
And where we had thought to find an abomination,
we shall find a God.
And where we had thought to slay another,
we shall slay ourselves.
Where we had thought to travel outwards
we shall come to the center of our own existence.
And where we had thought to be alone
we shall be with all the world.”
(Joseph Campbell)

Finally, this essay has examined how mindfulness, meditation, and non-attachment can help with personal development and enlightenment. Individuals can achieve greater fulfillment and joy by developing healthy habits, practicing self-care, and discovering their life's purpose and meaning. The quote by Joseph Campbell reminds us that the path to personal growth and enlightenment is not a solitary one but one that has been traveled by many before us. We can find the center of our existence and connect with the world by following in the footsteps of those who have come before us.

It is worth pondering: what role does mindfulness play in our spiritual lives? Is it merely a means to an end or an end in itself?

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