May 2023: Parenting the Mind
Personal growth emerges from the practice of watching thoughts, like a kind parent
*** Last Chance! Sign up for the Being for Beginners weekend Wytham 3 + 4th June. ***
Thoughts appear;
I watch them with the same love I have for a child
Understanding, calming, asking.
And so the child grows: wiser, happier.
witness, re-think
There is an opportunity that is vital for personal growth: it is the habit of noticing thoughts, like a kind parent discovering their child.
Naming our thoughts, we see repeating patterns and perceive associations.
By understanding the desire (want/ don’t want) that brings a thought to mind, we get to know ourselves and, like a parent, bring questions to reveal other perspectives that change our patterns, make us wiser and resolve problems.
Patience is needed, and it is important to name and ask without judgement, especially if what we notice is uncomfortable.
take 5 …
Have a notebook to hand.
Spend 5 minutes noticing thoughts that cross the mind, note down briefly the subject they are about (e.g. ‘work to get done’). It may help to ask (contemplate) ‘what thoughts do I have regularly’.
If you are new to meditation, try meditating on the breath, I guarantee thoughts will keep popping into your mind! Briefly note each one and return to the breath.
… and an experiment!
Notice thoughts moment by moment; including when you first wake up – these can be especially revealing.
A kind parent does not ignore, suppress or scold. They are smarter than that. They first understand, then they ask good questions to bring fresh perspectives. We change best with persistent tenderness.
quotes …
To understand is to perceive patterns ~ Isaiah Berlin
Awake. Be the witness of your thoughts ~ The Buddha
The best thinking is re-thinking ~ Shane Parrish
ps
Don’t miss the B4B retreat weekend in beautiful Wytham Woods, 3 & 4 June. I look forward to seeing you there
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Roddy