Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register
Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04
Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.

Wrong thoughts? I use the eight fold path to fix myself it seems like lately...

BeachHouseGuyBeachHouseGuy
edited June 2011 in Buddhism Basics
I go through my day, drift off and say ok this is wrong.. this is not right view, concentration e.t.c. Is that normal?

Comments

  • SherabDorjeSherabDorje
    Yes. Eventually it should become more natural and automatic.
  • YishaiYishai Veteran
    edited June 2011
    Sherab is completely correct. When we practice, we are cultivating and contemplating the eightfold path. Then, we have to put that into action. At first, it requires a lot of effort and correction. Eventually though, you start to undo the old conditioning of your mind and replace it with the eightfold path. :)


    I still have to make the conscious effort too.
    For example, before I went to work today, I was walking the dog. She would not use bathroom and I really needed to be heading out the door. So, I took her back into the apartment (she knows to use the bathroom if I'm not there). The thing is, I was so frustrated by her unwillingness to use this restroom (I know she had to because she would intentionally stop herself(start to poo, force stop)). On the way back to the apartment, I was taking my frustrations out on her by walking much faster than her and making her catch up and not letting her sniff around.

    Anyway, I got back to the apartment, and I realized that I was being unskillful in many many ways, so I apologized to the dog and gave her a belly rub :) Then I headed out the door. I have to admit it would've been a bad way to start the day if I hadn't taken a step back to see I was being unskillful.
  • vinlynvinlyn Colorado...for now Veteran
    Yes, gls. TO me, that is simply being mindful, and a good thing. As Sherabdorje said, it will become more natural over time.
  • TheswingisyellowTheswingisyellow Trying to be open to existence Samsara Veteran
    edited June 2011
    To quote an overly used quote, "that's why it's called a practice" Your being mindful and that's great. Don't beat yourself up. Know that whatever shortcomings you percieve, don't define you. Just use whatever you feel that falls short, as points of learning. Learn from what happens, look for when your most vulnerable, I bet you'll see a pattern in your reactivity and thinking. For me my mindfullness and practice tends to slip when I am fatigued, so it is at these times I try a little harder. Above all just learn from it and keep going :rockon:
Sign In or Register to comment.