Too lightly?

Bodi

I am trying to take a more commpassionate and mindful approach to life. I am trying to regain the inquisitive nature of a child, before our "sense of self" created ego and pride. Where we could look, feel, ponder, interprate anyway we chose. It seems like a naieve sort of meditation. A detatchment from the "self" and embracing the "moment".

Is this act foolish and ignorant? Or is it some skewed component or version of meditation and Bodhi?

Many thanks, Namaste friends
Katie xoxo

Bodi

Oh it's like I'm out of a page from the Taoism of Pooh! Hahaha, to put it another way!

Jeffrey

I think it is a little distorted by ideas of what it 'should' be in your mind such as 'childlike'. Like you also have to let go of the idea that it is like a child if that should stop working for you. But if it is inspiring and helpful then keep that idea.

Try it out and see if it works. I think more gentle light touch spacious nature is the right direction. But that could just be me.

fivebells

Yes, trying to adopt a "Buddhist" personality can be problematic. There can be some benefit to a "fake it till you make it" approach, if some behavior is really getting in the way, but in the worst case, you just end up with a brittle caricature of a "Buddhist."

jovialprankster

It's never too late to have a happy childhood.

shenpennangwa

fivebells wrote: »

Yes, trying to adopt a "Buddhist" personality can be problematic. There can be some benefit to a "fake it till you make it" approach, if some behavior is really getting in the way, but in the worst case, you just end up with a brittle caricature of a "Buddhist."

this is an excellent point.
it happens far too often.

Bodi

Thank you all for your responses. I will keep in mind there is no right or wrong here, there just "is". If my meditation is working for me, I am feeling calmer, more content, centred and awake then why question it? Hahaha, just go with le' flow! I am holding onto the "self" and concerns of appearing like a "wanna be poser" or "ignorant" buddhist. But they are all lables and the oppinions of others... none of which are concerns of mine any longer.

Thank you again for your priceless advice.
Namaste friends, Katie xoxo

Palzang

I think it is more important to develop a genuine way of living than trying to project some sort of imaginary ideal image onto oneself because, frankly, that never works. What it takes is a lot of hard work to undo all those conditioned responses we have developed over such a long time.

Palzang

PS BTW, it's the "Tao of Pooh".

FoibleFull

I agree with Palzang, although I never could have said it with such clarity and brevity!

Bodi

I agree, I often find myself imitating others, looking for identity and lables, without realising it. I need to let go and just be.

I also tend to have a very all or nothing, black or white view of things. I think these two obsticles will be my most difficult to over come. You don't quite see yourself doing old habits as they are so deeply ingrained. I will continue along this exciting, confronting and profoundly rewarding path.
Thank you all again!
Simply BE!

Palzang

Sure, it's not easy at all. In fact, it's probably the most difficult thing in the world. But it's a process. You just keep on going on, one day at a time. When you screw up (and you will, frequently), you don't beat yourself up, you just shrug it off - "Ooops, there I go again!" No biggie.

Palzang

Bodi

Thank you Palzang and Foiblefull, I am kind of relieved that feeling ignorant, frustarted and like a failure are signs that I am progressing rather than re-gressing. Unlearning is such a challenge, life-long work. Or perhaps only each moments work, hehehe.

I will continue to practice and when I feel safe and secure and like I have it mastered... I will return with questions and hopefully be prodded back into fear and learning! Because being comfortable and secure is indeed ones own prision!

FoibleFull

Bodi, thank you for voicing it so beautifully. You do understand.