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impulsive behavior or living life?

sissyhankshawsissyhankshaw
edited December 2010 in Buddhism Basics
I am new to this site but have a number of reasons for joining. I find myself hesitating at times because I am not sure if I am taking action as response to an impulse based on what is around at the time, or if it is just my life trying to take me and my identity in a different direction. I am looking to find some clarity to give me more strength and confidence in my ideas and actions. I feel like I have an idea about who I am and what I want to be, what I believe in, but it lacks depth....there are insecurities present that I would like to conquer. Can I do this by simply practicing meditation?

Comments

  • ravkesravkes Veteran
    Yes.
    Meditation enables one to see reality clearly as it is in the present moment.
    It's not an easy or short process, but you'll see things begin to bubble up that will force you to face your insecurities.
    For example: I had a gambling problem, I had a mindfulness practice. I tried to be mindful on and off the cushion.. overtime I saw that I was addicted to the adrenaline -- but due to my practice I could see it as it is as just adrenaline and a craving and I could let it go away. Same with the existential anxiety I used to deal with, same with studying problems I used to deal with.
    Virtually every 'problem'.. :)

    Patient endurance my friend.
  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    edited December 2010
    I am looking to find some clarity to give me more strength and confidence in my ideas and actions. I feel like I have an idea about who I am and what I want to be, what I believe in, but it lacks depth.
    -------------------------
    Hi sissy -- All of us daydream about one thing or another. Some of the daydreams just float in an out of the mind. Others strike us as being worth more effort and investigation.

    Buddhism is no different -- a daydream right up until the moment we summon the determination and patience to DO something about it. But, like signing a legal contract, the devil's in the details: It is one thing to see a bright, shiny light and quite another to actually determine the source.

    Meditation puts what you call "depth" into the shiny world of Buddhism. It takes determination because nothing happens overnight and the fine print of actually DOING something is never as shiny and bright as the daydream. It requires constancy. Some would prefer to stick with the daydream, but for those who aren't satisfied by cotton candy, meditation pays dividends and the shiny baubles are no longer quite so necessary...and what was once clear and desirable simply becomes clear. It's enough to make you laugh.

    Best wishes.
  • DazzleDazzle
    edited December 2010
    Tranquility meditation(samatha) can help us take a break to let go of all our ideas, beliefs and confused thinking in general, whilst relaxing in the peacefulness of the here and now. This helps us to gradually become more calm and less anxious and reactive to our changing situations and mental states.
  • sissyhankshawsissyhankshaw
    I am looking to find some clarity to give me more strength and confidence in my ideas and actions. I feel like I have an idea about who I am and what I want to be, what I believe in, but it lacks depth.
    -------------------------
    and what was once clear and desirable simply becomes clear. It's enough to make you laugh.

    Best wishes.
    -------------------------

    it simply becomes clear really struck a cord with me. While leaving me speechless, I am thankful for the words.

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