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Mindfulness makes it more fun to exploit sense pleasures

ThusThus
edited February 2011 in Buddhism Basics
As I've continued my mindfulness practice, I've noticed that I simply enjoy everything more. Food, music, whatever I'm doing, it's like the volume has been turned up and I really just get a kick out of everything.

Unfortunately this makes me eager to indulge in all sorts of exotic experiences, which I am afraid are nothing more than distractions from boredom and mundane events. Anyone feel similar?

Comments

  • CloudCloud Veteran
    Be mindful of your feelings, Luke.
  • ThusThus
    I feel good in the midst of the pleasures, and I understand their impermanent nature when they leave. But if I'm just sitting around bored, I do take steps to put myself in a new situation. I'm not sure if that's problematic from a Buddhist mindset - it seems like I should be okay with any and all states that arise. But does that mean I can't prefer to not be bored?
  • TheJourneyTheJourney
    edited February 2011
    Aim for non-discrimination. When sensual pleasures are there, then they are there to be used if you so desire. When they are not there, do not crave them. Accept things as they are. To me, that does not mean avoiding sensual pleasures, but to many here it does.
  • compassionate_warriorcompassionate_warrior Veteran
    Why are you bored? LIfe (and rebirth as a human) are very precious. You never know if tomorrow may be your last day. Make the most of your time. There's plenty of suffering to be aleviated in this world, you can probably find a project to devote yourself to, or to at least research. The world needs your energy, Thus. It needs your compassion. Put those to work. :)
  • ThusThus
    Yes, that's true. I do volunteer with a local canine rescue and I suppose I can put more time and energy into that.
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    There are always all kinds of volunteer opp'ties, Thus. And you can find something that interests you to research, like Buddhism, the latest theories in quantum physics, research on healing and the "paranormal" or whatever. I always have a pile of books I'm plowing through. Do you like music? Get together with friends and play together informally, or form a band. There's lots of stuff to do.
  • DeformedDeformed Veteran
    Try to understand the sense pleasures for what they are. The middle way.
  • ThusThus
    All good advice, I just wanted to know if "keeping myself busy" when I'm bored is counterproductive to the Buddhist path.
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    It depends on what you do to keep yourself busy. Throwing yourself into sensual pleasuares, as you were earlier tempted to do, sure would be counterproductive to the Buddhist path. Help others. meditate. Study. Enjoy music and share your joy with others. I read about a lama who advised his young student to live life to the fullest when you're young. Interesting advice, no?
  • DeformedDeformed Veteran
    edited February 2011
    All good advice, I just wanted to know if "keeping myself busy" when I'm bored is counterproductive to the Buddhist path.
    "Keeping myself busy" could mean a lot of things. It's the awareness of being busy that matters. You are actually busy breathing right now. Are you aware of it? You may be busy walking. Are you aware of your walking?

    I would start there, Thus.

  • upekkaupekka Veteran
    I just wanted to know if "keeping myself busy" when I'm bored is counterproductive to the Buddhist path.
    i am bored (in thina-middha) is one of the hindrance to the Path

    we can keep ourselves busy within the boundaries if we are mindful, otherwise it is surely counterproductive

    Buddha advices to concentrate on 'marananussati' ( concentration on death) so we will get energy to practice

    we never know (at the moment) we will get another chance as a human being to practice the path
    why should we waste what we have now

  • newtechnewtech Veteran
    Hello.

    The more "happie" you are, more beautiful everything becomes.
    Its just high levels of serotonin,dopamine,etc. kicking in..

    It is curious that the buddha advices in MN 107 ( about gradual training ) first to practice sense control, then moderation in eating, and then Mindfulness.

    Much Metta.
  • DhammaDhatuDhammaDhatu Veteran
    in Buddhism, mindfulness means 'to recollect' the Dhamma, to recollect wisdom

    it does not mean to be fully absorbed or highly focused in sense experiences

    all the best

    :)
  • havamarhavamar
    Enjoy life as it comes! Then let it go as it passes...
  • TheFoundTheFound
    lol ill just admit that when i got to this level..i got really... GROSS... in so many ways..that's why its a good idea to have a role model..
  • newtechnewtech Veteran
    lol ill just admit that when i got to this level..i got really... GROSS... in so many ways..that's why its a good idea to have a role model..
    Hello:

    u mean inside formal meditation?. that happends when u concentrate in only one little area loosing sense of body.
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