Prana Wellness Center
July 31, 2017, 7pm to 8:30pm
We look directly at the mind in the Third Foundation of Mindfulness. This Foundation of Mindfulness invites us to explore mind states as they arise and dissolve, and we gain a deeper understanding of how the mind works.
The Problem with Not Noticing our Mind State
Our minds and mind states influence our thoughts, actions and speech. What we say is colored by the mind state we are in at the moment. If we are unaware of what is going on in our mind, we can hurt ourselves and/or others without meaning to, acting without awareness or sensitivity.
The Benefits of Working with Mind States
When we train ourselves to observe and understand our mind more completely, we gain a steadiness and equanimity that can give us more ease as we deal with the challenges and conflicts that are a natural part of our everyday lives.
We are beginning to notice the changing nature of mind, learning to be fully present with whatever is arising. We gradually develop more openness and acceptance, which bring patience and compassion for ourselves and others.
Mind states are continually arising, transforming, and dissolving. Mindfulness and inquiry help us fully experience and understand the mind states we experience.
A way of Working with Mind States
Here’s a way of mindfully inquiring into a mind state: We notice an experience of distraction (or anger, or desire, or hatred, or sleepiness, or . . . )
- We pay attention to the mind state directly, noticing what is happening in our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and physical sensations.
- How does distraction (or any other mind state) feel within the body/mind continuum?
- How do we treat ourselves and others when we are distracted? Can we be fully present?
- Are we able to listen to our loved ones when we are distracted?
- Are we able to stay connected with ourselves and our value?
We continue to inquire into the experience as long as it is beneficial for ur. We stay with it, leaning into it to experience directly the felt sense. We notice as the mind state forms, transforms, and then dissolves.
When distraction has subsided, what is that like?
- How does it feel to be aware of our mind when distraction is not present?
- How do we act in relationship when are not distracted?
- We begin to notice and recognize . . . “Oh, this is what a mind free from distraction feels like. . .”
Note: If the emotion or mind state is so strong it shakes us, we can work with a process of “touch and go.” After feeling the mind state, we shift our awareness, coming back to mindfulness of the breath or body. Relax, become calm, and if you feel up to it, try again. Above all, be gentle with yourself.
Everything is Always Changing
We have developed a foundation of mindfulness of the body and of feelings in the first two Foundations of Mindfulness. We notice how things are always changing within us and around us–our body is always changing; each breath is unique, different from the last; our feelings shift from moment to moment; our emotions arise, take hold of us, and then dissolve.
Exploring mind states gives us a great opportunity to be mindful and fully present with everything that arises in our experience.