Present-moment, non-judgemental awareness (which is how mindfulness is defined in the modern mindfulness movement) can be extremely beneficial when:
- We are going through a period of intense stress or anxiety
- Our self-esteem is delicate and fragile
- We are sleepwalking through life on autopilot
- We are addicted to stimulation and doing
- We are permanently lost in thought
- We are disconnected from our body
- We are dissociated from our feelings
- We are suffering from physical pain
Since many of us are prone to one or more of these most of the time, connecting with the present moment can be hugely beneficial. No doubt about it. The exponentially growing evidence base of mindfulness testifies to its salutary effects, many of which I have outlined in my book Mindfulness at Work in Seven Simple Steps.
Yet it is not a panacea and, in my experience (although I both practise and teach it), it is not enough for a true and lasting transformation. You will need to go further and deeper in your practice if you want to:
- Not just accept what is there non-judgementally but exercise discerning judgement where necessary
- Not just take a snapshot of what is happening in the moment but explore how and why things arise
- Not just observe your monkey mind but tame it
- Not just hold feelings and thoughts in awareness but investigate their nature
- Not just bolster your sense of self but question it
- Not just use your mind but know the nature of the mind that you are using for everything you do
- Not just be aware of your biases but cut them at their root
- Not just befriend your destructive emotions but overcome them
- Not just identify with your desires and aspirations but test their wisdom and modify them if necessary
- Not just address the symptoms of mental suffering but understand its causes
- Not just feel comforted in the moment but understand the inner conditions for achieving sustainable wellbeing
Meditation is much more than present-moment awareness. It opens up the possibility of irreversible transformation and a path towards greater wisdom – understood as a true insight into the nature of the self, the mind (with all its thoughts, memories, emotions, desires and other mental factors), the world at large – as well as a method, a strategy, a roadmap to get there.
This is the path that I have decided to take and that I would love to invite you on as my fellow travellers. The first step is to understand the importance of a balanced mind as the mind is the only luggage we need to take on this exciting journey.
So if you would like to join me, please register to take part in my upcoming free live webinar on The 4 Keys to a Balanced Mind.
