Mindfulness practice can reveal the impermanence of thoughts and feelings from "summary" of Waking Up by Sam Harris
When we begin to investigate our experience with mindfulness, we may notice something quite remarkable: the fleeting nature of our thoughts and feelings. Through sustained attention, we can observe the constant stream of mental events passing through our consciousness. Thoughts arise, linger for a moment, and then vanish, only to be replaced by new thoughts. Emotions, too, come and go like waves on the surface of the ocean. This impermanence is a fundamental aspect of our inner life that we often overlook in the busyness of our daily existence. By practicing mindfulness, we can cultivate a deep understanding of the transient nature of our thoughts and feelings. This awareness allows us to see that what we once believed to be solid and enduring is actually fluid and ephemeral. We come to realize that our thoughts are not fixed entities but rather passing phenomena that arise and pass away on their own accord. This insight can be incredibly liberating, as it frees us from the grip of our habitual patterns of thinking and feeling. When we see the impermanence of our thoughts and feelings, we may also notice a sense of spaciousness opening up within our minds. Instead of getting caught up in the endless cycle of rumination and reactivity, we can step back and simply observe the comings and goings of our mental content. This shift in perspective allows us to relate to our thoughts and feelings with greater ease and equanimity, knowing that they are not permanent fixtures but temporary visitors in the landscape of our consciousness. As we continue to deepen our mindfulness practice, we may begin to see the impermanence of thoughts and feelings not just as an intellectual concept but as a direct experience. We can observe the rise and fall of mental phenomena in real-time, witnessing how they arise, change, and eventually dissolve. This direct insight into impermanence can lead to a profound shift in our relationship to our inner world, fostering a sense of detachment and freedom from the incessant chatter of our minds. In the light of impermanence, we come to understand that our thoughts and feelings are not who we are but rather passing clouds in the sky of our awareness. This realization can bring a sense of lightness and clarity to our minds, allowing us to navigate the ups and downs of life with greater resilience and wisdom. Through the practice of mindfulness, we can uncover the ever-changing nature of our inner landscape and learn to embrace the impermanence of our thoughts and feelings as an inherent part of being human.
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