My thoughts so far...
This blog is a little journal to myself to reflect back on later in Module 3. It feels strange writing this so publicly but in reading previous participants blogs, it may prove beneficial, so here goes...
I have now read 2/3 key texts for my inquiry proposal - 'Developing a More Mindful Practice'
I have read Matt Haigh's 'Reasons to Stay Alive' and Jon Kabat-Zinn's 'Wherever You Are, There You Are' and plan on starting Bhante Gunaratana's 'Journey to Mindfulness' later this week.
Both texts so far have brought about some interesting points that I want to explore further and note down here to reflect back on, I currently feel like I am in 'information overload!'
Matt Haigh's book was an autobiography of his life and was a compelling read. I laughed, cried and felt inspired whilst reading it. Some key points that appeared were: mind and body - are they linked? Are the separate? Mental Health - depression, anxiety, feeling lost and trauma - how we combat these issues - what is the right way? Is there a right way? Philosophies - Haigh quotes many Philosophers - learning from experience - points to research further which links to Module Two and ethics and my own Phenomenological Approach and the Ideologies around it.
Jon Kabat-Zinn's book is full of tips and techniques on how to incorporate Mindfulness in daily life. It is less of an autobiography, which I only realised whilst reading, but he does invite us into his life and how he has developed his practice, at certain points in the book. Some key points discussed: Self - what is self? Can it even be described? Mindfulness - meditation and being present in this exact moment, Culture (Eastern and Western Cultures) - what is the difference? - do we feel bad for 'non-doing' - if so why? Interconnected - is everything interconnected? Learning from experience - life has so many lessons to teach us but if we are not present to acknowledge and see them, then the lesson is lost.
These are just some key points - there are millions in each. Both texts have been life-changing. They have brought up some great issues with society. culture, representation, privilege and power. They have made me question myself - my own being - who am I? I look forward to reading further and broadening my research and the points that are raised and would love to hear any comments on anyones thoughts on any topics discussed?
I hope everyone is well and safe,
Paul x
Hi Paul, this was a great blog to read where the process has taken you so far and you've certainly come across some interesting points. Just from what you've noted down here it seems mindfulness has a whole Philosophical and Theoretical backdrop to explore, as well as different ways in which it can manifest in daily life. I am fascinated by the idea of interconnectedness - both mind to body and ourselves to the world - and I wonder if mindfulness helps to facilitate this connection, almost existing as a form of communication within ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI came across a TEDtalk a while ago not directly on mindfulness but about 'doing positivity' as opposed to 'thinking positively' and there are some really interesting points made. I don't know if it will be of use at all but it's a good watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DtcSCFwDdw
Hope your third text brings more ideas to the table! Roanne x
Hi Roanne, yes it certainly has deep philosophical roots which I hope to explore further. I am also wanting to look at the 'science' behind it after listening to a podcast with Oprah Winfrey and Jon Kabat-Zinn where they discuss the journey of Mindfullness, through the last few decades in particular. Thank you so much for suggesting the TedTalk, I will give it a watch and maybe do a little blog about it. Hope your study is going well. Speak soon, Paul x
ReplyDeleteHi Paul,
ReplyDeleteThese sound really interesting reads! Like you have mentioned before, mindfulness is spoken about so much now, where as a few years ago many people wouldn't have been aware of what it is or why people practice it. I think mindfulness is shown differently in different people. We all have our own experiences in life and so we all have different coping mechanisms within being mindful. I think the idea of 'non-doing' and feeling bad for it is so interesting and definitely something that bothers me. I think we live in a society now which is so fast paced and there is so much pressure with deadlines, work, friends, family etc that we forget ourselves. If we aren't good to ourselves, then we are going to struggle to fulfill our other responsibilities. Very often we put ourselves at the bottom of the list, or we don't even make it on the list! I think the rise in all sorts of illnesses has brought mindfulness into the spotlight. Thank you for an interesting read! Alys :) x