Mindfulness: On Fixed Identities

 Everyone has a fixed identity.  This is a fixed image we have of ourselves as good or bad.  It is loaded with labels as we have labels for everyone and every thing in this culture. 

Fixed identities can have positive and negative components.  Commenting to someone that they did a great job on something often results in little or no response.  They are so fixed on their identity that they couldn't possibly let a comment in;  they already knew they did it well.  The same is true of when someone doesn't confirm us the way we want them to.  Our fixed identity will ignore their comment and just feel hurt. 

Our fixed identity of ourselves comes from a place of pain.  We will do just about anything to eradicate pain or undesired feelings.  Just look at the amount of people on anti-depressants.  Perhaps if they would allow themselves to feel the pain fully, they might be able to move forward. 

Most of our feelings come from a ninety (90) second automatic response of the psychological mechanism behind the emotion according to neuroscientist, Jill Bolte Taylor, in her book, My Stroke of Insight.  I remember the courage she displayed sharing her stroke and recovery from it as I poured through her book years ago. Rather than move behind the 90 second emotion, we make it last often many years.

So the challenge here is to move beyond our thoughts.  Our thoughts of who we think we are.  Who we want to be.  Getting beyond the limits of our minds.  One only need to look at the myriad of 'selfies' on social media to understand how we have come to be.  It is all 'look at me", "look at me" - maybe if you see me, I can, too. But it doesn't work that way.  Change begins within.  Quietly.

It is exciting to learn that we now have two members of Congress who are Buddhists. Tim Ryan, from Ohio, is one.  In his book, A Mindful Nation, he writes about mindfulness.  A blurb about his book:

"All across America, people are running faster and faster yet falling farther behind. The economy struggles, wars rage on, and every week brings news of another environmental disaster.     Despite this bleak outlook, strands of quiet hope and confidence are emerging. People are beginning to face challenges in a new way: they are slowing down, paying attention, and becoming aware of their inner resources.     Based on the timeless practice of mindfulness, the natural capabilities of our brains and minds, and the core American values of self-reliance, determination, and getting the job done, this new way is affecting every sector of our society. In A Mindful Nation, Congressman Tim Ryan connects the dots between what’s happening in the classrooms, hospitals, boardrooms, research labs, and military bases across the country. He explores the scientific findings that support the beneficial effects of mindfulness and shares powerful stories from the field, showing how this simple practice is helping schoolchildren improve their ability to learn, veterans heal from trauma, and CEOs become more effective leaders. Ryan also provides practical tips for how to incorporate mindfulness into your life today.     A Mindful Nation paints a picture of emerging solutions that benefit both you and society as a whole, showing us that there is something we can do, right here and right now. With a hard-nosed understanding of politics, government budgets, and what it takes to get something done, Ryan combines a practical approach with a hopeful vision for how mindfulness can help reinvigorate the American Dream."

So the real challenge is to let go of the storyline.  Fully present.  Coming from your heart.  Without any agenda. Always.