Mind II

If we come to some understanding that the “mind” (as we commonly refer to it) is a process, rather than a thing or a separate entity, then how are we to use that information to let go of the activity of the mind so we can rest in our natural state, the state of just being aware (or aware being) without the content of thought overwhelming us, as it often does?

Most of the time, we can’t force the mind to do our bidding. It seems to have a “mind of its own.”

So, we have to cooperate with the natural tendencies of the mind; to be constantly aware of and responding to threats (real and perceived) from our environment. We need to create a situation where the mind does not feel threatened, that will allow the mental activity to relax and let go of the need to be hyper-vigilant.

This is where the Field of Care practice comes into play. The field of care is the expression of the qualities of the loving-kindness that we sense from a deep connection with another being. Relaxing into the felt sense of these open, accepting qualities allows the mind to relax and let go of its habitual patterns of thinking and reacting. As we let go, the mind relaxes and opens up to the more spacious qualities of our true nature; open, aware being.

As we rest in the spaciousness of our natural open awareness, the mind can accept whatever arises without attraction or aversion. With this settled awareness, liking and disliking do not arise. So we are able to be with whatever arises with equanimity, without giving rise to clinging or rejection of our experience.

Acceptance of our present moment experience is the foundation of the relief of our suffering.