Self-Doubt

I read an article from the New York Times by Elizabeth Bernstein entitled “Steps to Turn Off the Nagging Self-Doubt in Your Head.” The essence of the piece was what psychologists call the technique of cognitive reappraisal. The result will be stronger neural networks devoted to positive thoughts, or a happier brain.

Amazingly enough, this technique was known and practiced 2,500 years ago by the followers of the Buddha! He recognized that our suffering life was caused by habitual patterns of clinging to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, creating a perceived world of experience that does not reflect reality. Practicing with the intention and focus on compassion relaxes the mind and allows access to inner qualities already present in the nature of mind.

The reality is that we are inherently awake; open, aware, and compassionate. This is the essence of our true nature. The qualities resulting from experiencing our true nature are peace and happiness. Or, as modern science interprets it, a happier brain. Ultimately, awakening to our true nature is far more than a happier brain. When we drop the layers of conditioning, we open to the qualities that have always been present within us, just obscured by our habitual patterns of thought.

The quality of openness allows us to experience everything as it is, without the filters of our habitual patterns of thinking and reacting. This gives us the opportunity to respond to our experiences of the world in the most skillful and helpful ways.

The quality of awareness allows us to be fully present to life’s experiences, noticing the moment-to-moment movements of the mind. This anchors our thinking and acting in the present moment, rather than fretting about the past or worrying about the future.

The quality of compassion allows us to spontaneously react to others with kindness and the wish that they be well and happy, sharing the peace and happiness that we are experiencing more and more often.

All of these benefits come from training the mind to be fully present in each moment and remembering and resonating with the qualities that are inherent in our true nature: openness, clarity, and compassion.