Introduction to Mindfulness_349810_bookemon_ebook.pdf Coaching and Practising Mindfulness | Page 274

create a bias in how we see our experience. Moods of desire or
aversion can influence us one way, moods of generosity or
friendliness another way. When we are clearly aware of our mood we
are less likely to be unduly influenced by it.
If we do not notice the underlying attitude it can fester and build up
stress and tension in our lives. The attitude may only cause relatively
mild tension or stress in any given moment, but if it is chronically
reinforced, then the tension can become great and lead to greater
suffering. In becoming mindful of attitude it is useful to distinguish
between what is happening at any given moment and what our
relationship is to what is happening. Mindfulness practice helps to
tease these apart so that we can be more discerning about how our
opinions, judgments, attitudes and feelings may or may not accurately
represent what is happening. The space between what is happening
and our relationship to what is happening is a door to peace.
The suffering and stress that mindfulness practice is meant to help
address is less about how things are and more about our relationship
to how things are. Fortunately freedom is not as much about what is
happening in the world or within us, but more about how much
freedom we have in relating to what is happening.
Meditation instruction: Mindfulness of the mind
1. During meditation periodically ask yourself what is your
relationship to what is happening. For example, you may feel some
discomfort. Be mindful of your relationship to the discomfort. Are
you clinging or resisting? Are you relaxed, generous, or kind towards
the discomfort? Once you notice the relationship, hold it in the
warmth of your attention. Once you have done this, you can
investigate some of the present-moment elements of how you are
relating. How does it affect your breathing? Are there any physical
sensations or emotions associated with it? What are your beliefs
behind it? Also, as you notice the relationship, ask yourself if that
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