Finders Keepers
Have you ever felt like you’re searching for something, but you can't quite grasp what it is? Maybe you pass by familiar faces and places, recognizing them but not really knowing them—or perhaps, not really knowing yourself amidst them. This is where our journey at "Fishing Without Bait" begins. We're not just wanderers; we're seekers, aspiring to become attenders, and eventually, convinced members of a life lived fully aware, without definitive expectations.
The Transition from Seeker to Attender: The philosophy of "Fishing Without Bait" centers on embracing a life where we aim but don't obsessively focus, avoiding the trap of missing out on the broader, beautiful vista—like those often-overlooked moonwalking bears. This philosophy invites you to walk through life with your eyes wide open rather than shut, encouraging you to finally get off the bench of life and play the game by your own rules. It’s about answering to ourselves and perhaps to a higher power—the Divine. It challenges the arrogance of believing we are the ultimate arbiters of our lives and introduces the concept of full-impact mindfulness.
The Allure of Mindfulness: As we dive deeper, if the notion of full-impact mindfulness or the title "Fishing Without Bait" stirs even a slight curiosity in you, you’re already on your way from being a seeker to becoming an attender. We’re all about setting sail on a grand adventure, as Buzz Lightyear famously said, "to infinity and beyond." We explore how the values we’ve worked hard to accumulate in life can truly be appreciated and maintained.
Mindful Maintenance and Keeping What You Value: We discuss not just the acquisition of valuables but also the profound importance of learning how to cherish and keep them without being consumed by the guarding of them. As we've often noted, transformation from the proverbial caterpillar to butterfly isn’t just about gaining but also about maintaining and sharing the wisdom and benefits accrued along the way.
Repetition as a Tool: One crucial method we talk about is repetition. Just as we learned spelling words or times tables through repetition, so too do behaviors, thoughts, and feelings become ingrained through this practice. It can be frustrating and awkward initially, but repetition is key to making new knowledge and skills second nature, transforming uncommon sense into common sense.
The Role of Ego in Mindfulness: Awareness of ego is another significant topic we tackle. While ego is essential for self-esteem, it can set us up for failure if not kept in check. We discuss the necessity of questioning our intentions and decisions—balancing self-interest with altruistic giving, which paradoxically is how we keep what we have by sharing it with others.
The Ultimate Message and Giving to Keep: Drawing from the wisdom of both Eastern and Western philosophies, we embrace the notion that to truly preserve what we value, we must be willing to give it away. This principle is rooted deeply in various spiritual teachings and psychological insights that highlight the importance of dedicating oneself to others as a pathway to true contentment and sustained happiness.
A Call to Action: So, if you find yourself intrigued by the idea of living a life marked by full-impact mindfulness, consider this your invitation to join us on this transformative journey. Through practice, awareness, and altruism, let's explore how to live authentically and impactfully.
Join us on the next step of our journey as we continue to navigate the fascinating waters of "Fishing Without Bait." Until then, remember to show kindness to yourself and to others. Namaste.