Life is Suffering
Welcome to this space, where we delve into the practice of mindfulness through Fishing Without Bait. Together, we ponder the idea of living a life without definitive expectations.
The Expectation of Catching Fish: When we go fishing and put bait on our hooks, there is an inherent expectation that a fish will bite and we will catch something. Fishing, for most people, is a pleasant experience often enjoyed in natural settings away from the chaos and technology that surrounds us.
Fishing for Survival or Pleasure: In Western culture, fishing is more of a sport or hobby than a means of survival. It provides relaxation and an escape from the demands of daily life. But is it truly important to catch a fish? While catching a specific type or size of fish may seem like a goal, setting unreasonable expectations can lead to disappointment and frustration.
The Impact of Unrealistic Expectations: When we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves or events, we often end up feeling defeated and unfulfilled. This can cast a shadow over our attitude and personality, influencing our future experiences. Fishing without bait encourages us to approach life with a beginner's mind, embracing openness and being receptive to unexpected possibilities.
The Narrative of Suffering and Understanding Dukkha: Drawing inspiration from Buddhism, we explore the concept of suffering, or dukkha. It is broken down into three parts - dukkha dukkha, which refers to the negative sensations and experiences we encounter; sankharra dukkha, which arises from the narratives our minds construct around these negative experiences; and viparinama dukkha, which involves suffering from supposedly pleasant experiences that ultimately lead to negative outcomes.
The Power of Narrative and How Our Thoughts Shape Our Reality: Negative experiences can color our thoughts and create a narrative of suffering. When something unpleasant occurs, our minds tend to latch onto that event, creating a story that replays over and over again, often becoming exaggerated. This narrative reinforces the perception that the world is against us. However, we must remember that this is a product of our own perception, not an objective reality.
Mindfulness and Choice and Taking Control of Our Thoughts: Mindfulness encourages us to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment. By accurately labeling and describing our negative emotions, such as fear, worry, stress, insecurity, greed, and loss, we gain some measure of control over them. While we cannot prevent pain or negative experiences, we can choose how we respond to them. Forgiveness and letting go of the past also play a significant role in freeing ourselves from suffering.
The Voice of Suffering and Stepping Back and Observing: When we hear that voice of suffering inside us, we must ask ourselves, "Whose voice is that?" By recognizing that we can listen to this voice, we acknowledge that it is separate from our true self. This inner critic often arises from external circumstances and experiences. Mindfulness allows us to create a buffer between this narrative and our authentic self, becoming the observer rather than getting consumed by negative thoughts.
Final Thoughts: Mindfulness provides us with tools to navigate pain and suffering. While pain is an inevitable aspect of life, suffering is optional. By stepping back, accurately labeling our emotions, and observing our thoughts, we can free ourselves from the grip of suffering. Moving forward, we will explore mindfulness from a Jewish perspective. Until then, I encourage you to reflect on the power of labeling your emotions and asking yourself, "Whose voice is that?" Thank you for joining me on this mindfulness journey.
To explore more of this concept, check out our related podcast episode.
