RESTING IN AWARENESS
Awareness of the present moment has an interesting impact on what is happening. It is called the OBSERVER EFFECT or the HAWTHORNE EFFECT. When an individual knows they are being watched this may change their behavior. In my own experience when I observe my thinking mind this inhibits the subsequent thinking process in response to what is known. I am suggesting a practice that is not about bringing awareness to what is known but awareness of what the mind will potentially do with what is known.
We are walking in nature, seeing a cloud, smelling a flower, tasting a dessert, hearing a bird. Before our mind has created meaning making step back and bring awareness to look for what our minds will potentially create. Does anything arise? If it does arise is the reaction muted? One can also do this with one’s thoughts. If one becomes aware of an internal thought or emotion quickly bring awareness to what will arise in the next moment. Hopefully one’s awareness will inhibit the mind’s autonomous spontaneous meaning making. It is like you are a cat waiting at the hole in the wall for the mouse to appear. Just waiting and observing.
You need to practice, anticipate and prime yourself to instantly step into awareness of what the mind will do with what is known at the contact point. By focusing our mind on the action, this inhibits the subsequent judgment and selfing. Our mind has been given a task that allows for focusing and inhibiting of meaning making.
This can be supported by asking this question on contact with an internal or external sensation:
What Next
What is going to arise next?
We have the capacity to alter what our response will be through ANTICIPATORY MINDFULNESS.
by Dr. Phil Blustein
August 22, 2024