In the beginning mindfulness takes away worries and fears about past and future and keeps us anchored in the present. In the end it points to the right view of the self... Ayya Khema, "Be an
Mindfulness is a word I use often, and a concept I practice daily, although this wasn't always the case. I suppose, age and experience makes for slower thinking. Being mindful of our surroundings keeps us from blindly stumbling into danger. Paying mind to how our actions may impact others will save the world an ocean of tears and a mountain of disappointment. If you've ever been sitting happily on a teeter-totter when your counter-balance rose without warning, understanding should be simple. Intention does play a part, although how much value is placed upon it varies with our individual viewpoints.
Did they get up without being mindful of how their assent would guarantee your descent, because they just didn't think, or was the purpose of their rise solely to watch you fall? Was it done as a joke, where laughter was shared? Was it done for spite with the intention of wounding? Answer those questions and you instantly know if it's safe to stay on the playground with your companion. If I got shot, but the person wasn't really aiming at me then I'd still be wounded... yet, the agony would be easier to get through somehow. Intention matters to me.
My practice is to point out my pain and highlight its source. I try not to let anger factor in; it's never my intention to begin a war over an accidental shooting. But even I have a limit to the times that, "I didn't mean to hurt you" will fly. Repeat offenders aren't forgiven forever. I mean if you care about me, and I've shown you an issue that causes me pain... why would you continue? Truly if I don't deserve to be shot, I won't be a willing target forevermore.
Paying close attention to any chosen subject gives us an instant advantage. Knowing your boundaries and surrounding yourself with people who respect them makes for a very peaceful kingdom. Self awareness, saves us the agony of oblivion... valuing who we are is the best way possible to inspire others to act accordingly. If we refuse to overlook ourselves it makes it much harder for anyone else to neglect us. Think about it... let it ride... then YOU decide!!!
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