“…mind-wandering very likely seems to be an actual cause, and not merely a consequence, of unhappiness.” (TED talk by Matt Killingsworth)
In case you haven’t watched it, the talk expands around the four noble truths. In case you are not familiar, you can probably do a quick google search and see what I am talking about. This is my reflection from late september 2016…
The TED explains it as well, and it states that the first noble truth of the Budha’s teachings is to comprehend that there is suffering (Mind-wandering). And that the second noble truth is mind-wandering, therefore the cause of all suffering. In others words, we get lost in our heads with thoughts around the need to crave or cling to things. As humans, we resist change and not accept what is. Being lost in our heads is a disconnection of our mind and body and leads us to the “…dis-ease of unawareness, of ignoring what is most fundamental in our own nature as beings… It can produce long-term affects on our health of both body and mind.”
So, how do we eliminate Dukkha (suffering) from our lives? By practicing the third and fourth noble truths, the third being – to be aware that we need to let go and that there is a way out. And lastly, the fourth noble truth teaches us to awaken through the cultivation of mindfulness techniques that can help us live in dharma (right way of living). Mindfulness techniques help us rebuild our connection to our own bodies, and alsounderstand what they tell us. Likewise, paying attention to what is around us, gives us a start into truly living an eternal life in the now. It doesn’t matter what scope of life we are in or come from, as humans we create suffering and it is through mindfulness that we can stay connected and happy.
P.S. This post refers to the Buddha’s teachings, however, the interpretation and application in my life is detached from any doctrine or religious practice.