There is now a dilemma. If we have to filter our thoughts and responses then what remains which is genuine? Are we just subject to societal pressures, or peer group? Are we hemmed in by the fear for our survival or approval? What set of factors are contributing to our choices of behaviour and are they congruent or inconsistent and random, subject to situation?
If we want to be true, we have to know what ‘we’ are exactly. And more importantly, what we are not.
We have to find a way of knowing the nature of the contents of our mind and where it comes from. This is not trivial. When we do this we are coming directly into contact with the construct of our identity, which then can appear to be on shaky ground.
And then, if we are willing to conclude that the contents of our mind is something slightly separate to our true identity, what is it exactly that we use to anchor us into something more authentic?
There are systems of thought that have been around for many years, that aim to do these very things – observe mind contents and create a foundation of truth. Modern day mindfulness is but a recent modality of much older methods of meditation and psychological self inquiry.
Thanks Dave good videos on authenticity, awareness, conditioning. I like how you said ‘not associating’ with the conditioning. It almost frees me from thinking that theres something that I have to fight. But simply not associating is enough. Eventually the useless, old fashioned thoughts lose strength and power.
Yes that’s exactly it, they lose their power, by giving them less energy/attention!