Mindfulness teaches a different way to interact with the world. One of its lessons is that if you change, the world can change. When we practice meditation, for instance, we see that it is our inner work that changes the outer world.
To review, mindfulness is a form of stress reduction. In the simplest terms, mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Paying attention in this way can reduce stress, depression, anxiety and even potentially bring about healing.
A wise passage from the book “A Course in Miracles” is, “The world you see is what you gave it, nothing more than that. It is the witness to your state of mind, the outside picture of an inward condition. As a man thinks, so does he perceive. Therefore seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world. Perception is a result, not a cause.”
I love this quote because it suggests that we take responsibility for our life. It confirms the ancient wisdom, “To give is to receive.” Practically, this is experienced in life as when you are angry, you will in turn see anger.
When you smile, you will see smiles. If you are kind and benevolent to people they will be kind and benevolent back. If you choose healthy habits such as mindfulness, you can become healthy.
There is a wonderful new comedy movie playing at theaters right now called, “Inside-Out.” This is a cartoon children’s movie, but with lessons for both the young and old alike. The movie takes place from within the mind of the main character.
The comedy is centered around an imaginary control panel within the main character’s mind which is governed by various emotions. As the emotion of joy is in control, the outside world of the character is joyful. When anger is in control, the outside world of the character is angry.
All of the various emotions we experience as humans take turns at the control panel, and in the movie, it is absolutely hilarious. It was refreshing to see a Hollywood production that corroborates the quotation from A Course in Miracles. Our emotional state from within will reflect what is happening in the outside world.
My mentor and teacher of mindfulness, Jon Kabbit Zen, said, “A human life can be seen as the universe’s way of looking at itself.”
Understanding how the mind operates through your emotions can open up an entire new universe for you to explore.
Matthew McQuaid, DPM is a board certified foot surgeon practicing in Lakeport. He has a particular interest in Mind/Body medicine and its impact on healing. He is an award winning author and teacher. Please share this article with a friend. For more information please call 707-263-3727 and visit www.drmcquaid.com.
