The problem with the mind does not usually involve the content of the mind, but rather attention lost in the content of the mind. Attention is often lost in the mind, in stories, dramas, fantasies, and memories. When attention is lost in the mind, we suffer the effects of the body’s reactions to whatever the mind is displaying. If attention is lost in a mental story of catastrophe or regret, it will register in the body as if the story is true and is happening now, rather than conceptually in the mind. If that same story is happening but attention is not lost in it, the story may be seen for what it is, which is a spontaneous display of mental activity. What this means is this (are you ready?): You are not doing it. The mind is not yours. The mind has a life of it’s own. This is an absolutely essential understanding, and can only be seen and deeply known through repeated observation of the mind. When the mind is observed for any length of time, it become obvious that 'it', the mind, is not ‘mine.’
Properly seen, this leads to the important understanding than can be summarized as, "THE activity of THE mind causes THE suffering". This is in complete contrast to "MY mental activity of MY mind causes MY suffering." (Sorry about the caps)
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