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Thought Pollution: Overcoming Negative Judgments [For those who don’t want to read the whole thing, or don’t have the time to, I’ve underlined the major themes for quick reading] (Now on to the reason for this thread…) I write this, not for my own good, but so that whoever looks on these words will know the truth. And that truth is freedom! Where to start… Let me start with this: there is a bondage and freedom that are both found through the mind. This is backed by proof that some people who are physically bound, or ill, have found a truth that sets them free from the suffering that doesn’t reflect their current physical situation. Equally, there is proof that some people, who are physically free and in good health, find themselves in some of the worst bondage known to man. That brings about two important questions, ‘What is it that binds us?’ and ‘what is it that sets us free?’ To the first, many things can bind someone. Anything that keeps you from enjoying life is bondage. Since I cannot help one solve every type of life situation, I would like to focus on the one thing that can be solved, and that happens to be one of the most common types of bondage, as well as the most treatable: the self-inflicted suffering. Suffering is non-acceptance of pain or difficult situations. Both pain and difficult situations will come, but suffering is a mental rejection and, in effect, deepening of the pain that is, or will be, regardless. Pain will come, but the degree of suffering will most likely depend on how you face it. Resisting the situation makes it worse, but accepting alleviates it to a large degree. But in this thread I’d like to focus more on the answer to what’s been plaguing mankind for eons. It boils down to either, a desire for what you don’t have, or a desire for what you wish you didn’t have. In effect, it brings to life our dualistic nature. Now, the road most traveled in this subject is ‘acceptance,’ but I want to approach it from a different view (or at least word it in an accessible way): to enjoy what you already have, and nurture a desire to enjoy it no matter what. And that is life. Acceptance, in a way can be boiled down to - Live life as it comes, and don’t let things you have to do, or go through, become a ‘problem’ or a ‘thorn in your side’ (and, a ‘problem’ is a mental bondage, where you tell yourself ‘this isn’t good’ – or the likes. And this judgment becomes a reason to not enjoy life.) And the thought of ‘I can’t enjoy life because of this…’ is non-acceptance. For situations come and go, but why resist what is? To go with what life gives you and be ‘okay’ with it is what I call ‘the path of least resistance.’ Have you ever heard someone say, ‘why make a mountain out of a molehill?’ Well, instead of facing the situation with just an ‘I can do it’ attitude, one might say, ‘I can do it, but it’s gonna be hard, and I’m not going to like it!’ Which brings me to a very important understanding: would even some of the toughest things to do in life become easier if I’d just accept them as they are? Accept it? That right there is the answer to many ‘self-inflicted’ punishments. Our very judgments shade our existence. Instead of going with the flow, from a sense of inner peace and accepting ‘what is,’ one might resist it and make the job harder than it really is, with an inner tension and loathing for what you are doing or going through. Now, let’s touch on the next obvious lesson: life in its fullest. This part is a little more elusive to nail down, but I believe it can be done. And it’s a question of life itself: what would happen if we were to just ‘live’ and be in the present moment? But this takes a separation from thought, and the mind. Now, pretty much, our minds can only focus on, or do, one thing at a time. And if we are thinking, or judging life as this or that, that is all we will see. But, if we focus on the present moment, and pay attention to only that, we will live in a fullness of life that cannot but help bring us an inner peace. In such a state, acceptance doesn’t even matter, but for a way to detach from negative judgments, and return us to the present moment where life is in bloom. Remaining fully present can seem near impossible, especially when thinking about it, but quick glimpses evolve into longer, more sustained reflections. So, for beginners, if thoughts rise and cloud out the moment, just slowly tell yourself, “I am here” or “here I am.” The more we intertwine with the present moment, the closer our mind comes to stillness. Just like meditation will show you, the mind takes time to slow down and detach from its own thought-life, but it can be done. Just keep returning to the present, and focus there, and a new-found peace will arise and take over. This is a profound spiritual practice, and will change your life forever if you invest in its exploration. For many, this is the answer, for if you desire the present moment, you will always have it within reach. And joy will always be found when you find what you’re looking for. So, why not make living life itself your one and only desire? Freedom is found in the present moment, and the peace of mind it brings.