If we aspire to become more aware and compassionate, the most direct way is to develop intimacy with the ‘traffic’ in our minds. There are all kinds of ways to go about it: meditating; reading; working with specific explorations or exercises in our everyday lives; talking with friends – all of these can help our minds develop a habit of looking freshly at what is going on.

There are specific angles from which it can be helpful or productive to look at our thoughts. They don’t take the place of the suggestions above, but they can touch on areas that may require deeper exploration.

First up we must have a willingness and a capacity to notice our mind, what it is doing and how it goes about it’s processes. This is the toughest part because it is so easy to go into “auto-pilot” mode. I need a reminder every so often that says “what are you thinking right now”.

Some people need no reminders and have mastered the art of noticing your mind at work. Great! Just go at your own pace and notice what you notice, with no extra reminders at all. Over the months and years, though, the noticing still adds up to something transformative.

When we pay attention to our mind, we begin to see that we are leaning into the future and completely missing the present. Practicing presence punctures the fantasy that somehow life will begin when the job is over or when I lose ten pounds or when I get the house clean. Practicing presence is bringing ourselves to the recognition that life is happening right now – and it is inviting us to wake up and notice. The more we notice the more aware and compassionate we become not only towards ourselves but others as well!

Peace to all!!