So true, unffortunately , that when we are neither in pain, nor in ecstacy we become "comfortably numb" as you so well described. We accept things as they are because we are not particularly uncomfortable. Not until we cannot bear the pain/discomfort do we seek relief- meditation, study, a new way of looking at things ( as the present way is unbearable).
What a waste it is, in reality, being "comfortably numb" is! But oh so easy! But, it is better for our development to get out of the cage, into the woods! To be open to changing worlds! 🙏❤🙏
Oh David, You are so right. Wherever you go there you are. You can’t run away from your thoughts. You can only try and change them. The thoughts always become habits unless in takes steps to step into the unknown, which I am contemplating now after 40 years. You know what this is and I am worried if it will affect my Karma or my striving for Bodichitta?
It’s a difficult decision to make after all these years. But for sanities sake I must make the move.
Stepping into the unknown is usually a challenge because most of us fear change. But this precious human life is rare to find, and we need to extract the greatest benefit from it if we are to benefit others as well as ourselves.
Thank you David for such thought-provoking insights and questions. So much resonated with me. Your comment along the lines of how we can respond thoughtlessly and fail ‘to see’ those we are familiar and dear came to my mind when at an art gallery yesterday. I noticed an elderly couple approach a beautiful intricate painting. The man exclaimed ‘I like this, the colours, it could go on the wall opposite the TV’ . ‘It’s too complicated’ she said dismissively & turned away. The man was shut down, with no opportunity to discuss what appealed to him, and quietly followed after her. It seemed so sad and I wondered how often I, too, am so carelessly offhand. To try to be aware of our comfortably numb & habitual ways is something to strive for.
Thanks so much for sharing that experience Susan. I feel that we would all benefit from being more mindful especially in our most familiar relationships - but I struggle to imagine you being carelessly offhand!
Thank you David. This makes me think of the Deep Purple lyric from 'Pictures Of Home', but probably taken completely out of context, 'Here in this prison, of my own making'.
Thanks Wendy. I also think the 'prison of our own making' follows the same theme - but it can be such a comfortable prison that we don't recognised it as such.
Hi Wendy, Thanks for liking my post. I am not proud of it, but it is a decision that o have to make and I am not happy to make it. It is so difficult a decision to make
Deeply moving and thought provoking, as always, David. You have a gift with words, thoughts, and important contemplations. Thank you for sharing your gift! xoxo
So true, unffortunately , that when we are neither in pain, nor in ecstacy we become "comfortably numb" as you so well described. We accept things as they are because we are not particularly uncomfortable. Not until we cannot bear the pain/discomfort do we seek relief- meditation, study, a new way of looking at things ( as the present way is unbearable).
What a waste it is, in reality, being "comfortably numb" is! But oh so easy! But, it is better for our development to get out of the cage, into the woods! To be open to changing worlds! 🙏❤🙏
Many thanks Marianne - so glad this message resonated with you!
How many times have we heard, or said, "I really had no choice!" about a terrible choice made.
Agreed, Harya!
Oh David, You are so right. Wherever you go there you are. You can’t run away from your thoughts. You can only try and change them. The thoughts always become habits unless in takes steps to step into the unknown, which I am contemplating now after 40 years. You know what this is and I am worried if it will affect my Karma or my striving for Bodichitta?
It’s a difficult decision to make after all these years. But for sanities sake I must make the move.
Thank you
Peter
Stepping into the unknown is usually a challenge because most of us fear change. But this precious human life is rare to find, and we need to extract the greatest benefit from it if we are to benefit others as well as ourselves.
Thank you David for such thought-provoking insights and questions. So much resonated with me. Your comment along the lines of how we can respond thoughtlessly and fail ‘to see’ those we are familiar and dear came to my mind when at an art gallery yesterday. I noticed an elderly couple approach a beautiful intricate painting. The man exclaimed ‘I like this, the colours, it could go on the wall opposite the TV’ . ‘It’s too complicated’ she said dismissively & turned away. The man was shut down, with no opportunity to discuss what appealed to him, and quietly followed after her. It seemed so sad and I wondered how often I, too, am so carelessly offhand. To try to be aware of our comfortably numb & habitual ways is something to strive for.
Thanks so much for sharing that experience Susan. I feel that we would all benefit from being more mindful especially in our most familiar relationships - but I struggle to imagine you being carelessly offhand!
Well.... didn't this one make me think?
Hit me right between the eyes. Yup, comfortably numb and i didn't even know it.
Thanks David.... I think!
Many thanks for your response, Sarah. A great many of us are!
Thank you David. This makes me think of the Deep Purple lyric from 'Pictures Of Home', but probably taken completely out of context, 'Here in this prison, of my own making'.
Thanks Wendy. I also think the 'prison of our own making' follows the same theme - but it can be such a comfortable prison that we don't recognised it as such.
Hi Wendy, Thanks for liking my post. I am not proud of it, but it is a decision that o have to make and I am not happy to make it. It is so difficult a decision to make
Deeply moving and thought provoking, as always, David. You have a gift with words, thoughts, and important contemplations. Thank you for sharing your gift! xoxo
I am so glad that you found this post useful - my heartfelt thanks for your kind message, Maura!
Dearest David,
I feel identified with two points:
It’s arrogance to believe that I can achieve enlightenment.
And sometimes I am discouraged to meditate, even though I know how powerfully a meditation practice can change our experience of reality.
But I keep myself practicing as far as I can.
Thank you for sharing your posts, are very important to me, it keeps me my knowledge fresh.
My heartfelt thanks Rossy. Just to confirm you mean 'it is arrogant NOT to believe that I can achieve enlightenment'!! Warmest wishes, David