Seeing the Bigger Picture

One obvious benefit while walking this Path is having a wider field of vision. Previously, I had not noticed the mechanics of seeing; my seeing was always "zooming-in" onto something, oblivious to the broader context. This limited perception poses risks and fosters automatic reactions, rendering us mindless.

With the right information, awareness is heightened; one becomes attuned to multiple senses, cultivating relaxation and an expansive view. This shift enables the observation of more details and objects while also detecting any arising tension previously unnoticed. I was unaware of my perpetual state of tension while observing!

Moreover, this expanded sight extends to mental processes, where one becomes mindful of various reactive patterns such as feelings, thoughts, and restlessness. This broadened observation reveals the intricacies of conditioning, highlighting its influence on our perceptions.

By acknowledging these correlations, we transcend personal biases, resulting in a lighter, less judgmental mind. This process unveils the workings of conditioning. We see not just a single factor but a wider scope of factors at play. Unburdened by the grip of internal commentaries and judgments, the mind is light and free.

Through these lenses of conditioning in mind, we can objectively assess our thought patterns, recognizing their fallibility and contradictions. This realization fosters a deeper understanding of our attitudes and our views.

In grace,
Nancy Cheah
21 May 2024