The challenge for most of us is to anticipate our environment even in the minor moments when we’re not trying to be successful, when we’re not “on” or trying to achieve.
Wonderful, insightful article! I think, that if asked, most people would say they DO anticipate — at least with respect to the “tough” situations cited in the beginning of the article. But rather than anticipate, what we are most likely to do, instead, is ruminate. Playing and replaying anxious thoughts: “It’s going to be awful”, “I’m afraid of being challenged”, “I’m ashamed I’m afraid of being challenged”…. That kind of rumination is following a well-rehearsed mental path — pretty much the opposite of the open, wondering stance it takes to include the perspective others may have and how we’d like them to feel in the situation the article is describing.
Wonderful, insightful article! I think, that if asked, most people would say they DO anticipate — at least with respect to the “tough” situations cited in the beginning of the article. But rather than anticipate, what we are most likely to do, instead, is ruminate. Playing and replaying anxious thoughts: “It’s going to be awful”, “I’m afraid of being challenged”, “I’m ashamed I’m afraid of being challenged”…. That kind of rumination is following a well-rehearsed mental path — pretty much the opposite of the open, wondering stance it takes to include the perspective others may have and how we’d like them to feel in the situation the article is describing.
Because of you I have started to research the Buddha Practice and I can tell in this article some of that learning. Thanks for sharing.