In my last two posts I began applying contemplative theory to the understanding and care of mind/body disorders. First I explored what we call Attention Deficit Disorders (ADHD) and then Addictive disorders. As we explore from a contemplative perspective the common disturbances of modern times we gain options nd posibilities not previously available. I intend to continue this exploration in the future and appreciate the responses and comments I've received from many readers.
My point is that the human condition cannot be examined merely from a biological perspective less we severely limit both our understanding and approach to the human condition. However, to examine human life from the viewpoint of consciousness means that we must commit our self to exploring our own conscciousness as major life priority. Nothing less than a radical and thorough personal and inward inquiry will do if we truly seek a comprehensive healing and full health.
Surely what distinguishes human life from the animal kingdom is consciousness alone. The development of all other aspects of of our integral being - our biology, relationships, and meaningful social participation - have as their basis an expansive consciousness. A higher consciousness moves us from dependent relationships, to authentic intimacy, and finally to a universal embrace of loving kindness and compassion. A higher consciousness supports the most subtle plastic capacities of the mind/body. A higher consciousness compels service to others. Consciousness is the driving force for a full integral health.
So I am here again in Asia for retreat and teachings from the wisest people I know. They are teaching me how to move beyond fixed and habituated mental patterns that define ordinary life, health, disease, and death. They are teaching me to directly engage consciousness, explore it, learn how it works, stay in the moment, live without suffering, and gain a full humanity.
Of course I'm no more than a beginner when it comes to the mind. I learned through my education how to do rather than to explore the doer. And it is only the later than can release us from the perils and epidemics of modern times and guide us to our full humanity.
I'm in class daily studying books, listening to teachings, and most importantly directly exploring my mind through meditation. I seek a direct engagement with my mind, with its vastness, openness, freshness, and primal awareness. I seek a direct engagement with the mental patterns that move from memory into consciousness and seek to automatically drive my behavior and physiology from the dead past. I seek to confront and know my prejudices and conditioning so I can live in freedom and fullness.
I do not know how to be a true human less a physician seeking to assist others without this through-and-through knowing of consciousness beginning with my own. It takes time, commitment, discipline, devotion, and faith .. at times more than I have. But what choice is there for all of us if we wish know in our lifetime the preciousness of human existence rather than the automaticity of an ordinary life and ordinary death. What choice is there but to take it into our own hands rather than give decisions of health to those who have not themselves explored their consciousness and the far reaches of the human possibility.
I'll be here for about two months and will try to share this retreat experience as it progresses. But one doesn't need to come to Asia to explore ones consciousness. There is much to read, local retreats, wonderful teachers (although you must be careful here,) and always your mind which is close at hand and available be looked at and examined.
www. elliottdacher.org
Comments