Reflection on second Mindfulness Training... Morning pondering (instead of being at work on time)...
Our economy depends on consumption and spending. Our culture propagates materialism (shopping therapy!). Greed is often accepted as an ideal that leads to success. And stealing becomes part of smart business. In fact, our media (think Cosmo magazine) is designed to make us - the consumer - feel inadequate so that we buy buy buy to find happiness. "I can live happily in the present moment simply by remembering that I already have more than enough conditions to be happy..." What a counterculture concept!
In this context, not stealing becomes not only "do not take what is not yours" but asks us to live simply. Do not use resources unnecessarily (taking from the Earth that which does not belong to us). Questions arise (for me) around what "belongs" to whom in regards to the Earth's resources... But perhaps that is getting off track.
Generous in thinking, speaking, and acting. Generosity = patience. Giving of your time freely. Opening doors for others. Making eye contact. Smiling. Impatience, flairs of anger, cutting people off begins to look like stealing.
Generous in thinking... Compassionate towards others in thought. Not swearing in your head because someone budded in front of you in the grocery line (perhaps mention it politely - and be sincere with the politeness!). Generous to yourself in thinking. Seated practice... Noticing thoughts without getting frustrated that there is thinking.
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