Mindfulness

Yes but I worry that its a term that has been seized on as a money making machine and its often badly taught and a substitute for basic common sense of just sitting and enjoying the simple pleasures in life like birds singing.

I know that the dwp were using these courses as another attempt to pass the blame onto the unemployed for their current situation. As if somehow an inner peace would increase prospects for work that on balance, simply isn't there. As if its all their fault for feeling too stressed or distracted. I think people did feel ok about themselves until they realised they werent wanted and many employers just want a lowest common denominator situation

Its all very well saying it makes better people but if they cant pay the bills and homelessness is looming, anger and disenchantment become the driving forces

I feel that the hectic nature of modern capitalist life forces ills upon us. I feel that people would have the characteristics of mindfulness if it wasn't forced out of them with the daily grind of rent and work anxiety.

In life I have often found that running away seems the only solution to poor rental poperties ,noisy neighbours and mundane jobs.. Ive been in situations where homelessness or sleeping in my car seemed the romantic option until the reality of that hits home. I know that exacerbated my gambling problem because it was my escape drug of choice.

Decent affordable rentals and a dwp actually helping would have increased my mindfulness. Decent dignified jobs with some security would also have been a massive help

I think there is something in it but I do see capitalism as a failed 100 year experiment benefiting the chosen few. I wonder if we will ever get back to a position where peace of mind is a priority and the pressure is taken off with a national living allowance for example.

I dont think its always taught well or in the right environment. To me it smacks of a middle/upper class activity where people have the time to find themselves if you like. Be kind and search for your inner feelings is not something I really see from my employer or my landlord

Yes we could all do with good therapy and the key question is whether it helps or not. I dont think many therapists understand depression. In many ways I know why I get depressed and Im not sure if a therapist can help.

So I do see your point but Im not sure if I will ever get the time and space I need to really find myself. Im off at the moment but all Im doing is thinking about how dramatically my work has changed for the worse. If I get any mindfulness they feel like very small gaps of reality.

Best wishes

I hear you. I feel that the whole package has been sold to us in the wrong way. As I said earlier we drift in and out of autopilot all day. That's great sometimes, but as you also said if you are about to get evicted and you can not see a way out that is an escape we prefer to take than facing the cold harsh reality we face on the outside.

But if we both agree that being in that subconscious bubble can be destructive in all kinds of addictions, then we need a way to swim back up to the surface and that can be achieved by being mindful ( call it being present or presentness). You are not going to take any new and rational decisions if you are in a trance, are you? You will just do what the subconscious decides to do but you will take calculated decisions when you're present and that is what we should be striving for when push comes to shove. I hope that makes better sence. 

Yes I am not dismissing it and feel that seeking a peace of mind is vitally important. A meditation and a spirituality is far more important than the capitalist dream I have been sold.

My life is much better without gambling. I am beginning to see life more clearly in a way I never did before.

My gambling was a cry for help right from the very start. My personality was on the depressive side and I did not like my life. I think I had fair reason for that. I felt very isolated and friendships were fleeting because I didnt know how to continue them. I pretended I was happier in an introverted shell and real life sort of bored me....cue the intense hit of first time gambling which knocked me for six

I realise now that I never really wanted part of the school to job journey most people are on. I would have been better in a retreat like a monastery or some place with order and routine but a calmness and security I could handle.

Then again with my fear of the unknown I would never have approached something like that. My social engineering to be a good tax paying citizen with a career is highly conditioning for a young person.

Ive owned stuff and only tend to appreciate what I had when its long gone.

I face life now without drugs. I feel I am way more aware and in touch with myself. I sometimes feel in a trance with so many thoughts racing through my head. This virus has brought anxious times.

So I hear you. I dont fully understand mindfulness. I just want to put on a robe and go and meditate with a Guru to deeply connect with people in a group.... lol

Best wishes