One of the biggest obstacles that we face in trying to enact any of the more subtle Zen practices lies in the fact that we are constantly caught up in the grip of our thoughts and emotions. Clearly, then, one of our first steps must be made in the direction of developing an ability to distance ourselves from them. In doing so, we encourage them to release their grip. Neutrally observing our thoughts and emotions, without judgment, can begin to create this distance.
Inner work is not inner struggle
The first mistake that we generally make is that we try to rid ourselves of them. Zen is not about trying to eliminate or stifle our thoughts and emotions. It is about learning to become comfortable with them. As with most Zen teachings, we will see an overlap which occurs with other concepts and lessons. In this case, we see the ever-present problem that occurs when we attach or seek to find identity in the wrong places.
We think that we have thoughts and emotions, which makes us think that they are ours. Yet, if that is the case, why is it that we are unable to control them? Why do we constantly feel as if we are in the grip of them? The truth is that we don’t have thoughts and emotions. Thoughts and emotions have us.
Observing thoughts and emotions in practice
The works of Charlotte Joko Beck and also my upcoming book expound upon this practice in great detail. For now, allow me to paraphrase Eckhart Tolle’s take on it.
When dealing with a problem or feeling, first accept and acknowledge it is there and just be with it. Then look at the thought patterns associated with it. See that these thoughts feed the problem or emotion. Be aware of these thoughts and realize they are your pain. You are keeping them alive and they have no purpose. They want you to be identified with them rather than simply conscious of them. These thoughts have momentum. Look through them. See that you don’t need them. Stop believing them. By cutting off the feeding process of thoughts, you can now just be with the emotion and allow it to dissolve. You do not need to try to let go of it because it lets go of you.
One of the most important things that we can begin to do is to learn how to develop a new relationship with our thoughts and emotions and how we interact with them. It is something that we should experiment with regularly and become comfortable with. Over time, we must develop a reflex-like ability to turn to a practice that will encourage them to release their grip. Doing so will open the door and allow for the transformative potential of all of the other practices to become available to us.
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