Om Work: BUD/ ROSE/ THORN exercise.
ROSE: Something wonderful that you’ve internalized and would like to keep doing.
THORN: Something bad that you’ve done that you really want to stop.
TLDR; Be introspective. No growth will happen without it.
Recap: Be efficient. When you are in the present your thoughts tend to get dragged into the past or into the future.
The past is already done. Its unfair to the people we are with if we are unable to stay in the present. The only 2 reasons to look to the past-
- Lessons: Keep the lessons of the past so you don’t make the same mistakes.
- Inspiration: Take inspiration from things that went really well.
Look at the future for setting a vision. Don’t be over anxious. The future is unborn. Certain things are out of our control.
Don’t get overexcited or over anxious. Act without the unnecessary baggage of the past.
How can we get over self-doubt?
The mind is a constant companion. It is with us every day. The mind is the medium of experiencing. We can take very good care of our body but unless our mind is prepared, no amount of taking care of the body will help us.
Shubhaniji told us of the story of Duryodhana and Yudhishtira. It was peacetime and their teacher sent them into town to find out how things were.
Duryodhana came back and reported that everything was awful; there was so much unrest.
Yudhishthira came back and reported that everything was wonderful and everyone was so happy.
It was entirely their states of mind.
We should also differentiate between Brain and Mind. The brain is of the gross body. The mind is of the subtle body. The subtle body cannot see itself but it guides our senses.
The mind is our best friend when it is in our control. It is our worst enemy when I am in its control.
If we do not assess our progress you won’t move an inch.
- For a seeker, when we introspect we know our own dead rats. Introspection is the process of discovering our dead rats.
- Really detect. Think about where did I really go wrong? I did something I shouldn’t have done. Something I can improve upon.
- For no 2, the mind will try to justify sometimes we are not prepared to accept it. The way to work around it is to feel shame. Only when I feel shame will I work to negate it.
- Substitute it with something better. True spiritual practice is something that will help us read our mind to overpower a Vasana is not easy.
- Something good: Something I want to repeat. Don’t be over critical. But be enough strict to being about solid change in life.
Questions
Q: This idea of shame, isn’t it derogatory and unhealthy.
A: Self-respect comes if you make this progress.
Q: How can children take baby steps on this path?
A: Do the Thorn / Rose / Bud as a fun family exercise.