Free Will and the Space Between Our Thoughts
When our minds run wild, with no space between one thought and another, there is no opportunity for contemplative moments in which we may evaluate the direction and effectiveness that our thoughts and actions are taking us.
As we slow down and really look at what we are doing, the opportunity to consciously decide our course sometimes presents itself.
It is here that our free will may exist.
This is the heart of meditative, or mindfulness practices.
As one such endeavor, T’ai Chi, may be useful here.
Too often, in today’s fast moving world, the easier path may reside in mindless activity for it’s own sake, in order to fill the void of our existential angst.
(Some good advice here from the Zen community might be to “Don’t just do something, Sit there”.)
Mindfulness in T’ai Chi
Mindfulness may arise from any conscious activity that takes us out of our drama, and brings our attention into the here and now.
Attending to our state of balance, and attending to our state of tension or relaxation, are two such activities.
These activities, when cultivated, may become a wellspring of benefits such as comfort and real growth.
Such fruitful practices should be seen as welcome opportunities.
Blessings to All!
