Makes a lot of sense. Stilling the ego. This reminds me of ethnographic practice, where it resembles the 'etic' stance - seeking to stand away, outside and just watch. Hard to do (or so they say), because of the crowding in of the self all the time, filtering and interpreting. The opposite is the 'emic', when you knowingly join the space and people in it and take part in their experience.
This practice is not dissimilar from a very basic mindfulness meditation practice, though the payoff feels a bit sweeter. No need to gaze inward and examine my own process, identity, and stressors - instead I get to examine the realities of others & the nature around me. Applying this practice on my walk to work made my workday much easier! Might be cool to try on a stressful flight or commute, too.
One of my favorite spiritual books!!
I read the introductory section, the backstory on Ram Dass, in a trendy/hip cafe in Joshua Tree, California. Profound! I have a hard time slowing down enough to "read" (meaning: "take in") the illustrated portions, because I think they're meant to be read, like, reallllllllly slow. Each page a meditation basically. So glad you're in it! I need a copy on Sputnik.
This is a sweet piece. It’s so true that we always see things in relation to ourselves and seek meaning beyond the inherent. I’m going to try this exercise.
Kind of reminds me of It’s a Wonderful Life, where James Stewart gets a glimpse of what the world would look like if he had never been born.
Makes a lot of sense. Stilling the ego. This reminds me of ethnographic practice, where it resembles the 'etic' stance - seeking to stand away, outside and just watch. Hard to do (or so they say), because of the crowding in of the self all the time, filtering and interpreting. The opposite is the 'emic', when you knowingly join the space and people in it and take part in their experience.
This practice is not dissimilar from a very basic mindfulness meditation practice, though the payoff feels a bit sweeter. No need to gaze inward and examine my own process, identity, and stressors - instead I get to examine the realities of others & the nature around me. Applying this practice on my walk to work made my workday much easier! Might be cool to try on a stressful flight or commute, too.
Well said! Here I am, at an Einstein Bros in Kansas City, about to do it again. What if I’m not here?...For 20 mins. ;)
I’m gonna try it!
Yes! Let us know how it goes!
Funny. I am reading Be Here Now by Baba Ram Dass and his message is be here now, get out of your own way.
One of my favorite spiritual books!! I read the introductory section, the backstory on Ram Dass, in a trendy/hip cafe in Joshua Tree, California. Profound! I have a hard time slowing down enough to "read" (meaning: "take in") the illustrated portions, because I think they're meant to be read, like, reallllllllly slow. Each page a meditation basically. So glad you're in it! I need a copy on Sputnik.
This is a sweet piece. It’s so true that we always see things in relation to ourselves and seek meaning beyond the inherent. I’m going to try this exercise. Kind of reminds me of It’s a Wonderful Life, where James Stewart gets a glimpse of what the world would look like if he had never been born.
Wow. I’m in a diner having breakfast for lunch, and this article probably just changed my life for a least a week but hopefully forever.
Heck yeah! So glad you liked it!
David Cain FTW. I want a Raptitude channel on Readup!!
What’s Raptitude?
David Cain's blog
Beautiful exercise in practicing presence. Be here now and get out of your head.