I’m looking at the keyboard, I’m still looking…
What’s that crazy man on about? Well, I was reading one on my regular blogs in Google Reader when I came across something quite extraordinary. Here’s a quote with some of my own thoughts:
Stop labeling. It’s amazing how much we think we’re experiencing life, but we’re really just thinking about it.
Erm, no. But I’ll read on anyway…
I want you to try a little exercise with me. Take a look at something around you. Maybe it’s a photo, a plant, or your keyboard.
Ok, I’m looking at the keyboard…
Our normal state of mind is to think about the object we’re looking at, to conceptualize it in our mind and place labels on it. Now look at the same object and don’t think about it.
OK…
If this is difficult for you, that’s okay.
No, it’’s fine, I’ll manage.
Relax and just look.
Yep.
Let go.
Gotcha.
Notice a difference?
Nope, not a thing. I’m just looking at my keyboard.
That’s because when you’re not thinking about what you’re things, you’re actually experiencing life directly. The labels in our mind are simply abstractions, they’re not reality itself. Try doing this more often: when you’re in line at the grocery store, walking your dog, listening to music, etc. You’ll start to enjoy your experience much more.
That’s pretty much what went through my head, what is all this psychological mumbo-jumbo about anyway? I usually love the posts this guys writes, and to be fair he probably really is a good guy, but I get frustrated when people try and tell you to “experience life” amongst other stupid phrases.