Sunset and reflections by the river.

The ability to access to communication technology and information at my fingertips means that my brain is often loaded with too much to digest. Sometimes I really agreed that “ignorance is bliss”. But the other side of my brain would say “it’s better to know the truth even though it’s painful”.

Then I have to ask myself which situation I would rather have in life. Sure, I’d know the truth than feeling deceived or stupid; but there must be a balance somewhere. We have both the rational side and the powerful emotional capabilities too. Very tricky situation being a human being trying to be as mindful and alert as possible.

Mother Nature always intervened whenever I get too worked up in my mental debate and discussions. It’s time to be by the river! The trick is to remain attentive to all the passing thoughts without getting attached to them. They are just like breathing in and out, the thoughts are like the air we breathe in and out. They always change, they are never the same, they come and go. Nothing is permanent.

Walking helps to ground me in reality of moving physically along the path. All the passing thoughts and feelings come and disappear with my walking. Those fantastic vibes from surrounding nature help in soothing the aching mind and bringing peace to still the noisy mind.

The sunset draws my attention to the beauty of nature and surrounding world. Being in touch with nature and immediate surroundings help to stabilise and harmonise all that’s going on inside the mind. Seeing and perceiving could be lopsided unintentionally, so I am always grateful to Mother Nature for bringing me back to more balanced state of mind. Once my eyes and perception of how wonderful and mysterious nature could be, I realise the limitation of my mind and let go of all the triviality of keeping fuzzy thoughts.

Local villagers have their own loads of daily tasks and survival activities so they are more connected to reality of the physical world. Simple lifestyles and village life experiences offer less taxing mental gymnastics. Knowing too much could be harmful for one’s health; “too much of anything could be harmful”. I forget this warning long time ago. So, I did fail my test of being ‘mindful and fully conscious of my thoughts’. Being a good meditation practitioner and practicing Buddhist, I have lost sight of my precepts of deligent Buddhist student. Luckily, Mother Nature is always there to gently guide me and encourage me to start anew and let bygone be bygone.

On the other hand, life would have been very different if we were to become half-robot or transhumanism. With thx progress in Artificial Intelligence and nanotechnology; many experts think people will soon become programmable like robots. I hope that day wouldn’t arrive for at least two thousand years. I still want to walk along the river with my crazy brain full of rubbish and still being able to think and be amazed by beautiful sunsets.

Wishing you peace, good health and prosperity.

Stay strong and cheerful.

#wednesdaywalk hosted by @tattoodjay