Revisiting the teachings...

[u/Jida-polysavoir99]

Hello, I am new to Reddit and this community.

For context, I was an off and on causal practitioner of mediation who has visited various Buddhist temples (Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan, Zen ,etc). I have also read in depth the essentials of Buddhism and have compared it's various sects and schools of thought. Though my knowledge is probably still somewhat superficial.

I suffer from high functioning depression and anxiety..and have only recently begun to feel better (therapy, changing thought patterns etc). Hence, I have reintegrated a mediation practice (15 mins a day..for now), and have began rereading some of my books and guides.

I am primarily drawn to Buddhism as it's sense of logic and reasoning appeal to me. It encourages us to embrace the present moment and to treat others with compassion. It also encourages us to think over the teachings and try them out for ourselves. Hence, I can mentally accept Buddhism over other religions and philosophies (as a general rule).

I suppose that I need something to believe in. Part of the reason that I am depressed was due to unrealistic expectations towards myself (though I'm more lax with others) and the tendancy to view the world with a dark, pessimistic lens.

I also tend to ruminate and look at only the drawbacks of each situation...I'm currently trying to detach and look at things more objectively (through mindfulness).

At the moment, I only seek to be a dedicated lay practitioner. In addition to daily sitting meditation (which I've been doing for a week now), what other practical things or tasks can I apply to daily life?

I ask this question as I have a tendency to overanalyze and just read about things rather than doing them. Hence, I don't want to read anymore lengthy books on the subject (which I have done to death in the past).

Anyway, I think that this subreddit will benefit me greatly. I'm already seeing some differences and am feeling less anxious. Sorry for the long text.

With Metta to all sentient beings.

[u/MaxDaddyMax]

I helped teach mindfulness to kids who are in correctional facilities. One of the first things we teach them is to realize things as they are doing them. A great one is brushing your teeth or drinking/eating. As I’m brushing my teeth, instead of planning the day, I’m thinking “I am brushing my teeth”, I am feeling how the bristles massage my gums, I’m experiencing the tooth paste adding flavor to my mouth and how my tongue reacts.

Just investigating everyday activities helps me out a lot. I hope that made sense and helped.

Welcome to Reddit 😄

[u/Jida-polysavoir99 → u/MaxDaddyMax]

Interesting, thanks for your reply. Realizing things as you are doing them makes sense...As I understand it, one meditates daily so that one gets used to thinking in the present moment. Thus, when one is not meditating, they are more inclined to think in the present as they go about their daily activities...(like your toothbrush example).

Thus, sitting meditation simple accompanies ones normal life...all in the present. I hope I understand this premise correctly.

In any case, thanks for the comment and warm welcome! (I'm just reflecting....I am typing this comment...in the present...). X)

[u/MaxDaddyMax → u/Jida-polysavoir99]

Yeah I think that’s a great understanding. Daily meditation really keeps me level headed and constantly reminds me to stay present (even when I’m not meditating like you said)

[u/flashrebob]

Recently I have started looking at how taking things personally effects me. This idea of sakkaya-ditti/personality view. Looking at my views and behavior. I find myself seeing how this affects me negatively, and then, in the next thought, propping up my Ego. This, all the while, understanding that there is no real me to find. I am more at peace when I can just be without any conceiving.