Association: Difference between revisions

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== Other Lenses ==

The other lenses of Association are additional ways of exploring and expanding our quest to Unlearn the Self.

~~=== Self-reflection ===~~

Self-reflection is the practice of paying attention to and analyzing one's own thoughts and emotions. This involves being mindful of your mental processes and experiences, and reflecting on their origins and impacts. Self-reflection can be practiced through activities such as meditation, journaling, or simply taking the time each day to reflect on your experiences and feelings. The objective is to better understand yourself, to improve emotional self-regulation, and to make conscious decisions about your life based on your insights.

~~=== Mental Objectification ===~~

Mental objectification is an understanding that treats mental events like thoughts, feelings, and sensations as objects that can be observed, rather than aspects of one's identity. In practical terms, this means seeing thoughts as temporary occurrences in the mind, not as inherent parts of the self. By routinely practicing mindfulness and meditation, one can begin to 'objectify' thoughts and feelings, creating a mental distance that allows for observation without attachment. The ultimate goal of understanding mental objectification is to reduce the identification with transient mental events, leading to increased mental clarity and emotional well-being.

~~=== Pure Experience ===~~

Pure experience is the state of direct, unmediated perception and awareness. It's when the division between the experiencer and the experience fades, leaving just the raw, unfiltered experience. By engaging in mindful practices like meditation, one can strive to reach this state of pure experience - observing the world directly, without the filter of concepts or preconceived notions. This understanding moves us beyond the duality of subject-object perception towards a more holistic, integrated understanding of reality. The end goal of cultivating this understanding of pure experience is a state of unadulterated, direct perception that can lead to profound insights and a deep sense of interconnectedness with the world.

=== Interconnectedness ===

Interconnectedness is the understanding of the fundamental links and relationships between all phenomena. It points to the truth that everything is interconnected and interdependent, making the notion of an isolated 'self' a limited perspective. Practically, this means seeing oneself as part of a larger whole, acknowledging how our actions affect others and the world around us. By maintaining a mindful awareness of the effects of our actions and recognizing the interconnected nature of existence, we can foster a more compassionate, considerate way of living. The end goal of understanding interconnectedness is to foster a greater sense of responsibility, compassion, and kinship with all forms of life, contributing to personal growth and a more harmonious society.

~~=== Lovingkindness ===~~

Lovingkindness is about nurturing an unconditional love and goodwill towards all beings, including oneself. It calls for a profound sense of friendliness, warmth, and a desire for the wellbeing and happiness of others, irrespective of who they are or how they behave.

=== Compassion ===

Compassion involves feeling deep empathy for those who are suffering and a strong aspiration to alleviate their pain. It's not merely about sympathy, but also entails active involvement in relieving suffering wherever and whenever possible.

=== Generosity ===

TODO

=== Sympathetic Joy ===