Dr. Mindfulness

A Substack reader posted a wise, compassionate comment about the terrible shooting directed at Jews in Australia. drmindfulness.substack.com/ He talked about how angry it made him, but realized the anger only fueled hatred. Please leave a comment on how you relate to the divisive events and horrors unfolding in the world today.

For years, I carried anger like a fire inside me, anger at injustice, at systems that exploit the vulnerable, and at those who turn a blind eye. I believed this anger was fuel, proof that I cared. But the more I resisted the reality of the world as it was, the more exhausted I became.

One day, after reading yet another story of corruption and cruelty, I felt that familiar surge of rage. My mind raced with thoughts of how wrong it all was and how much needed to change. But then something different happened. I stopped. Instead of drowning in anger, I took a breath and fully acknowledged the moment: “This is happening. I don’t have to like it, but I can accept that it’s real.”

At first, this felt like betrayal, as if acceptance meant giving up. But then I saw the truth. Accepting reality didn’t mean condoning it. It meant seeing it clearly without being consumed by it. From that place, I could choose how to respond rather than react.

Anger had kept me stuck, blind with frustration. Acceptance freed me to act, not from rage, but from wisdom and compassion. I could engage with injustice not as someone drowning in it, but as someone standing firm, clear-eyed, and ready to make real change.

Acceptance isn’t passive resignation. I have said this many times already. This is the repetition I mentioned in the introduction. However, it is essential to understand that acceptance is about seeing reality clearly, without resistance or judgment. It’s not about approving of everything or surrendering the possibility of change. It’s about meeting each moment as it is, fostering the clarity needed to respond wisely rather than react impulsively. This is so key and was a game-changer for my social justice work.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 4

Dr. Mindfulness

Has anyone ever wondered what Nisargadatta meant by this quote?

2 years ago | [YT] | 19

Dr. Mindfulness

I often get asked, "if there is no free will in the Buddha's teachings then why does he include ethical precepts and teachings (ie 8-fold path). Here's some thoughts on this. The notion of free will as an absolute, unrestricted ability to make choices is seen as an illusion. Instead, Buddhism emphasizes the concept of conditioned arising, suggesting that our actions are determined by various factors such as past experiences, mental states, and external conditions. These factors shape our decisions and actions, negating any free will.

However, Buddhism also recognizes the importance of cultivating ethical conduct and developing wisdom to make skillful choices that lead to well-being and liberation from suffering. The practice of mindfulness and insight meditation allows individuals to observe their thoughts, feelings, and intentions, fostering a greater awareness of the conditioning factors that influence their actions. By understanding and working with these conditions, practitioners can cultivate more wholesome intentions and actions. Let me know if you found this helpful.
I have a video on this topic as well. https://youtu.be/aCpwicDOtsw

2 years ago | [YT] | 33

Dr. Mindfulness

Have you ever wondered what the Buddha meant by realizing the deathless?

Here is everything you ever wanted to know about enlightenment and the deathless https://youtu.be/g2Un7583Bl4

2 years ago | [YT] | 2