Turn off auto-pilot

As I am learning, Mindfulness is about noticing things without judgments. The "noticing" part seems to be easier than the "without judgment" part for me.

One thing I've noticed is something I'm sure you've experienced too. It's my response when asked, "How are you?"

My answer is usually an automatic "fine" or "good" or "busy." I've found that these responses don't reflect my true feelings. They are a kind of armor that protects me from being vulnerable. The automatic-ness of my response keeps me from actually getting in touch with my feelings, from being honest, from being authentic.

My thinking has always been, "People really don't care 'how I am' it's just something we say to be polite." It's an automatic question that gets an automatic answer.

However true my judgment has been, (probably less true than I think) it has nothing to do with how I'd like to be in the world.
I would like to be mindful, authentic, and in deeper relationships with the people in my world. I believe that using this question can be a useful trigger for practicing mindfulness.

So, now when someone asks me, "How are you doing?" I'm going to pause and connect with myself, then answer. This may cause me to be more vulnerable than I'm comfortable with, but I've found that there are some very cool things outside of my comfort zone.

I invite you to join me in being a little more vulnerable today.

Peace.

Damon

"If we want better clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path."

BRENE BROWN