An Attitude of Impartiality

This is a photo of fallen leaves on a sidewalk that I took a few weeks ago when walking in the rain.
I believe that we are one not just with each other but with all of nature. 



The first of the seven attitudes of mindfulness is in regards to cultivating an attitude whereby we become an impartial observer of our experiences.  In order to become impartial  or non-judgmental however requires that we first become aware of our thoughts.  As we become aware of our thoughts, if we are honest with ourselves, we quickly discover that we are usually judging and reacting to all of our experiences. 

When we react we are actually labeling things as "good" or "bad".  Things that are neutral in our minds are generally too boring to give much attention to.  This pattern of categorizing and judging things and people keeps us locked into "automatic" reactions that we are not even aware of and that have no objective basis.  If you question this, just observe your mind and your thoughts for a 10 minute period and see how much time is spent with liking and disliking.

The ego is our editorial system that classifies everything and creates the filter through which we see things.  As long as we have a "mind-dominated" life, the present moment will always be altered by this filter.  We will never have a direct experience with anything or anyone. 

Through a regular mindfulness meditation practice where we learn to observe our thoughts without attaching, we can learn to be free from our need to feel inferior as well as superior to anyone or anything.  Why is this important?  Because we are all one.