On Applying "Discipline of Thoughts" to Everyday Life
© 2004
>> Briefly, I came to conclusion that since there is a strong positive correlation between mental focus and significance/interest, we should try to "make" our every action significant to us. <<
One pointedness really has two factors to it: #1 is the act of focusing our awareness. #2 is the act of *perceiving* the significance of what we have focused our attention upon. It's this latter factor of perception that makes one-pointedness such a powerful meditational tool. It's what enables a growth in the *quantity* of information we have to work with in the one-pointedness meditation and it's our processing of this increase in the quantity of information that enables the mind to then increase its *quality* of understanding of the thing we're focused upon.
When applying the one-pointedness to everyday life, a reciprocal effect takes place in which, because we are focusing our awareness upon our actions, we are simultaneously *perceiving* their significance, which, in effect, "makes" them significant. But really, they have always been significant to one degree or another -- the difference is that now you're *perceiving* their inherent significance and their significance is now a *conscious* thing. Of course, this gives you the opportunity to *consciously* participate in, and enhance, their significance. :)
Here is where this aspect of the Step One one-pointedness exercise relates to the Step Two Soul Mirror work of character transformation which requires a recognition of the significance inherent to each moment of our living. With the character transformation work we must take that *recognition* a step further and consciously participate in the trans*formation* of that significance.
My best to you,
:) Rawn Clark
20 Feb 2004