Mindfulness in schools

[L.A.]

Yes, I think one of the difficulties in comparing Eastern and Western views of meditation is that in the 'West' it gets confused with deep thinking, which, in a sense, is an agitation of the mind whereas 'Eastern' methods tend to be more about stilling the mind or finding a still space within and as you say the mental and physiological spin off can be useful in negotiating today's pressures.  I would go so far as to say that Jesus advocated a similar method to his initiates.

I have heard strong arguments that for example, the description of Jesus's  '40 days in the wilderness'  is typical of ascetic practices, which would also include meditation.

[Brownie]

Sorry, Brownie, but if you look at the practice of mindfulness, its heavy reliance on Eastern thinking can only imply a strongrelationship between the two.  Secular Westerners can deny that link as much as they like, but when all is said and done, one doesn't exist without the other.

There is absolutely no reason for you to apologise if that is what you believe.
You may be right but so what? 

[ekim]

I have heard strong arguments that for example, the description of Jesus's  '40 days in the wilderness'  is typical of ascetic practices, which would also include meditation.

Yes, quite possibly and the temptations could be indicative of what can happen when the practices are intense and the individual feels a sudden surge of empowerment.  It can inflate the ego of the unwary.  The problem with the words attributed to Jesus is we don't really know if they were actually spoken or whether they were interpretations by the writers of the Gospels.  Having said that, there is an interesting Greek word used but translated as 'repent'.  It is metanoia (meta - inwardly beyond and noia - the mind).  Just as metaphysica is beyond the physical and into the mind so metanoia is beyond the mind and perhaps into the heavenly state.  So 'Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (here now)'.

[Nearly Sane]

Yes, quite possibly and the temptations could be indicative of what can happen when the practices are intense and the individual feels a sudden surge of empowerment.  It can inflate the ego of the unwary.  The problem with the words attributed to Jesus is we don't really know if they were actually spoken or whether they were interpretations by the writers of the Gospels.  Having said that, there is an interesting Greek word used but translated as 'repent'.  It is metanoia (meta - inwardly beyond and noia - the mind).  Just as metaphysica is beyond the physical and into the mind so metanoia is beyond the mind and perhaps into the heavenly state.  So 'Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (here now)'.

ekim,you may well know that it is used as a term in psychology, but if not thought you, and indeed others on thread, might find the link interesting.


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metanoia_(psychology)

[ekim]

ekim,you may well know that it is used as a term in psychology, but if not thought you, and indeed others on thread, might find the link interesting.


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metanoia_(psychology)

Thanks.  I vaguely remember its use in the days when I had an interest in Transactional Analysis.

[Brownie]

Quote from: Hope on September 25, 2016, 04:52:42 PM
Sorry, Brownie, but if you look at the practice of mindfulness, its heavy reliance on Eastern thinking can only imply a strongrelationship between the two.  Secular Westerners can deny that link as much as they like, but when all is said and done, one doesn't exist without the other.

Me: There is absolutely no reason for you to apologise if that is what you believe.
You may be right but so what?
-----------

I'm still wondering what the big problem is here.  Is "Eastern thinking" wrong in some way? 

[Gonnagle]

Dear Brownie,

I'm still wondering what the big problem is here.  Is "Eastern thinking" wrong in some way? 

We can learn so much from how other cultures think and behave.

http://www.pref.osaka.lg.jp/jidoseitoshien/shugaku/g_english/shu_2_8.html

◆Cleaning time
　After classes end, there is time set aside for cleaning the school. The students clean the classroom, stairwell, corridors, toilet and other rooms. Let’s all clean the place we study and use together.

Now that is a real lesson in life, a lesson in humility.

If the kids took a pride and participated in how there school looks, every child, not as a punishment but part of the real lessons in life.

But can't see it happening in this country, our little darlings cleaning the lavvy, heaven forbid

Gonnagle.

[Brownie]

I'd leave that bit out, Gonnagle.  Schoolchildren taking honest work away from adults?  No fear.
Smacks of the 'reformatory'.

[Gonnagle]

Dear Hope,



Never mind this mindfullness nonsense, this is how every kid should start the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayQyDWuCmkc

Gonnagle.

[Gonnagle]

Dear Brownie,

I'd leave that bit out, Gonnagle.  Schoolchildren taking honest work away from adults?  No fear.
Smacks of the 'reformatory'.

Western thinking, instilling a bit of pride in the kids place of education, how can that be a bad thing, the kids helping the Janitor, domestic, the school secretary or even helping out in the kitchen, life qualities, stop wrapping them in cotton wool.

What is educations main purpose?  To prepare our kids for adulthood.

Gonnagle.

[Brownie]

I get your point Gonnagle, I just hate housework so that colours my attitude.
[Might surprise you to know I did attend a school for two years (aged 16-18), where we did all the cleaning, kitchen and laundry work, no domestic staff were employed.]

[Sebastian Toe]

Quote from: Hope on September 25, 2016, 04:52:42 PM
Sorry, Brownie, but if you look at the practice of mindfulness, its heavy reliance on Eastern thinking can only imply a strongrelationship between the two.  Secular Westerners can deny that link as much as they like, but when all is said and done, one doesn't exist without the other.

Me: There is absolutely no reason for you to apologise if that is what you believe.
You may be right but so what?
-----------

I'm still wondering what the big problem is here.  Is "Eastern thinking" wrong in some way?

It is for Hope when he seems to make the following links;
Eastern thinking = Eastern Religion = not Christian = BAD
 

[Brownie]

I get that, Seb, but would have thought Hope was more intelligent than to believe it.
I've come across that sort of attitude amongst Christians before;  yoga is a particularly controversial subject, people imagine 'devils' crawling out of the woodwork!  I've no desire to do yoga but know that exercise and meditation are good for body and mind.

There are many types of Christian meditation - Ignatian, Centering etc.   

It's also therapeutic to learn how to be still and appreciate the moment which doesn't need to have anything to do with any religion (sorry, poor syntax there). 

I can't see anything wrong with 'Eastern thought', to be afraid of it borders on superstition.

[Sebastian Toe]

I get that, Seb, but would have thought Hope was more intelligent than to believe it.
I've come across that sort of attitude amongst Christians before;  yoga is a particularly controversial subject, people imagine 'devils' crawling out of the woodwork!  I've no desire to do yoga but know that exercise and meditation are good for body and mind.

There are many types of Christian meditation - Ignatian, Centering etc.   

It's also therapeutic to learn how to be still and appreciate the moment which doesn't need to have anything to do with any religion (sorry, poor syntax there). 

I can't see anything wrong with 'Eastern thought', to be afraid of it borders on superstition.

I agree.