Welcome to My Inner Temple

a Spiritual Journey to Masters Dharma

«No Mind; Just Heart.»
Shi Yan Zhuo [Chin.: shìyánzhuó 釋延卓 | 1965 - ?]
Embracing Freedom through Mindful Observation

Embracing Freedom through Mindful Observation

Discover the freedom that resides within you

As human beings, we often find ourselves entangled in a web of negative thoughts and emotions. The mind, like a turbulent ocean, can be easily swayed by waves of pessimism, doubt, and anxiety. However, within this ever-changing sea of thoughts, lies a powerful tool that can set us free—the practice of acknowledging and facing negativity head-on.

When negativity arises in the mind, it is all too easy to become entangled in its grip. We might find ourselves getting lost in a cycle of self-doubt, criticism, or fear, unable to break free from its suffocating embrace. However, buried within the depths of our consciousness, there exists an inherent power to observe and transform these negative forces.

«Whenever negativity arises in the mind, we should acknowledge it, and face it. As soon as we start observing it, it begins to lose strength and slowly withers away and is uprooted. We are free.»
Shi Yan Zhuo [Chin.: shìyánzhuó 釋延卓 | 1965 - ?]


The first step towards liberation is to become aware of the negativity that arises within us. This requires cultivating a sense of mindfulness, a non-judgmental awareness of our thoughts and emotions as they arise. Instead of suppressing or ignoring negativity, we must bring it into the light of our conscious awareness. By acknowledging its presence, we begin to take away its power over us.

As we turn our attention towards the negativity, we may initially find ourselves caught in its grip, feeling overwhelmed or consumed by its intensity. Yet, by simply observing without judgment, we begin to create a gap between ourselves and the negative thoughts. In this space of detached observation, we can gain insight into the nature of our negativity, understanding its roots and patterns.

The act of observation itself begins to dissolve the strength of negativity. By watching it with a calm and compassionate gaze, we remove the fuel that perpetuates its existence. Negativity thrives on our identification and resistance; it feeds on our attention and energy. However, when we shift our perspective and observe it without attachment, it loses its hold over us.

Just as a plant withers when deprived of water and sunlight, negativity slowly loses its strength and vitality when exposed to the light of mindful observation. The very act of watching it allows us to see its impermanence, its fleeting nature. We realize that negativity is not an inherent part of who we are but rather a passing cloud in the vast sky of our consciousness.

Through continuous observation, we can uproot negativity from our minds. As we become more skilled in this practice, we develop the ability to nip negativity in the bud, catching it before it spirals out of control. We learn to redirect our attention to more positive and constructive thoughts, cultivating a mindset of resilience and growth.

With the uprooting of negativity, we discover a newfound sense of freedom. No longer are we bound by the chains of self-imposed limitations or caught in the grips of pessimism. We begin to realize that we have the power to shape our thoughts and emotions, to choose the direction in which our minds flow. We become the masters of our inner world, navigating through life's challenges with grace and strength.

In this space of freedom, we find that life becomes more vibrant and expansive. Our relationships improve as we no longer project our negativity onto others, and our overall well-being is enhanced as we release the burden of negative thoughts. We become more present in the moment, able to fully engage with the richness of life.

So, whenever negativity arises in your mind, remember to acknowledge it and face it with open-hearted observation. Embrace the power of mindfulness and watch as negativity loses its strength and dissipates. Through this practice, you will discover the freedom that resides within you—a freedom to live authentically, positively, and with a deep sense of inner peace.