Mindfulness without the Bells and Beads

Chapter 12Week 4: The Saber-Toothed Tiger of the Modern World: Everything

“If I had 8 hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend 6 sharpening my axe” is a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln. I've seen variations on the number of hours noted in this quote, but the point is true: preparing and maintaining one's tools is just as, if not more, important than the task itself. We've spent the first three sessions preparing for the next two and beyond. Our version of sharpening the axe has been sharpening our attention, increasing our awareness of bodily sensations, and being able to see thoughts and emotions as mental events. Keeping those mental tools sharp is a continuous process, and the exercises you've learned thus far are fundamental mindfulness practices and important to revisit regularly.

Now we will begin to use that increased focus, sensory clarity, and insight to explore how we relate to the challenges and difficulties we face in our daily lives. Let's first listen in on a conversation over coffee on a Saturday morning between Mitch and Tamika about Mitch's upcoming presentation at his company's annual training week.

“Did I tell you my boss asked me to present our new marketing strategy at our big annual training week?” Mitch wondered aloud.

“No! Congratulations! What an amazing opportunity!”

“Yeah, an amazing opportunity to embarrass myself in front of 300 people, including the board,” Mitch whispered almost inaudibly.

“What? C'mon, you'll be great up there. You know your ...