by Matt Prindle
TODAY'S INTENTION
Today, let's bring attention to the nature and operation of conditioned patterns.
Behavior patterns run subconsciously. They are self-organizing and self-perpetuating autonomous structures that function to degrade attention. They initially form in response to an experience that was too overwhelming to experience. They then develop into conditioned ways of being and continue to fester throughout our lives as protection mechanisms. These fearful conditioned patterns ultimately create suffering as they bring about precisely the experiences that we are trying to avoid.
When we see clearly to what extent conditioning runs our lives, we are strongly motivated to go further in dismantling the patterns that shape our experience.
“It is a painful thing
To look at your own trouble and know
That you yourself and no one else has made it”– Sophocles
TRAIL SNACK
To unravel and dismantle the conditioned patterns that unconsciously run our lives, deliberate dedicated practice is required.
And ta-da! That's what Intention Inspired is all about 🤜✨🤛
Though, while we merely provide a daily insight to prime us into more mindful states of being, it is up to each of us to slow down and honestly take a look at the fabric of our being.
INSPIRED ACTION
As a pattern is noticed and held in attention, it reveals how it functions and what it is composed of.
Effective deconditioning of patterns rests on our ability to hold what we are looking at in attention (another plus for our daily meditation practice). As we hold conditioned patterns in attention, understanding will first arise as a feeling (agitation, fear, anxiety, anger, etc.) and then as seeing. Any distractions and difficulties we experience in the process are a result of patterns operating—stay with it!
As we practice, practice, practice paying attention to the patterns in our daily lives, our actions will arise more from a place of loving presence, rather than from reactive fearful patterns.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
What has helped you notice and decondition unhealthy patterns in your daily life?
We'd love to hear any takeaways in the comments!
