"To the mind that is still, the universe surrenders" - Lou Tzu
Lessons from ancient Shaolin wisdom and Marcus Aurelia’s stoic mindset.
When I say mind control, what do you think of?
Many people would think of controlling other people’s minds, but what I am referring to, is controlling your own mind.
Staying in line with our goals and controlling our minds is a life long journey, therefore one would be wise to be aware of these 5 hindrances which can block your path to self-mastery.
The 5 hindrances are states of mind that can distract you from your path. They can control your mind, dampen your energy, and disrupt your spirit. Everyone may experience them slightly differently, that is why I have given a range of examples to fit.
I have also included some wisdom from Marcus Aralias (the wise stoic roman emperor) to show that these ideas transcend time and are valuable lessons to uphold
Let’s dig into the 5 hindrances, and how they are experienced
Ill will / Aversion
Dislike, objection, aversion, frustration
This is a state of mind where your mindset is scattered – making the journey displeasing
Questions to ask yourself –
Am I frustrated with current circumstances?
Is someone bothering me or am I bitching about someone?
What is it that is bothering me lately or distracting me from my path?
Are there people, objects or events in my life which are causing these feelings?
Wisdom from Marcus Aralias:
Take Home Message: Frustration with other people and circumstances come from our judgments within. Although difficult, we can choose how to feel about external events and form habits of doing such
Sensual Desire
Taste, smell, hear, sight or feeling
Questions to ask yourself –
Have I lost my path due to sensual desires?
Have I been distracted by these pleasures, are they disrupting my thoughts and clarity?
Common examples:
An addictive lust for food, sex, or sensations. This could also be a dopamine addiction such as being addicted to entertainment or social media.
Wisdom from Marcus Aralias:
Take Home Message: Some people can spend their whole lives addicted to bad food, bad relationships, and bad habits. Feel and experience these desires, but form a healthy relationship with them.
Dullness / Heaviness
Sleepiness, lack of motivation, lack of energy
This sensation can manifest itself in a state of depression or the feeling of being locked in a cell
Questions to ask yourself –
Is my energy low?
If so, why might it be low?
Mind – Am I thinking negative, low energy thoughts?
Body – Is my body healthy, moving enough and giving me an abundance of energy
Spirit – Are my deepest needs being met? Have I not set clear enough goals for myself and my future?
Wisdom from Marcus Aurelius:
Take-Home Message: It may be impossible to remain sharp, focused, and high energy all day long. Although it is important to note that your thought patterns, the health of your body, and alignment with your purpose all dramatically affect your energy.
Restlessness
Unsettled mind, unable to settle in the present moment. Worrying about the future or traveling into the past
Often known as the monkey mind, constantly jumping from one branch to the other, unable to settle in one place
Questions to ask yourself –
Am I unable to focus?
Do I keep losing track of what I was doing?
Do I have a purpose to my day, week, year, or am I simply being reactive to my circumstances?
Wisdom from Marcus Aurelius:
Take home message: Remember the present is the only moment that exists, and with it comes your ability to control what you are thinking. Recommended reading – The Power Of Now
Sceptical doubt
Disbelief, uncertainty, unsure, disconnected with choices or purpose
When the way is full of too many doubts you will be more likely to stop. This is a feeling of being stuck, frozen, afraid to continue
Questions to ask yourself –
How much time do I spend in “analysis paralysis”?
Does the future often steal my attention
Am I haunted by moments from the past?
Wisdom from Marcus Aurelius:
Take home message: Learn to know your self, trust yourself, improve yourself and move forward to living in line with your truth – you will spend less time in uncertainty
What can we do about it?
We have a duty to ourselves and those around us to strengthen our minds and stay aligned with our goals and purpose . This process is a daily practice – not something that will happen overnight. Building a strong mind is much like building a strong body, it takes years of repetitive practice and constantly “sharpening the axe”.
The best way is to form strong micro routines – you must practice different methods and techniques on a regular basis and assess the results.
But below is a simple solution you can implement if you are regularly suffering from one of the 5 hindrances
Let it R.A.I.N
R – Recognize
A – Accept
I – Investigate
N – Non-identification
Recognize – Become aware of your state and which of the 5 hinderances it is
Accept – Learn to accept, acknowledge and allow things to be the way they are
Investigate – Why did it come up, what is going to be the consequence if i remain in that state, what can I change to get back on my path
Non-identification – I am not the body, I am not the mind, I am not my emotions – rather I can simply see these aspects about myself.
I hope you found as much value with these concepts as I did. If you enjoyed this post, leave a comment or share it with a friend.
Stay Frosty,
Simon
Nutritionist, Owner of Found My Physique
If you wish to do some further reading on these concepts here are a couple links:
Ted Talk – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-079YIasck
Meditations (book) by Marcus Aurelius – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30659.Meditations
