Check out this video next on dealing with negativity: ruclips.net/video/9aW-XZDkUnY/видео.html Consider joining us on Patreon if you enjoy these videos, and get fun benefits like exclusive behind-the-scenes videos, audio-only versions, and extensive show notes: www.patreon.com/dougsseculardharma 🙂
I certainly agree Doug, with your idea that exercise is not inconsistent with Buddhist practice. As I have recently returned to the idea that Buddhism provides the answer to improving our daily life I have found that my interest in cycling has given me the opportunity to develop that focus and concentration necessary for the practice of meditation. I have also listened to your more recent video on gratitude and agree that we have a lot to be grateful and positive about this holiday season!
Doug, thank you for honest about negativity. As an admitted skeptic and curmudgeon, negativity and pessimism come easily. Practice has helped me see through that and not get mired in that place.
Hi, @Doug's Dharma I have been going through a lot of your videos, and I really like them. Great work!. It's funny when you mentioned exercising I was like like... YES. I have gone through a lot of self-improvements over the last couple of years where I started to journal multiple times a day what feeling I had, and what made me have this feeling. Every single time two things came up that made me happy and positive. Exercising and being with friends. I think being with friends or let¨s just call is social interactions is equally important.... especially for men. Why I mention men and not the woman is because women are naturally prone to be socially interacting, whereas men are more prone to be alone which over time can lead to loneliness and negative thoughts.
Hi Doug, I have to be honest yesterday when hearing your speech closing my eyes about non attachment relationship and I fell "asleep" but I still able to hear some of it. Whether I am awake or asleep, I'm not sure but what I did is I replayed it after. Today I feel accomplish after whole day of working even with my personal family issues still on which I need to face and get it settled soon which a child is in concerned. I am very much better now. Everyone is a god of ourselves and likewise a devil also. All depend on how we face life and settle issues. Thank you very much again. If one day I get my issues settled, I will support you back as long as I am able to. Never forget who helps you through life. 😊
I couldnt agree more about your statement toward exercise. Healthy body, healthy mind. The two go hand in hand. It is however important to be aware that exercise and being physically fit can become an object of vanity and ego.
This video makes me really happy because it makes re-evaluate my own negativity and what I can change. But it also makes me feel pretty sad because it makes me understand how little positivity I must give out at times.
I wouldn't be sad about it, we all make these kinds of mistakes. What's important is to see the difference, and that there are relatively simple things we can do to make things at least a little better.
Doug, very good video. This is an interesting relationship between accepting reality as it is, not craving change. And creating intention to see reality a largely positive view. Accepting the negative but focusing on the positive in terms of the path forward.
@@DougsDharma actually, was wondering where dreaming fits in to Buddhist dharma if at all? Have read bits & pieces here and there about it but it would be nice to have a more consolidated approach to it.
Another great video. This would make a good public service announcement! :-) It's interesting that you mention exercise. I find meditation and exercise have a lot in common. They both provide a reset, they both produce beneficial physiological changes, and they are both most effective when practiced regularly. But, most interestingly, for me, they are both things that you can improve with practice. The way that one goes from barely being able to run a block to finishing a marathon is very similar to the way that one goes from barely being able to pay attention for five seconds to jhana, Arising and Passing Away, or the like. In both cases there is a virtuous cycle of adaptations leading to new abilities which lead to further adaptations, and so on.
That's right photistyx. Although as we age we realize that exercise gains are harder to maintain, and so we settle into more of an idea of maintaining the good. 🙂
@@DougsDharma True enough. On the flip-side older people often have a greater capacity for commitment and perseverance. I have a friend who has been running since his 30s, but ran his fastest marathon at age 62.
I exercise everyday, I'm reading a book about Buddhism and fitness. How we transformed exercise into something vain and we train for ego... Really interesting
That's great Martina, yes exercise can become vanity too! But that said, it is very healthy so perhaps we can try to make it less about vanity and more about wellness.
@@DougsDharma yes, of course, that's what I'm trying to do. Because even though I tell myself I train for health reasons I like they way my body looks and fear that if I don't exercise that would change.... So I'm learning and trying to become a better version of me. Your videos are really helpful.
I think sometimes its essential to be negative, as these are the only emotions which match up with how we are feeling inside. Expressing how one feels truly - I think is very important. Of course try not to hurt anyone in the process. For example, I have a friend who is depressed all the time. Its not his fault of course, but to be around him is a real drag. He says the same things over, and over again - and doesn't listen to what you are saying. I help him when I can, with money, food etc. Sometimes I feel very negative towards him (internally at least), and mentally I say awful things about him. And if I see him before he sees me in the street, now and again I avoid him. I think to myself, am I cruel or nasty? I think I am so afraid of weakening my own mind, after fighting back from a position of suicidal thoughts over two years ago. I don't want anything to erode, that which I have struggled to build up again. I suppose each of us only have a certain amount of resources which we have to manage & guard as best we can. Thanks ;o)
Great points Video Master. Yes, one should express one's true feelings so long as they are skillful and not (unnecessarily) hurtful. As to your friend, yes it's a tough question. If you feel you can truly be of help and it's not doing you damage then by all means lend a hand. But you do also have to take care of yourself. If it's turning your mind towards negative feelings such as anger, regret, and so on, maybe reconsider.
@@DougsDharma Thanks for the reply Doug. By skilful do you mean keeping these true feelings to oneself, as not to cause harm? I think sometimes its good to let rip (in private) and let out these feelings. Kind of a catharsis. I think westerners like us, have different minds, different brain structure even. Many thanks, keep safe ;o)
What sort of meditation do you practice, Mr. Smith? It seems tjst most celebs and such name this or that...but is there ONE that helps with the FEELING positive and not just presenting it?
I generally practice a mix of mindfulness and metta (lovingkindness) meditation. Those and exercise are best to help me personally feel positive. But each of us is different and we have to find out what works for us.
@@DougsDharma - thank you for the quick and informative answer. I have been trying vibrational meditation and get mixed results from it. Sometimes it is very soothing (sometimes to the point of falling asleep!) and sometimes it just annoys me. I just looked up the ones you mentioned and will try to find one to try. Thank you. 🙏
That's an interesting suggestion OPS07. I don't know a whole lot about them; they aren't generally celebrated in the US. If I can locate an interesting history of them it's something I might do.
Check out this video next on dealing with negativity: ruclips.net/video/9aW-XZDkUnY/видео.html
Consider joining us on Patreon if you enjoy these videos, and get fun benefits like exclusive behind-the-scenes videos, audio-only versions, and extensive show notes: www.patreon.com/dougsseculardharma 🙂
“We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.”
Yes, it's so important to see the framing.
I certainly agree Doug, with your idea that exercise is not inconsistent with Buddhist practice. As I have recently returned to the idea that Buddhism provides the answer to improving our daily life I have found that my interest in cycling has given me the opportunity to develop that focus and concentration necessary for the practice of meditation. I have also listened to your more recent video on gratitude and agree that we have a lot to be grateful and positive about this holiday season!
Wonderful, thanks for your comment! 🙏
Doug, thank you for honest about negativity. As an admitted skeptic and curmudgeon, negativity and pessimism come easily. Practice has helped me see through that and not get mired in that place.
You're very welcome Mark. Yes, I've been in the same place with skepticism. It has benefits but can take us to very negative places.
These videos keep getting better and better. I love it when you find these texts and go over them! It's amazing to hear the Buddhas words.
Thanks Austin, yes the early texts can be pretty amazing to read! 🙂
Hi, @Doug's Dharma I have been going through a lot of your videos, and I really like them. Great work!. It's funny when you mentioned exercising I was like like... YES. I have gone through a lot of self-improvements over the last couple of years where I started to journal multiple times a day what feeling I had, and what made me have this feeling. Every single time two things came up that made me happy and positive. Exercising and being with friends. I think being with friends or let¨s just call is social interactions is equally important.... especially for men. Why I mention men and not the woman is because women are naturally prone to be socially interacting, whereas men are more prone to be alone which over time can lead to loneliness and negative thoughts.
Yes I think that's right Michael, exercise and social interaction, keeping busy, makes a big difference. And meditation of course.
Today I am grateful for your teaching of the dharma Doug. Go well in the Sangha.
Wonderful to hear James, thanks so much. 🙏
Hi Doug, I have to be honest yesterday when hearing your speech closing my eyes about non attachment relationship and I fell "asleep" but I still able to hear some of it. Whether I am awake or asleep, I'm not sure but what I did is I replayed it after. Today I feel accomplish after whole day of working even with my personal family issues still on which I need to face and get it settled soon which a child is in concerned. I am very much better now. Everyone is a god of ourselves and likewise a devil also. All depend on how we face life and settle issues.
Thank you very much again. If one day I get my issues settled, I will support you back as long as I am able to. Never forget who helps you through life. 😊
No worries Keith, thanks for your comments! I really hope the videos will help one way or another. 🙂
@@DougsDharma I need to tell you. It helps me a lot recently!! Truth and facts
I couldnt agree more about your statement toward exercise. Healthy body, healthy mind. The two go hand in hand. It is however important to be aware that exercise and being physically fit can become an object of vanity and ego.
Yes that’s an important thing to keep in mind JByramArt. Exercise does tend to get intertwined with vanity.
This video makes me really happy because it makes re-evaluate my own negativity and what I can change. But it also makes me feel pretty sad because it makes me understand how little positivity I must give out at times.
I wouldn't be sad about it, we all make these kinds of mistakes. What's important is to see the difference, and that there are relatively simple things we can do to make things at least a little better.
Doug, very good video. This is an interesting relationship between accepting reality as it is, not craving change. And creating intention to see reality a largely positive view. Accepting the negative but focusing on the positive in terms of the path forward.
Well said Tom. Yes, it is something of a balance.
Let me express my gratitude towards your wise and grounded videos. Thank you Doug 😊
You are very welcome Kirill, so nice of you to say! 🙏
You are a great teacher. Thank you!
You're very welcome Matheus!
Thank you Doug 🙏
You're very welcome Jean-Michel! 🙏🙂
Thanks Doug, always enjoy your videos and am learning so much as I am just beginning my journey into Buddhism.
Glad to hear it Nicola. If you’re having any questions or problems let me know! I might be able to do a video on them.
@@DougsDharma actually, was wondering where dreaming fits in to Buddhist dharma if at all? Have read bits & pieces here and there about it but it would be nice to have a more consolidated approach to it.
I definitely have a tendency of catastrophising, which is only increased right now of course, but it’s important to try and stay in a good headspace.
Yes, I think we can all fall into that kind of thinking from time to time Noah, but seeing it for what it is helps. 🙂
Another great video. This would make a good public service announcement! :-) It's interesting that you mention exercise. I find meditation and exercise have a lot in common. They both provide a reset, they both produce beneficial physiological changes, and they are both most effective when practiced regularly. But, most interestingly, for me, they are both things that you can improve with practice. The way that one goes from barely being able to run a block to finishing a marathon is very similar to the way that one goes from barely being able to pay attention for five seconds to jhana, Arising and Passing Away, or the like. In both cases there is a virtuous cycle of adaptations leading to new abilities which lead to further adaptations, and so on.
That's right photistyx. Although as we age we realize that exercise gains are harder to maintain, and so we settle into more of an idea of maintaining the good. 🙂
@@DougsDharma True enough. On the flip-side older people often have a greater capacity for commitment and perseverance. I have a friend who has been running since his 30s, but ran his fastest marathon at age 62.
Love love love this video! Thank you so much.
You are so welcome! 😀
I exercise everyday, I'm reading a book about Buddhism and fitness. How we transformed exercise into something vain and we train for ego... Really interesting
That's great Martina, yes exercise can become vanity too! But that said, it is very healthy so perhaps we can try to make it less about vanity and more about wellness.
@@DougsDharma yes, of course, that's what I'm trying to do. Because even though I tell myself I train for health reasons I like they way my body looks and fear that if I don't exercise that would change.... So I'm learning and trying to become a better version of me.
Your videos are really helpful.
I think sometimes its essential to be negative, as these are the only emotions which match up with how we are feeling inside. Expressing how one feels truly - I think is very important. Of course try not to hurt anyone in the process. For example, I have a friend who is depressed all the time. Its not his fault of course, but to be around him is a real drag. He says the same things over, and over again - and doesn't listen to what you are saying. I help him when I can, with money, food etc.
Sometimes I feel very negative towards him (internally at least), and mentally I say awful things about him. And if I see him before he sees me in the street, now and again I avoid him.
I think to myself, am I cruel or nasty? I think I am so afraid of weakening my own mind, after fighting back from a position of suicidal thoughts over two years ago. I don't want anything to erode, that which I have struggled to build up again. I suppose each of us only have a certain amount of resources which we have to manage & guard as best we can.
Thanks ;o)
Great points Video Master. Yes, one should express one's true feelings so long as they are skillful and not (unnecessarily) hurtful. As to your friend, yes it's a tough question. If you feel you can truly be of help and it's not doing you damage then by all means lend a hand. But you do also have to take care of yourself. If it's turning your mind towards negative feelings such as anger, regret, and so on, maybe reconsider.
@@DougsDharma Thanks for the reply Doug. By skilful do you mean keeping these true feelings to oneself, as not to cause harm? I think sometimes its good to let rip (in private) and let out these feelings. Kind of a catharsis. I think westerners like us, have different minds, different brain structure even.
Many thanks, keep safe ;o)
Trying to attain that New York state of mind😌🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
That’s the way! New York’s state of mind right now I think is a bit of a mess but it will get better! 🙂
What sort of meditation do you practice, Mr. Smith? It seems tjst most celebs and such name this or that...but is there ONE that helps with the FEELING positive and not just presenting it?
I generally practice a mix of mindfulness and metta (lovingkindness) meditation. Those and exercise are best to help me personally feel positive. But each of us is different and we have to find out what works for us.
@@DougsDharma - thank you for the quick and informative answer. I have been trying vibrational meditation and get mixed results from it. Sometimes it is very soothing (sometimes to the point of falling asleep!) and sometimes it just annoys me. I just looked up the ones you mentioned and will try to find one to try. Thank you. 🙏
Can you do a video on Buddhist holidays?
That's an interesting suggestion OPS07. I don't know a whole lot about them; they aren't generally celebrated in the US. If I can locate an interesting history of them it's something I might do.
Namaste 🙏
🙏