In the movie Forrest Gump, the cinematic trick called a voiceover always lets the viewer know what Forrest is thinking.
The cute thing about Forrest is that what he thinks is always exactly what he says or acts upon. There is a complete harmony with his thinking and his corresponding words. His actions directly mirror his thinking. Forrest lives his life in pure integrity.
In real life, we sometimes (or oftentimes) live in dissonance. Our thoughts and feelings are not in sync with our words and actions. Reasons for this discord vary from trying to be politically correct to playing the game to an over-reliance on telling little white lies to just being unclear about what you believe.
Mindful people take the critical first step towards being more gump-like in their thinking … and living a gump-like life.
Most importantly, they notice that little voice that constantly chatters and yelps incessantly in their heads.
It’s the voice that makes all kinds of judgments such as right/wrong, good/bad, and like/dislike.
Mindful people acknowledge the voice’s existence, but they don’t let the voice control their words and actions.
Mindful people learn to temper that voice … and mindfully act and interact with others … as opposed to react.
Mindful people learn to control the voice in their head and are aware of their thinking.
Are your thoughts and actions in harmony?
Are you aware (and in control) of the voice in your head?
Are you mindful or reactionary?
Next Blog Title: Being ‘Intentional’ to Get Things Done
Next Blog Date: September 20, 2012