In Taming the Tiger Within by Thich Nhat Hanh, he suggests the following:
When anger comes up, take out a mirror and look at yourself. When you are angry, you are not very beautiful, you are not presentable. Hundreds of muscles on your face become very tense. Your face looks like a bomb ready to explode.I took Hanh's advice. I bought a small metal pocket mirror I keep in my back pocket. It's been there for about a month and a half. Never had to take it out--yet. Just having the mirror there reminds me not to get ticked off.
Now that's practical mindfulness!
6 comments:
I've studied Buddhism in depth, and if you'd like any reading recommendations feel free to ask.
Will:
I would be happy to hear your recommendations!
Todd
I'm sure you'll familiarize yourself with the big ones, so I'll mention a couple you might not otherwise come across:
1. Awakening the Buddha Within, Lama Sura Das
2. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig
Have you heard of or read either of those?
Todd,
I also enjoy eastern religion(s). I have to say that my first exposure to a Buddist Philosiphy has through Herman Hesse's "Siddhartha". I have read bits and pieces of the Tao Te Ching, and some little stuff. Have you read Siddhartha, if so, what did you gain from it?
Siddhartha's great. Another excellent book by Hesse (although not necessarily in the Eastern vein) is called Demian. If you enjoyed Siddhartha, I highly recommend Demian.
Whoops, I meant to sign my name there.
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