In a recent blog from Christopher Titmuss: The current boom in mindfulness/self-compassion/well-being neglects the dynamics of the inner-outer circumstances.

External Conditions for Stress

The Buddha made it clear that mindfulness applies to outer circumstances, as well as the inner life.

We direct mindfulness to external conditions to work to resolve the widespread social epidemic of stress.

The current boom in mindfulness/self-compassion/well-being neglects the dynamics of the inner-outer circumstances.

  • The current culture of mindfulness falls into the self-help category.
  • External conditions have an immense impact on the human condition.
  • The Buddha endorsed the exploration of the causes for stress. He never took the view that we create our own stress.
  • Feeling good about oneself through lowering of personal stress makes a small contribution to real change.
  • Our empowerment to act takes priority.

EXTERNAL CONDITIONS FOR STRESS IN OUR SOCIETY

1.    Backbiting
2.    Behaviour of another (s)
3.    Being compared to others
4.    Blame
5.    Chemicals
6.    Contract work rather than regular employment
7.    Corruption
8.    Debts
9.    Demands on punctuality
10.   Demotion
11.    Dependency on name and reputation
12.    Dependency on winning and defeating others
13.    Dismissal
14.    Downward pressure on prices for the self-employed
15.    Exploitation
16.    Expulsion
17.    Facing disciplines
18.    Failure to reach targets
19.    Family dynamics
20.    Fear of Judgement, fear of punishment
21.    Health and safety issues
22.    Insecurity in the workplace
23.    Junk food
24.    Long working hours
25.    Loss of resources
26.    Low hourly rates
27.    Personal relationships
28.    Pollution. noise, air etc
29.    Pressure in travel
30.    Pressure to achieve goals
31.    Profits and Loss
32.    Rejection
33.    Surveillance of staff and the public

Filed under: Uncategorized on May 19th, 2017

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