An optimistic viewpoint is psychologically protective, so Martin Seligman, father of Positive Psychology wanted to research whether optimism could be learned.
Self observation, and observation in general, helps us notice where we are, and figure out where we're going.
Observing the self, and life overall is a key element of mindfulness practice.
There is a noted trend in research, that children's resilience (or lack thereof) is negatively associated with overparenting, or what is sometimes called helicopter parenting.
A magnanimous heart is big enough to hold all things in acceptance, and to continue on in peace. It's possible if the heart has enough humility and vulnerability to stay flexible and open.
In some meditative spheres, they talk about "big sky mind." Imagine the top of your head touching and immersed in a big open sky that constantly reminds you not to get hung up on any of the big and small things you encounter in a day.
Every interaction is an opportunity for satisfying or supportive connections.
Mindfulness helps you refine your mind and focus (and your heart)!... and this can only be good for relationships.
The counter-move to judgment is acceptance, or seeing things as they are, without the overlay of judgment, criticism, or pre-formed ideas.
Cultivate an environment of non-judgment in your mind, so you can move past likes and dislikes in your thoughts and see what's next.
Mindful practice helps you live as an integrated self, as you observe and align thoughts, feelings, and actions with values.
Think of integrity as connecting your meaning and values through all aspects of yourself (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual), so they work in harmony.
Jules Hare wrote a simply profound and inspiring book about how to raise future leaders. Parents can be a good example for children, by not letting their own fears, bias, or habits get in the way.
A mindfulness practice needs ongoing inspiration to ensure it remains supportive through life's challenges, as well as everyday moments.
Impermanence can be one of life's harsh realities, or it can help you appreciate your moments more.
There is nothing sure in life, but change. This presents a problem to humans who are constantly trying to pin life down.
Without mindful observation of the self and its motives, it's easy to reject ideas that oppose our own, without considering them properly.
One of the stranger things about humans, is the ones who are most ignorant will often seem confident, or like they believe they know all there is to know. This kind of blind ignorance is one of the costs of the failure to self-reflect.
Humility is a deceptive quality. If you don't possess much of it yourself, you might mistake it for weakness.
Mindful practice with observation, curiosity, and non-judgment, helps you open your mind, and overcome the tendency to dismiss unfamiliar ideas.
Right speech is an important part of authenticity; to be sure your words are true, and also not harmful to anyone.
Mindfulness lets you be more honest within, by helping you see more nuance in behaviours. It helps you be aware of how you really feel when things don't go well, so you're more motivated to make adjustments.
Mindful practice helps you see details in the habits and corners of your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Mindfulness practice helps prepare your brain for in-depth meditation, by honing your focus and calming "monkey mind," or ongoing, unintentional thoughts.