TAO Archives - Mindful Happiness

September 18, 2015 By Admin

A Tribute to Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Being Mindful Of Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Recently I receive a heart-felt tribute dedicated to Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, who died recently. The tribute originated from Louise Hay, a long-time associate, colleague and publisher of Wayne Dyer. To those of us who inhabit the spaciousness of the spiritual world, perhaps, no other person in recent history has contributed more to support the resilient human spirit than Dr. Dyer. Possibly equal only to Louise Hay. A few years ago, Dyer published a remarkable book about the relationship between thoughts and life behaviors. Part of that endeavor included various Taoist statements/advisories on how to life a fulfilling and happy life. I decided to review a few of his Taoist comments. Dr. Dyer did consider himself a modern-day Taoist Master – and, indeed, he was. Since I cannot simply copy his statements (copyright laws), I will paraphrase and modify them so as not to violate his (or Hay House) publication rights. At the same time, my modifications will aim at delivering the true, practical meaning of these Taoist statements.

1) Your Eternal Light

In times of turmoil and challenge, it is a great idea to return your attention and concentration to your inner radiant light. Inner light is highly common in most spiritual traditions. Here, however, it is recommended as a regular practice to help ensure improved outcomes and personal experience. When was the last time you visited your inner, eternal light? Hope you will do so soon!

2) Utter Impermanence

Those who recognize higher and true inner consciousness about being, realize that nothing is permanent – especially your good fortune and life. So an extreme view might be to consider how fearful you are of impermanence, and especially the fact that it signals your own eventual death in your present form. I suppose that if fear of death is tantamount to ultimate human fear, then there is NOT much to worry about regrading all the other, countless things human concern themselves with. Just how important, ultimately, is the last thing you worried about incessantly? No matter what happens, helpful or unhelpful, it will change. Solve a problem is you can; otherwise seek direction from the reality of impermanence. Considering the seriousness of your own death, other concerns may be more like passing clouds, leaves passing in a stream, or anything all the way up to death. Remember that unhelpful experience informs your good fortune, and that helpful experience may allow the unhelpful to hide. Stop worrying about unsolvable problems; fix them if possible or seek support in the impermanence of all things. Reduce you secondary suffering – suffering based on worrying and negative moods associated unsolvable issues.

3) Ultimate Mindful Self-Control

One Taoist statements recommends that we practice the habits of talking less (also in our head), shutting down the senses, reducing sharp bluntness, softening the gaze, and allowing your energies to settle calmly. Now you are in a much better position to deal with whatever has aroused your emotional impulsivity and negative states. This sounds a lot like stop, breathe calmly and deeply, say nothing, loosen muscles – let the jaw go, observe – then act while in self-control.

4) In the Simple May be the Great

See what is less complex in the apparent complexity of perceptions. Do little things to help others. Be kind to the kind as well as the unkind. Be humble in all that you do. If it is necessary to weaken an unhelpful experience or reality, first you must allow it to expand. If you wish to remove problems from your life, you must first allow direct access to it first. There is no solution or improvement in suppressing or hiding from what we do not wish to experience.

5) All We Need is Love (The Beatles were Correct)

The last Taoist statement I will include notes what may be obvious. Love is the power of all power. Love can appear in experience with a small or large L. Be open to it; allow it to shine, and share the benefits with others. Love yourself more! Seek more love not more possessions.

For more information refer to Dyer, W. W. (2007). Change Your Thoughts Change Your Life. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House.

By Anthony R. Quintiliani, PhD., LADC

From the Eleanor R. Liebman Center for Secular Meditation in Monkton, Vermont

Author of Mindful Happiness

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Cognitive Defusion in Mindfulness Psychotherapy A well-meaning therapist might ask: What is cognitive defusion. Well this practice, as used in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is beyond cognitive restructuring of cognitive distortions and automatic negative thoughts ( I call “Red Ants”). The practice concretely de-literalizes the personal truth and meaning of unhelpful, repetitive thoughts and words. […]

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