Look at close things from afar, look at far things closer!

I read a Miyamoto Musashi quote about the proximity of how we view things.

To elaborate, Musashi suggests we look at things that are close to us, such as our relationships, the present, our problems, our passions... from afar.

In contrast, he suggests we look at things that are distant, such as strangers, our problems can apply here too, the future... closer.

This is important and really shows the value in 'mushin', a concept of maintaining clarity and objectivity with logic to uphold one's mindset/detachment. Emotions are fickle things which often obscure our judgement and subsequent decision making. Emotions occur and then we form REACTIONS. This 'forming' phase is often immediate and we may lack the mindfulness and awareness of what reactions we make. This is why habits are crucial, as practiced habits/autonomous actions is more of who we are as we get older. Unlearning is the greatest form of learning.

Just like how positive emotions can make us blind to problems or negativity within a person, object or situation, so too can negative emotions. Negative emotions can cause paralysis and can blind us to the positives and dwell more on the negative. Destruction is easier than creation. We should be mindful that when we do feel negativity, question it. Try to detach yourself from that emotion by looking at it from afar. Just like if we were to observe a mountain or structure from close and afar, we must walk, drive or whatever to make that physical distance. This process is something we should seek to find in situations as well whether it be day to day work, attitude to society, to enemies etc.

Much easier said than done but the more we just refer to our DEFAULT reactions... the more we are just repeating the past. To reach higher places for ourselves, we need to STOP and stay in these moments of emotions whether positive or negative and ask ourselves WHY and what matters. Only then can we mindfully unlearn and change our reactions.