Far too many of us are afraid of being nothing. We do not like to dwell on the subject of death; we are terrified about death. Of course, this posting does not appertain to trying to end oneself physically; doing so would be extremely foolish, irrational, and very non-harmonious. Being nothing psychologically, however, is another thing completely. Being nothing psychologically, at times, throughout the day and night, is prudent and sane. Most of us, unfortunately, are in fear about being nothing psychologically (because of miseducation, lack of awareness, and dependency on superficial things and deceptive concepts).
To be empty internally, devoid of effort and devoid of images and patterns of thought and thinking, frightens many people. The main function of thoughts/thinking is to solve problems. However, even when there are no problematic occurrences manifesting, most of us go on perpetually thinking anyway. We are caught in the habit of thinking; we are the habit of thinking. All thoughts, however, are mere fractional tokens or symbols for things. As such, they are inherently rather metaphorical and emblematical and thus are rather stiff and bereft of real life… much like mere numbers or road signs. Yet, because of the way we were miseducated, we cling to them and worship them. Ironically, most of us cling to these stale (rather unalive) images, and we are afraid of letting them go. Of course, thoughts are very necessary. It is great to often use them sensibly and reasonably. However, as we’ve said many times, they are merely tools. Everlastingly clinging to stiff and lifeless symbols is not really “alive,” nor is it awake and dynamic in the profound sense. Even when there are no problems, we fabricate problems. Some of us will do anything to avoid emptiness and nothingness. However, clinging to the limited is deceased in itself and is not real living. (By the way, in physics, the emptiness or nothingness that exists — as empty space — is never merely just stagnant; it is full of fluctuating quantum fields, dark energy, and all kinds of dynamic activity. The silent, empty mind, too, is tremendously dynamic in its own way.)
Psychological nothingness is not pettiness, is not smallness. The truly empty mind is beyond the stale patterns concocted by man; that involves great intelligence. Far too many are caught in (and “as”) those stale patterns (and forever remain there). Psychological nothingness often goes beyond ordinary experience, because ordinary experience is merely recognition by the known. The truly empty mind is not, even during the day, merely caught in perceiving through (and “as”) the old screen of accumulated patterns. That old screen is largely of separation and conflict.
Mayfly next to its empty exoskeleton. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Mayfly next to its empty exoskeleton.(2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
If only people could remember the depth and breadth of the dynamic nothingness, and the purest forms of peace, love, and unity that fill it, they would not be afraid . . .
Yes! 🙂 It’s not about remembrance, though; it’s more about perceiving without all the superfluous garbage and baggage of mere remembrance.
Food for thought and an amazing photo 🙂
Thanks very much, Sci! 🙂 (… and food for beyond thought too, we hope!)
Yes 🙂
I’m not sure how you do it, but so many times you have the very words I need to hear for the day. I enjoy the depth of your thoughts. 🙂
Very appreciative of that, Lori! 🙂 Sometimes, i wonder if anyone is getting anything out of what is being written (other than myself)! So many are merely set in their ways and are more interested in the superficial photos than the depth behind the words; it’s like a person who discovers something precious — tries to show it to people — and they compliment him on the nice shoes that he’s wearing. Hell with the shoes! Photos can be nice (of course) but even those don’t hold a candle to true-color 3D holograms (which i used to make). But you can’t show the depth of holograms online, and revealing the other kind of depth is very difficult too.
I completely understand, Tom. I was superficial about life too, as a young girl. Once we “wake up” we’re cognizant of the depth and interconnected-ness of all life there is no turning back. It seems everything in my path now, speaks to me.
Yes, Lori, once you see the whole, there is no turning back… because the fractional way is seen to be what it really is… which is delusional nonsense. Too many, though, cling to fictional symbols involving separation and conflict; these they were taught to be real, and to these, they adamantly adhere to and identify with; it’s like clinging to superficial shadows. The result is the disorderly world as it is today.
Only we can be mindfulness all the time. Insightful thoughts to sharing. Thank you, Tom!
Thank you, Amy! 🙂 What i mentioned to Littlesundog (above) also pertains to you; you see beyond the photos too… and that takes depth and wisdom.
stunning pictures
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What a wonderful and helpful post!
I’m working within the theme of mindfulness at the moment, currently writing about accepting and letting go; your post is a true inspiration for my writing.
Keep it up 🙂