Tip from Bob Stahl: “Once you notice tiredness, you can open your eyes.”

1. Attachment (The Wanting Mind)

  • Nature: Desire, greed, grasping.
  • Mental pattern: “This moment is not measuring up.”
  • Effect: Clinging to pleasant experiences or outcomes; dissatisfaction with what is.

2. Aversion (The Not-Wanting Mind)

  • Nature: Rejection, ill-will, anger.
  • Mental pattern: “I want things to be different.”
  • Effect: Resistance to discomfort; can escalate into hostility or wishing harm.

3. Sleepiness (Sloth and Torpor)

  • Nature: Dullness, lack of alertness.
  • Mental pattern: Dreamy, relaxed but disengaged.
  • Effect: Not conducive to mindfulness; often masks other hindrances like desire or restlessness.

4. Restlessness (Anxiety, Worry)

  • Nature: Agitation, overthinking, unease.
  • Mental pattern: Constant mental movement; difficult to stay present.
  • Effect: Avoidance of discomfort; usually felt physically in the body.

5. Doubt

  • Nature: Uncertainty, self-questioning.
  • Mental pattern: “Can I do this?” “Is this the right way?”
  • Effect: Erodes confidence; can lead to giving up the practice.

How to Work with Them:

The key is awareness—recognising these patterns without judgement. Mindfulness is the first factor of awakening and the gateway to responding skillfully to whatever arises.

Mindfulness2Be | Regina Gerlach Psychology