Leap of Faith

 © Sony Pictures Animation Inc 

A leap of faith means believing that you are doing the right thing because you are making the absolute right choice. You move forward without guarantees or certainly of the outcome but you have insight that  you will achieve the aim you are shooting for. Our faith in God and religion is based on a justified true belief that there is a higher authority and Supreme Being that dictates human life. Religious belief often means that people commit to worship on the basis that God is real and right. They build up a faith that their belief in a religion is righteous and redeeming. This faith allows them to rever and worship their God knowing that there is a higher esoteric calling that they are accountable to. 

As individuals we often encounter situations where we have to decide on what decision to make while uncertain about the benefits or detriment involved. We end up trying to weigh up the advantages of taking a course of action against the risks that it might entail. However, the fact that we might not know what outcome will result; be it positive or negative, does not prevent us from deciding on which course of action to take. It’s at that point that we make a leap of faith that we will achieve the outcome desired, or at the very worst we will not suffer excessively should things not turn out as we hope. 

How we make decisions about what direction or actions we take is big part of what goes into setting up our mental health. There are two things that can have a particularly detrimental effect on our state of mind. One is, when being confronted with a choice, how we proceed and whether we go on to take action. The other thing is, how we respond to situations in which we are faced with conflicting options. Not acting positively in either of these situations may lead to significant anxiety and stress induced behaviour. 

Just as with our relationship with God the strongest personal relationships are rooted in faith. Faith in another person’s altruism. We open ourselves up and step into a circle of trust where we expect the best of each other. And even when there are questions we challenge each other to be better and reward our trust. And at times when we have doubts we take everything into consideration and explore the limits of our own faith. Ultimately, that faith instils a feeling of trust in individuals. It is this that goes on to form the bedrock of most relationships. 

Taking a leap of faith means putting aside any sense of doubt and preparing to commit to a course of action that we believe will deliver some anticipated benefits. It also represents a recognition that having given careful consideration to the circumstances that is most suitable option to choose. This is how human beings commit to a long term gain over any perceived short term risks. 

The Limits of Mindfulness

Self empowerment and personal development are essential parts of every person's progression towards a fulfilling existence. Reaching one's full potential requires being self aware and building up one's self esteem. The more a person comes to understand their self the greater the likelihood that they will be able learn and grow in line with their needs and potential.

However, there are many occasions in which doing what's best for you might not necessarily lead to a pleasant prospect for the rest of the world. Take for instance, that person who goes to the park to exercise but doesn't bother to close the enclosure gate. Those people who go to the playing field and park their cars across entrances and ramps, blocking them. Those who take phone calls in public with their phones on speaker mode while talking at the top of their voices. The generous 'manspreaders'. Those who hit all around them with their backpacks. People who spit in public without any consideration for those around them. Sometimes being at peace with oneself can leave one out of step with others.

The doctrine of mindfulness has become so popular it is almost becoming dogma. Mindfulness encourages the individual to take some time out to consider how one's thoughts, and the world around one generating them are not the essence of the actual individual. In taking a step back one is able to move oneself forward positively and holistically into a sounder and more positive path. Focusing on just the moment should allow one to experience that moment without all the usual pressures and anxieties that usually accompany our every waking moment.

Mindfulness' vanguard has presented personal growth as some sort of later life photosynthesis that doesn't need any sun. There is a suggestion that all the elements needed to grow are already right there inside of us. We just need to close ourselves off to all the blockages and obstructions in our way. However, a healthy sense of self needs dynamic biological and environmental settings in which to blossom. People cannot be their best selves outside the context in which they have to express themselves. Sometimes friction is required for an object to achieve its optimal form. One might require positivity to remain motivated but one also needs challenge to sustain drive and direction. There aren't too many situations in which one can just be regardless. That's not too say one shouldn't come up for air occasionally and get some relief from all the pressure. However, there are too many latent sociopaths out there who are acutely aware of their own rights without any commensurate acknowledgement of their responsibilities to others.

All individuals are personally accountable for their lives and what they do with them. Investing in one's wellbeing and development is one of the foremost requirements for living a worthy life. And it is right to take time to consider our own needs and the barriers that we might encounter in meeting those needs. However, it is also a human necessity to connect with people and work out a balance for harmonious interaction. That can happen casually or through very personal relationships. These connections are what truly define our character and how we fit into the wider world around us. Mindfulness does not advocate disregarding these connections but the tendency for them to become collateral damage in the pursuit of personal growth suggests that they might be dispensable. This is a worrying and dangerous trend.