The effect of dudeism on the mind.

[mnale0507]

Since becoming a dudeist I have struggled to obtain the laid back, frivolous airs of someone that abides completely in the 'fuck it' ways of thinking.

Until, one day, my mind was free from my usual uptight ways of thinking. I began living more in the present and stopped overindulging in thought and other trivial anxieties that use to plague the ego. I've developed the swagger of a man that is in no hurry. I realize now that I only have as much time as I have RIGHT NOW and no more. These thoughts have been comforting to me--they brought me peace. My once stressful work duties now seem insignificant and simple to manage and I've been doing better than I ever have at the tasks I am responsible for. I've become a better husband and person to everyone that I meet. I no longer have preconceived notions of what people should say or do. I accept everyone blindly and am content in myself.

I've lost the stress that I use to feel was constant in my mind. I feel empty, yet completely full. Full of love for my fellow human brethren. The days seem to have grown in length. Time passes slower than it once did.

What a profound effect my life has had once I really started abiding.

There seems to be a playful level of sarcasm and wit surrounding the world and religion of Dudeism--which clearly was one of the appeals of Dudeism for me and many others I am sure--however, I'm here to tell you that abiding in Dudeism is no joke.

This way of thought was totally and completely freeing once my mind switched gears and really starting abiding by the way of the Dude.

See you guys and gals on down the trail.

[PriorRestraint]

That's awesome, dude 
Really happy for you that abiding has changed your life for the better in such a dramatic way.
You describe it happening "one day", but my guess is that it was a little more gradual than that? Would you describe how that shift happened for you a little more?

Take it easy dude

[mnale0507]

My search for this feeling was gradual but my shift into abiding was instantaneous. I remember reading The Abide Guide and other philosophical literature in pursuit of "enlightenment" and yet I was consistently reverting back to my old, uptight ways of thinking. I was stressing over every little thing. Each day was a constant battle with my own ego. I lived in a perpetual fog of fear thinking about my own existential dread and suffering that would inevitably occur at some point in my life. Essentially I was letting my life be run by worry of the future insomuch that I was forgetting about the present.

And then it clicked.

My mind was working against me and I was letting it.

What is this vessel I inhabit if not merely a vehicle for my mind--and what is my mind if not merely a tool of this vessel?

So I chose to let go of the problems that plagued my thoughts and reteach my brain that I had no problems, merely obstacles to overcome and then move on from. The change in me was instantaneous. I even felt an unseen burden lifted. I felt lighter, happier, and more than anything I felt free. I'm like a child wandering aimlessly thru life. I have no worries and I take life as it comes--one day at a time.

The shift happened internally, fueled by literature that was the kindling used to fuel the heart and mind.

Abide, Dude..it's really that simple.

[Rev Dave Man]

Wow.  Far out man.  I hope to reach the level of dudeness one day that you have achieved.  I am truly happy for you and glad your journey along the path to abide has reached a high point.  Take er easy dude.

[iAbide81]

I downloaded The Dude De-Ching (free edition) available through the home site and let me tell you, there are so many great lessons in that. I even use the Sticky Note feature on my laptop to save the ones that really mean a lot to me and have them available daily to read and ponder before I meditate.

[Dudov]

thanks for sharing dude. Happy you're able to roll with the flow. I've been abiding for several years too but find it hard to achieve that lasting state of chillness that the Dude carries with him.

I understand things "clicked" for you one day and you never looked back. Would you mind sharing some tips however or pointers that helped you get unstuck along the way?

Dudov

[mnale0507]

Yeah, absolutely man. I really think what unstuck me from my old ways was this consistent choice I make to remain mindful of the present. Every time my mind begins to wander and drift into thoughts of the past or the future, I yank myself back into the present moment. There are so many things happening right now at any given moment that attempting to live outside the present is robbing you from your actual life.

And with that I just decided that all the worry and stress I have ever felt in my life has never positively helped resolve a situation so in knowing this I thought, what's the point?

Just let go, man. Take the strikes with the gutters and know that all your attempts to control or understand this existence will more than likely just frustrate you and get you down. Simply Abide in all things. Good and the bad.

I don't know what else say. I just know what's been working for me. Like the realization that Zen and attempts at Abiding shouldn't be viewed as a goal that you should work towards and try to achieve because the truth is these things are inside you at all times.

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful.

[Dudov]

Thanks dude, it's definitely helpful. What I find difficult with Dudeism is that when I try to pay attention to my breath, stay in the now etc... it becomes an "effort" and it makes me even more tense and worried than before. The key really is to just say fuck it and not give a damn. It's like thinking about making a joke, it just doesn't work! After a lifetime of being raised in a society that teaches we can control everything, it's certainly not easy to let go of the steering wheel but I am making progress, step by step.

[mnale0507]

I feel ya, man. I guess perseverance will ultimately pay off. And you are right, we were raised in a society that teaches control and Dudeism is attempting to teach one to let go..but it's not easy. It gets easier, though..little by little.