Stephan Bodian’s new book is called Beyond Mindfulness: The Direct Approach to Lasting Peace, Happiness, and Love.
I haven’t read it yet, but judging from the description – and his previous books, which all were excellent – I assume this one is well worth reading, and applying.
It also highlights what “we all” know: Although mindfulness, in its conventional form, can be helpful, there is benefit to a more direct approach as well. Especially in the form of certain types of inquiry.
Mindfulness alone can reinforce the appearance of a subject-object duality, it can reinforce chasing certain states, and it can leave some basic assumptions unquestioned. It’s an unbalanced diet.
Is it true that what I am seeking is not already here? What do I find when I explore my beliefs around it? What do I find when I explore the velcro around it, the sensations that appear stuck to certain images and words? The states that I am seeking, can I find them as something real and solid? The subject and object, can I find them apart from in words, images and sensations?