Flashes of Insight: Gateways to Mindfulness by Michael Forester

 Insightful, Thought Provoking, Profound

Genre: Self Help/Autobiographical

Gateways to Mindfulness (Flashes of Insight) by Michael Forester

When I chose this book, because I did choose it out of a number of this Author’s books, it was because ‘Mindfulness’ looked like, out of all the topics Michael writes about, to be the one that I was likely to be most comfortable with, as I do a lot of ‘living’ within my head. I also do a lot of thinking about the past, but that is prompted by thinking about the issues in my present, leading to concern about the future, something that I have learnt within the pages of this book (although I knew it before) is a bit of a waste.

Within the fifty-two scenarios or maybe short stories that Michael relays to us in the book, there is a meaning or discovery to be found within some, and others, a snapshot of the Author’s life, experiences, routine elements to his day. I made notes for approximately thirty of them, signifying those that I took something from, which I thought was pretty good as I am not someone who I would say consciously practices Mindfulness. The two written pieces that resonated with me the most were those set in Glastonbury, Somerset (UK), where I was brought up. The High Street is indeed an ideal place to people watch. There are many varying walks of life within this town, although I was brought up to believe that the kind of people who frequent Glastonbury, particularly the car parks and the front of church where I believe that Michael saw his ‘bag lady’, was occupied by people that it was best not to associate with, so I never spent time just being still and observing, always wary of the people there. Michael mentions that he finds peace in meditation, which has never been ‘my thing’, coming from Glastonbury that might be considered odd. I’ve always felt that I would feel silly and not be able to relax enough. I’m jealous of those who can indulge in this practice.

He covers topics such as why we put so much emphasis on time and daily rituals, sustaining the moment ‘that was’ rather than living in the moment ‘that is’, the cycle of a day – sunrise to sunset, inwardly focussed anger and the self-belief that you are what you project and that you are the reason for failure rather than looking to outside influences. Thinking about why we react the way we do to situations, taking time to think how we can act differently. When we meet people or interact with people within our lives, being aware of what is happening with them and prioritising what is importance. Are your problems weightier than theirs perhaps? Showing kindness in the form of time, love or a gift that means more to them than it cost for you to give it. This is demonstrated in ‘War Zone’.

The Author reflects on the progress (or lack therefore of) in our world. The changing times and how that is reflected in how business’s trade, the tools that are used within the trade, particularly in hospitality.

Mental Health also seems to be something that is important to Michael through his own experience, it is also important to me through mine. When you ask someone how they are, do you really want the answer, do you really listen for inflection in someone’s voice, the clue as to whether they are being honest. If the answer is more in-depth, do you take the time to listen? Does the answer really matter? He reminds us of the importance of a kindness to someone who is not so fortunate as we might be through his anecdote entitled ‘Small Change’. Michael also tells us about the process of managing his own mental challenges through meditation.

He ponders on a question which I’ve certainly never thought about; we are taught as children to fear certain people and situations, such as my influencers telling me to avoid those people on Glastonbury High Street, and we are taught to embrace others. We grow up with belief in this myth, fact or deep rooted superstition that has maybe been passed down through the generations, never experiencing it for ourselves. Also emotions including fear, as a form of energy. This I have given some thought to, and I do understand, as I have recently experienced fear, and the stage you experience before you get to the fight or flight stage, is energy within you. These myths, fictional characters and fears can take many forms as we journey through life and take us to places that we shouldn’t be.

Goals and how our future intentions for ourselves are based on our past, what went wrong or right, and how we are inclined never to deviate from that train of thought, leaving us unable to cope when the unexpected comes along and we are sent into a state of flux. He presents us with the theory (or maybe fact) that fluctuations in mood are instigated by our minds rather than the environment, our stray thoughts and imaginings. An interesting write up was centered on someone he knows who had directed a great deal of faith, loyalty in someone, seeing them as a superior, perfect being, and then finding out that they too had hidden indiscretions and imperfections. Our perceptions of others are not always correct, but equally when they let you down, instead of judging and disregarding them, think about the positives they have brought to your life and not how they have disappointed you.

He also talks about accepting a moment in time for what it is, instead of trying to control it. What drives our everyday expectations of ourselves and also how consciousness precedes thought and actions, which does make sense if you think about it, as how can you think and do, without some state of awareness? Also how as we grow, what we need to fulfil us changes and, that one of those ‘needs’, seems to be for a lot of us, the need for approval. Why is that? That certainly resonated with me. At forty eight years of age, I still struggle with that one.

These and many other things are mulled over by Michael in this quite complex and intense compilation of contemplation. I struggled with some parts and felt like a light had been switched on with others, but I am glad of the experience.