inner rhythm

Zen Buddhist teachings differentiate between the background mind and the foreground mind. The background mind describes the basic mood and rhythm with which we feel, think and act – our internal attitude. The foreground mind describes our attention directed at a present activity. The colouration of our background mind thereby determines the focus on external activity. If this background mind is restless or nervous, then this will affect our activity accordingly; if peaceful and relaxed, the opposite is the case. This has an impact on all of our activities, whether driving a car or holding important negotiations.