Today, we take a Shallow Dive into the But Crack
(It’s not what you think. Or maybe it is.)
First – Why not a deep dive?
Because when it comes to the but crack, things can get a little… hairy.
A surface-level investigation should be more than enough for our purposes today.
So – what is the but crack?
It’s that unsightly divide that tears us away from tranquility.
It appears out of nowhere, especially when we least expect it.
Most of us agree it’s unpleasant to look at, and yet somehow… it’s impossible to ignore.
We don’t simply turn away from the but crack – we tend to follow it. … down.
In to… dark places.
Let’s Be Clear…
The but crack I’m referring to is not anatomical.
It’s the crack in your attention – the interrupting mind chatter that so often begins with:
“But…”
It’s the moment your peaceful awareness is shattered by a rogue thought.
It pulls you out of presence and throws you headfirst into mental noise.
If you’ve been practicing mindfulness for any amount of time, you’ve probably seen the but crack happen.
You were in the zone… feeling free, light, at peace… And then-
“But…” it interrupts…
“You have to work tomorrow.”
“Wouldn’t it be nice to just sit like this forever?”
“Remember Hawaii? Maybe you could move there…”
And just like that – your feeling has been flushed as you swirl down into distraction.
Some Examples from the But
1. The Gentle Drift
I’m sitting quietly. Present. Everything is. I am one with it all.
And then-
“BUT…”
“Did you reply to that email?”
“What’s for dinner?”
“Did you get onions?”
“Just order out tonight.”
“Add onions to the list now.”
The moment is gone.
2. The Bigger Buts
Sometimes, the buts are more serious.
We’ve all experienced loss, pain, or regret.
In those moments, our suffering feels real – because the thoughts feel real.
This is why we practice – to return from suffering to presence.
But in these exact moments, when presence is most valuable, the but crack makes its most offensive appearance:
“BUT…”
“You’re just avoiding your problems.”
“Nothing gets solved by sitting here.”
“You need a plan. What if you just…”
“If only you had…”
Spiral ensues.
The But Crack Has a Point… Right?
Even as I write this, I have to admit – the but crack does sometimes raise a fair point.
How can sitting here and now possibly help with the very real problems I have, here and now?
This is where you need to stay with me.
Stick with me like a pair of tighty-whities as we explore this, snug and secure.
We Experience Two Types of Problems: Actionable & Mind-Made
There’s a huge difference between actionable problems and mind problems.
✅ Actionable Problems
These are real-life moments butting into our practice with helpful interruptions:
- “Make dinner.”
- “Send the email.”
- “Take three steps left – a piano’s falling.”
These thoughts are relevant. They arise in the present.
When acted on immediately, they don’t disrupt practice – they integrate into it.
We notice the but, we respond as needed and move on.
These are the moments where “pulling up your pants” is the right move.
In contrast – ❌ Mind Problems
These are non-actionable loops – problems that exist only in the mind, for the mind’s benefit.
They masquerade as real issues, but their only purpose is to keep mind feeling important.
Mind problems are the mind’s make-work projects.
They exist to create suffering, and then pretend they’re helping solve it.
Sitting on the But
When it comes to mind problems, you don’t need to leap into action.
You don’t need to get off your ass –
you need to sit, on the but.
Mind problems can only be seen for what they are through stillness, awareness, and self-reflection. And let’s be honest – we humans don’t love those things. We like our big buts that Sure Mix-a-Lot of emotions up!
So What to Do When the But Crack Shows
Here’s the practice:
- Make friends with Truth.
Ask: Can I actually do anything about this problem right now? - If yes – do it.
Send the email. Make the dinner. Get out of the way of that piano. - If no – this is a mind problem.
It only exists because your mind is looping.
Solution? Ignore the But. Return to now. Remain open.
The But Crack Is Inevitable
They’ll keep showing up.
But cracks will always form in your practice – moments where mind tries to moon you into submission.
They originate from insecurity.
They scream for attention.
They tell dramatic tales – sometimes of whales!
But with clear awareness, those tales are seen for what they are – just stories.
They pass through like light across clear water.
The Real Practice is to Recognize the But and Respect the But
Once you’ve seen enough buts, and I mean really looked at them and acknowledged them, eventually the but becomes less taboo.
You may even learn to laugh when it shows up uninvited.
I’m not saying you need to play with the but, cause that’s not everyone’s thing, but do recognize it, and respect it – because it is part of your earthly form.
Everyone’s experience here involves a but.
As we come to the Rear End of This Post…
To summarize:
- Everyone’s practice will include buts.
- But cracks will present as problems – some helpful, most just mental.
- Eventually, you’ll recognize the difference.
- You’ll remain open, and the practice continues.
Remember, dealing with the but =isn’t glamorous work.
But presence makes a perfect cushion.
And it sure makes sitting with life a whole lot more comfortable.
