Learning to Live Mindfully

 Several months back I wrote about the role of religion in my life. I touched on the role that the teaching of the Buddha now impacts how I live and how I view life.  I discovered Thich Nhat Han ( 1926 - 2022)  a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, poet and teacher. He is recognized as the founder of engaged Buddhism and the "father of mindfulness". I discovered his teachings when it was recommended that I read his book "Peace is Every Step." My eyes weren't really opened though until I read his book, " The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings". I have since read and re-read close to a dozen of his books. I begin my day with a daily passage from his book " Your True Home". It is a collection of his wisdom for a years worth of daily readings. It is such a positive start to my day. I read a passage at the conclusion of my yoga and morning meditation. 

Growing up I would occasionally hear mention of Buddhism. I was fascinated by the peacefulness and kindness to all living things that was practiced. The movie Seven years in Tibet piqued my interest a bit more. But I never pursued learning more. It was only in the past few years that I knew I wanted to live a better life. I needed to put the past behind me. I wanted to live life in the present. 

Being aware of the interconnectedness of everything that exists and the impermanence of it all grounds my belief in living in the present moment. I also am more aware when thoughts of the past or worries about the future invade my thoughts. I have learned how to put them aside. I have also been able to bring closure to many of the traumatic events from my past. I have become more grateful of the things I have, and am less driven to obtain more material possessions. I live more to experience life. 

I am still a work in progress. I am trying to be kinder to others. To not angry or get frustrated (especially at other drivers). I am working on being kinder to our natural world. I try to consume products that are kinder on our environment. I buy used /re-sale products when I can. I eat a mostly plant-based diet. I do eat fish and will occasionally eat meat, but I do try to be aware of how it is sourced. I garden and grow plants that are native to my area so I do not need to use chemicals or extra water to keep them alive and thriving. 

Meditating is an important part of living mindfully. I have time set aside during my day to meditate. I don't spend hours, sometimes just minutes. I am working to improve the quality and time I spend meditating. I am currently focusing on walking meditation. Ideally I would be able to practice this while walking in nature, but this being Texas I put it into practice while at the fitness center. While I am on the Stair Master I focus on how my foot feels as I take each step/ How does my foot move, how it feels as I place my weight on that foot. I am aware of the sensation of my foot sinking into the cushioning of my shoe. I notice the connection to the stair master as I place my foot for each step. I imagine that I am outside, stepping on a path. Connecting with all that is. I also carry these thoughts to my time on the treadmill. I am not as aware of the feeling of each step as the pace of walking is much faster. But I do my best to be aware of the moment. This meditation while working out as led me to surpass my weekly goals. 

These are my go to meditations for short  timeframes throughout my day or when I am unwinding to sleep. They are one from my readings of Thich Nhat Han.

Breathing in I am aware I am breathing in

Breathing out, I am aware I am breathing out

In

Out

Deep Slow

Calm

Ease

Smile 

Release

Present moment

Wonderful moment

I feel I am a mountain

I am solid

    Mountain

    Solid

I feel I am a flower

I am fresh

    Flower

    Fresh

I feel I am still water

I reflect what is real

    Still water

    Reflect

I feel I am in the vastness of space

I am free

    Space

    Free

In 

Out

In

I am free

It is with the I am free I feel a release. A release of what holds me down, and then a release of positive energy to share. I also feel a calmness knowing that one day I will release my final breath and release my energy into the Universe. I will return to that from which I came.