. . . (I) passionately believe that paying attention- Mindfulness- shows itself as goodness and kindness, as concern for others, as concern for the whole world.
– Sylvia Boorstein, author, Buddhist teacher at Spirit Rock
Anything is possible. You just have to believe.
– Tao Porchon-Lynch, Yogini Master
What if I told you there is a way to have peace every day? No matter what’s going on around or in you? Would you believe me?
One of the teachings in Mindfulness talks about the benefits of determination to pay attention to the contents of our minds. It’s a learned skill. We don’t aim for perfection. I will be distracted, judge myself, or ‘lose’ my mind. Determination says stay with it. Moments of peace happen. It’s hopeful.
How does this relate to less fear, or loving-kindness, or even happiness? The determination to persevere through the distractions, the brain’s antics, the urge to scratch an itch, is the skill. We wander, we return, hundreds of times. We persist. The awareness that we aren’t present anymore is the minfulness. It’s simple but not easy.
What does this relate to kindness, peace or goodness in myself and the world? I have found my reactivity has significantly diminished. My ability to respond and not react is more conscious. It allows me to choose kindness and empathy more of the time both for me and other.
We do not take ourselves so seriously. We smile in our bodies. We can all use more smiles right now don’t you think.
Peace is every breath.
– Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist scholar, author, Peace Activist, father of mindfulness