Mindfulness
Mindfulness is relaxed, open, lucid, moment-to-moment, present awareness. Awareness of our mind and body is Zen practice. Mindfulness is part of most faith traditions but is emphasized by the Buddha, in specific teachings. “Buddha” simply means “Awakened One” and we all can be awake through mindfulness.
Photo by Jan Jinkai Gary
A Grandmother asked the Buddha and he replied, “Respected grandmother, every time you draw water from a well for you and your family, remain aware of the single act, movement, and motion of your hands. As you carry the water, be aware of every step of your feet, the balancing of the jug. As you do your chores, maintain mindfulness and awareness in every instant, moment after moment, and you too will become a master of meditation.”
Simple Ways to be Mindful in Daily Life
Breathe and know you are breathing. Smile and Relax.
Let activities be exactly as they are and learn to slow down. Appreciate.
Enjoy what you are doing and who you are with.
Appreciate the moments of moving, sitting down or standing—or stopping. See it as freedom.
When entering a room or meeting with a friend or family member, view the space and time as if entering a temple space, with reverence.
When walking barefoot on carpet or grass, appreciate your body’s sensation on your toes and soles.
When walking on a pathway, notice the crackling of the leaves or sticks. Find a moment of gratitude for nature. When walking in a parking lot, find some gratitude for all that is given us: food, grocery workers, kindness of others.
When singing, chanting or praying, totally allow yourself to forget yourself as alone—we are all part of everything else around us. Drop into the moment of just what is.
Experience repetitive work like washing dishes like meditation in motion, focusing on it and nothing else. Appreciate the moment.
Before speaking, notice your intentions.
See the light of love and joy shining in everyone, and in everything, and treat everything accordingly.
Enjoy the peace and joy of Meditation,.