Mindfulness...

Photo of Thich Nhat Hanh: Courtesy of Plum Village Practice Center, France

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Doc. B. talked me into attending a three hour seminar on “mindfulness” this past Sunday. Let me be honest; I really did have an interest in being present (pun intended), but it sounds better to say my arm was twisted right out of the socket. I’m glad that I went. To stay in keeping with one of my Blog purposes, a synchronicity occurred. The seminar facilitator read a poem by Rumi. Keep in mind that I had never heard of Rumi before Doc. B. suggested we give that name to our new cat. I’ll include the specific poem at the end of this posting.

More than the synchronicity though was the content covered during the three hours. For those of you that know me well, you may be aware of my tendency toward worrying. My mind continually “rumi"nates on what has already happened, what might happen, what I should have done and what I should do. I’m guessing that any techniques I can learn to quiet my worries can only make me feel more peaceful. During the seminar, I did acknowledge that letting go of the way my mind has operated since I was very young could be a challenge. Also, why would I want to let go of something that has gotten me this far along in my life? I guess that gets into another item on my long list of psychological issues – control. That could be a long entry in this blog – I’ll spare you that (for now).

I was “worried” that in order to become more mindful, I’d have to meditate. In this attention deficit disorder world, I couldn’t imagine how I could make room for meditation in my life. Now, medication, I could make room for. I’m kidding of course, though the thought has crossed my mind on many occasions. What I found pleasantly surprising is that being mindful is not all about meditation per se. Yes, it’s a large part of it, but it’s not all of it. Think about just simply being more aware of what is going on around you or within you, acknowledging it for what it is and moving on to the next moment or thought. Am I eating and actually tasting each bite of food or am I inhaling it like a tub of popcorn at the over-priced movie theatre? Am I listening to all of the sounds around me or am I only being annoyed by the thumping bass of the music in the car that just drove by while I was trying to enjoy a quiet afternoon on the front porch? Can I learn to welcome it all in - the good, the bad and the somewhere in between? It’s worth a shot.

“The Guest House” by Rumi

This being human is a guesthouse.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness
comes as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight . . .

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.