Mindfulness is the energy of being aware and awake to the present moment, aware of what is going on within and around us. It is the continuous practice of touching life deeply in every moment of daily life. We bring our body and mind into harmony while we wash the dishes, drive the car or take our morning shower. Practising mindfulness cultivates understanding, love, compassion and joy. This practice helps us to take care of and transform our suffering in our lives and in our society.
As a creative type, I do find myself soaring to the heights and dashing to despair every now and then, so it will be wonderful to practise the middle way for a while. Meanwhile, at home, the dear parents shall have an equally peaceful time without their tempestuous poet underfoot. I wonder what they will do in my absence... Grin and bear it, rather too well, I suspect :)
Oh you lucky lucky girl. In retreat at Plum Village, no less, with Thich Naht Hanh. Enjoy every moment, kiddo.Say a little prayer for me while you're at it! I just watched an enchanting dvd called Unmistaken Child, about a monk searching for and finding the toddler who was his reincarnated lama. Glorious scenery, the Himalayas, the villages, then the monastery where the little one is taken. The Dalai Lama appears in the film too. Really lovely. I look forward to your rapturous and extremely centered posts when you return home:)
ReplyDeleteNot in Plum Village, but in Nottingham. This is the UK tour.
ReplyDeleteWill be thinking of you and taking you along in the form of one of your stones - the one that says 'Shaista believe' with a smiley face :)
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Oh fortunate you. I believe you will bless him too. And your parents will miss their dear poet "underfoot." Enjoy every moment. And yes, I too have felt the up and the down a bit too much lately, so I understand a bit.
ReplyDeleteOh how cool is that. My rock will breathe the same air as Thay! I will feel the blessing of that traveling across the Pond:)
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