Practice, Study, Reflect

I’m learning that to practice mindfulness – to really practice, moment by moment, day after day – is to pretty much say: no matter what’s happening, practice with it. No matter how momentous, no matter how terrible, be there, and be kind. Be kind, be compassionate, be patient and generous – practice these, in each moment. Let wisdom float to the surface before saying or doing anything, any time.

Transcript

So finding whatever your posture is that will support you to be still,

And the stillness of the body,

For me anyway,

Is what makes it possible for the mind to become still.

Checking in with the body,

Settling into the body,

Locating the breath,

If the breath is your anchor,

Your home base,

And just beginning to rest the attention on your breath,

On the sensation of the body breathing,

Or if sound is a more supportive anchor for you,

More supportive home base,

You can shift your attention to the ambient sounds in your environment,

And then gently letting go of your anchor,

And beginning to become aware as phenomenon arise and pass away,

So maybe a sound,

But maybe a taste,

Or a smell,

Or a sensation,

Maybe a thought,

Or an emotion.

Just this most ordinary thing,

The body breathing,

Thoughts,

Sensations,

Smells,

Tastes,

Sounds arising and passing away,

Emotions arising and passing away.