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Practicing Peace

“The most precious gift we can offer to others is our presence. When mindfulnness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”—Thich Nhat Hanh

I would also venture to say, when mindfulness embraces our very own self, we blossom as well.

Practicing Peace

One of the gifts of winter (besides skiing) is that it guides us inside, literally and figuratively, if we will let it. Sure, we tend to spend more days indoors, cover up with extra layers, and eat warmer foods to take care of our bodies. But how about the part of us within that is longing for some extra attention? That part of us can tend to be left behind when we are playing in the sun, socializing, and flitting around from one event to the next. I believe that in each one of us there is a voice of wisdom that is ready to share its wealth of knowing, its heart’s desires, and its deepest longings if given the gift of our mindful attention. All we need to do is create the environment, the space, for that to happen.

“Well, I don’t have time to light candles and incense, or sit in my closet like a pretzel,” you say. I don’t either. As my life continues to grow in responsibilities, I’m learning to find ways to weave mindfulness into my daily experience rather than making it a semi-annual thirty minute event. It is the commitment to stay in touch with your deepest self, your center of peace, moment my moment, that will usher in numerous benefits and enhance all areas of your life.

How can one do this? Being practical and realistic about what you are able to commit to is a good approach. Start where you are. Five minutes of conscious breathing in the morning, in your favorite chair (before your kids get up) can inform the way you live the rest of your day. We are conditioned to believe that more is better—but I say, something is wonderful! It is the small, consistent actions we take that shift our trajectory and ultimately change what the future holds.

One way of cultivating mindfulness is to connect reverence to your daily routine so it becomes a habit. Offering a simple prayer of thanks before each meal, asking it to feed and nourish your body, will not only remind you of your abundant blessings, but aid in harmonious digestion. Another simple act is to give thanks for shelter and safety every time you enter the threshold of your home—I like to say to myself, “May all beings feel safe.” You need not be religious to personalize this practice. The intention is to be present to your life, just as it is, in that exact moment.

Since I am on my computer a lot, (like now) I’ve downloaded a “mindfulness bell” that reminds me every hour to stop, close my eyes, and take a deep breath. Usually, I am deeply engrossed in whatever I am doing and feel resistance when I hear the reminder—but I do it anyway, and I am much more clear headed and peaceful when I return to the task at hand. It takes me about twenty seconds.

There are many ways to weave the practice of mindfulness into your life. Create ways that inspire you and reflect your values. Rather than adding this to your “to-do” list of things that will make you a better person, let this be a practice that arises from a sincere desire to give yourself what every human being needs … some peace, insight, and intimacy with Life itself.