Mindfulness in Action

Introduction: From Mind full to Mindful

A journey into Mindfulness in 6 workshops and 6 practice evenings.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is short for “Living Mindfully in the present”. Mindful of what is in you and around you, here and now in this very moment. Often we do not have our attention at what we do. Just stop and observe, where are you now with your thoughts? We have our thoughts and emotions in our plans for the future or in our regrets on the past. If you compare this with driving a car, it becomes a silly situation. While driving, it is absolutely essential that you are fully present with all your attention. But be sure, in normal life your full presence is important too. Think of all the decisions and choices you make during the day, about your work, your contact with your family and friends. Being absent minded or being mindful can make a world of a difference. Mindfulness and loving kindness can enrich your life and the life of those around you.

Enjoy

Living mindfully can have another side too: learning to enjoy life. There is a beautiful ancient Chinese story: A man walks in the street of his small village in the countryside. A man on a horse comes rushing in full gallop down the street. It is his best friend, he shouts to him: “What’s up? Where are you going?” The man on the horse shouts back: “I don’t know! You should ask the horse..” Many people are carried away, are absent minded, let their life go by without noticing or enjoying. John Lennon has said once:
“Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.”

NOW, HERE

The past is gone, the future is still to come. The present moment is all we have to live. Only now can you act and enjoy. Everything you need to enjoy life is already here: You are here and you are alive! Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh writes on this in one of his many books: “You have an appointment with life, here and now; don’t miss it!”