MindFULLness or Mindfulness?

Have you ever read the book, Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh? I was recently reminded of something that is quite foundational in creating mindfulness:

If we are not happy, if we are not peaceful, we can’t share peace and happiness with others, even those we love, those who live under the same roof. If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. Do we need to make a special effort to enjoy the beauty of the blue sky? Do we have to practice to be able to enjoy it? No, we just enjoy it.

Sounds so simple, right. Just stop, take a breath and pay attention to the wonders of our world–the people we get to spend time with, the beauty of nature, the sensations in life like the tickle of tea tree shampoo on our scalp, the chirp of the birds outside your window, or the smell of coffee. These are precious gifts of aliveness.

But I read an essay recently by Robert Holden about “Destination Addiction” and it deeply touched me.  He put forth an interesting question–“Do you eat a banana only to get to the end of it?”

That’s a profound question when you deeply examine it. And it made me wonder, what else am I in a rush to get through?  Do I rush to get through the day, through the week, through the semester? Or am I savoring those moments with students? Am I enjoying their laughter, their kindness, their insight? Am I in awe of their desire to grow and learn? And am I extending compassion and appreciation towards those that I fill my days with?–my colleagues, my family, and my friends. Perhaps these relationships need some savoring as well.

So instead of having a mind FULL of my To-Dos, I’d like to fill my days with my To-Be’s: To be present, to be kind, to be thoughtful, to be gentle, to be curious.

I think that everyone needs a reminder to slow down and “eat the banana”, to peel back the deliciousness in life and chew on it with the purpose of enjoying the gift that it is. In this way, we can cultivate mindfulness and more vibrant interactions with each other and the world.

May you be the peace that you seek in the world.