How is it Now?

I am thinking very simply about midfulness right now and trying not to get to wrapped up in my usual inclination toward story spinning.

The opposite of forgetfulness is mindfulness. Mindfulness is when you are truly there, mind and body together. You breathe in and out mindfully, you bring your mind back to your body, and you are there. When your mind is there with your body, you are established in the present moment. Then you can recognize the many conditions of happiness that are in you and around you, and happiness just comes natural.

My practice today is simply to notice the smell in the air, the chill on my skin, the sounds of this quiet city or this bustling coffee shop, the sight of the plants growing all around or the face of my friend and the taste of the delcious food.

This part of mindfulness practice is a simple process of discovery; it is not judging something as good or bad. Meditative discovery is supported by stillness. Whatever our degree of stillness, it acts as a backdrop to highlight what is going on. It doesn’t take much stillness to notice a racing, agitated mind. Discovery means becoming familiar with what a racing mind is like instead of being critical of it. What is the mind itself like, and what is its effect on the body? What emotions are present? What thoughts and beliefs?

How is it now?

How is it now?