Lately, I've been reading meditations from the Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön. In the following reflection, she expresses what--I think--lies at the
heart of Buddhism and of mindful practice in a very simple yet profound way. On further reflection, the following teaching does not even have to be identified with Buddhism at all. It is a key factor in trying to deepen oneself as a human person, pure and simple! Here it is:
We can learn to rejoice in
even the smallest blessings our life holds. It is easy to miss our own good
fortune; often happiness comes in ways we don't even notice. It's like a
cartoon I saw of an astonished-looking man saying, "What was that?"
The caption below read, "Bob experiences a moment of well-being." The
ordinariness of our good fortune can make it hard to catch.
The key is to be here, fully
connected with the moment, paying attention to the details of ordinary life. By
taking care of ordinary things-- our pots and pans, our clothing, our teeth --
we rejoice in them. When we scrub a vegetable or brush our hair, we are
expressing appreciation: friendship toward ourselves and toward the living
quality that if found in everything. This combination of mindfulness and
appreciation connects us fully with reality and brings us joy.
The Pocket Pema Chödrön, 29
If we're just more mindful in everyday life, there are
endless ways by which we will realize how much we are truly, truly blessed.
Rather than focusing on the bad or negative things, let's be more aware of the
many good and positive things that are there for our savoring and cherishing!
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