Zen Mind - Beginner's Mind

Even if Zen is not your 'thing', this is a wonderful video and the teaching is so very succinct.

To hold, you must first open your hand. Let go.
(Lao Tzu)

Simplicity

Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you (Rashi)

Peace within

Buddha Quotes

Mindfulness at Pizza Hut

Yesterday, after a somewhat 'failed' family day out (beware the hype in magazine advertisements!) we decided to visit Pizza Hut.

So what, I hear you thinking, does this have to do with mindfulness?

Well, using the many observations available as encouraged by Jon Kabat Zinn, I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to practice.

As usual, long queue to wait to be seated for a table - breathing, just watching the breath. Distracted by the small children waiting in line with their parents, come back to the breath. Child announces that her flip-flop is now broken (after some rough play with her younger brother) - ah, distracted again...breathe in this moment. Being aware of the movement of breath, this moment, this moment - table is now ready for us.

Sitting, being very aware of how I am placing my body - my spine being well supported by the seat, connecting to the sensations of my body and my breath - menus, drinks order. Back to the breath.

Noise - have you ever really noticed just how loud these restaurants are? Screaming baby - I'm aware that the sound of this child has been my focal point for quite some time, how much longer before the parent turns their attention from their food to their child? Breathing, soft smile of the Buddha on my face.

Become aware of how many people have been smiling at me as they pass our table. Is it because I am smiling? Distracted again, this time an internal discourse over whether smiling encourages a more positive response from others!

My own children playing a game in the small activity book given to children in the vain hope that it will encourage them to be more settled whilst waiting for the food order. Find myself observing without getting caught up in their 'battle' over the game they are playing. Feeling very calm and somewhat peaceful. Is this possible in such a place? Oh, oh, distracted by thinking - back to the breath.

The salad bar then gets my full attention. I had already declined to 'fill' the tiny bowl given for the purpose, despite the assurance we could visit as many times as we wished! There are children at the salad bar filling bowls and then removing the contents with their hands and putting it back, ready for the next, unsuspecting customer to scoop into their own bowl. Just remember to focus on the breath and not get carried away mentally with where this thought is now taking me.

Clean up required at salad bar - the contents of the sweetcorn tray have managed to find its way onto the floor. At last, parents of stray children arrive to escort them back to their table. Definitely not going to partake in a public salad bar again.

Breathe in, breathe out - this breath, this breath, this breath - our food order arrives.

Taking the mindful approach to eating - remembering to place knife and fork down in between mouthfuls. Focusing on the texture and flavours of food in my mouth, whilst congratulating myself on choosing the healthy option from the menu rather than a large, overstuffed crust pizza! Back to the food - aware of the flavours, warmth and yes, joy of eating.

Suddenly aware that I have 'come back' and am amidst the noise and startling reality of the restaurant again. I may have been gone just for a few seconds, who knows? It was delightful all the same.

Irrespective of where you are, you can take meditation with you. It's something of a challenge, but it will really enhance your experience of the 'now'.

Women's Meditation

Reflections - the Women's Meditation Group got off to a brilliant start on 18th February. Some 23 women turned up on a Friday evening to sit in meditation and then share in the discussion on "What is happiness?"

It was a wonderful evening, full of sharing, openness and joy. Here's a few comments on what other's thought...

"I just wanted to say, last night! It has made me feel happy! Aren't people wonderful? I'm really looking forward to the next gathering. Such a wonderful thing to do for all of us. Thank you."

"Such a diverse group of women from varied backgrounds, ages and cultures coming together to meditate and discuss 'happiness'. We listened to many opinions and experiences and although we didn't come up with a definitive answer, I think we gained a sense of happiness from the way we spent our evening."

"It was such a powerful evening and the effects stayed with me for about a week. Just having the opportunity to sit and to 'be'. It was lovely to have something that was 'mine', I found I didn't want to discuss it with my partner when I got home as I wanted to keep it to myself."

We meet again on Friday 18th March at 7.30pm @ Watford Women's Centre where our next discussion will be on self-esteem. Why not join the Facebook page to receive ongoing weekly inspiration? http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Reflections-Womens-Meditation-Group/138873429500528

The sheer sound of bliss

Here is a selection of tracks of Lorin Roche reading from his book, The Radiance Sutras, which I often use in class (sheer beauty). Thought many of you would appreciate hearing it from the source (so to speak)...the brilliance of these sutras simply shines through.