OMG. I'm just moseying my way through your post, reading at a cool leisurely pace, soaking up every word...taking my time to envision you having this adorable exchange with the vegetable vendor (love the V alliteration...as the letter V is all about vibrancy and being vivid and staying fully ALIVE!...and just yesterday I was thinking I need to write about the letter V this week...thank you).
and I'm enjoying every moment of your post, like I do with fresh garden tomatoes for lunch. the simply tasty juiciness of it. As a matter of fact, I'm gonna have a tomato for lunch and re-read your post.
And I'm thinking, I wrote a post similar but different to this one a few weeks ago, and I love your approach to it and that you are spreading the message in your own brilliant way and I think we should gather a collection of posts like this together and see how widely the message is being scattered everywhere.
And then, I get to the end and see MY NAME! and you linked MY POST...and I also fall of my sofa! I'm so honored. 🙏
Wow....Your comment just made my day (night to be precise)! I love how you connected with the story, and the way you described it as being as juicy and satisfying as a fresh garden tomato—what a perfect metaphor! And I always love how you can interpret different letters...I'd love to read what you write about this letter (also because my husband's name starts from the letter V...haha).
And yes, your post was the perfect complement to this topic, so I had to share it. The idea of gathering a collection of posts like this sounds amazing. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, and I’m equally honored to have your brilliant work linked in mine. Thank you for being such an inspiration! 🙏
That's a remarkably honest examination of the zeitgeist on mindfulness, Sonaakshi. It somehow brought to mind an old quotation from the well known economist, J K Galbraith: "In all life one should comfort the afflicted, but verily, also, one should afflict the comfortable, and especially when they are comfortably, contentedly, even happily wrong." As you point out, unless you can practice mindfulness in every moment of existence, you have learned nothing about it.
It's an interesting question. I do think some parts of it are a bit of privilege, like you say, the retreats and the apps and the YouTube videos. Not everyone is able to do that, or has time to do that. Some people have so much on their minds that mindfulness is just the absolute last thing they can think about. But in it's true essence mindfulness can be available to all.
In the west, mindfulness was pulled out of Buddhism and marketed to consumers as something they can buy. But mindfulness is free to anyone via Buddhist teachings which are often offered freely. And as the Dalai Lama notes, “Do not try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.”
That’s a really insightful point. In the West, mindfulness has often been commercialized, packaged as something to be bought rather than practiced as part of a deeper spiritual path. It’s important to remember that mindfulness, at its core, is freely available to everyone through Buddhist teachings, which are often shared with a spirit of generosity.
The Dalai Lama’s words are such a powerful reminder that the true essence of mindfulness isn’t about becoming something new, but about deepening who we already are. It’s not about adopting a label, but about integrating these practices into our own lives in a way that makes us better versions of ourselves. Whether or not we identify as Buddhist, the wisdom and teachings can help us live more mindfully and compassionately. Thanks for bringing this up—it's an important conversation to have
I love to let my mind just rest sometimes. Just like how our bodies need reset from physical exercise, we need to rest our minds so it'll perform better. Beautifully written!
Oh absolutely...Our mind needs a break from all the overwhelming thoughts and emotions everyday which is why meditation is so important. Glad you founs this post useful...appreciate you commenting here!
You have a wonderful command of English and a beautiful flowing style of writing. I loved your story of the vegetable vendor and the great teaching it inspired you to share.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful story! As you point out, mindfulness is a quality we all possess. But we must decide to cultivate it to transform our lives. Hopefully, doing so will help us open our hearts so we can reach out and help those less fortunate.
Thank you for your kind words! You’re absolutely right—mindfulness is something we all have within us, but it takes conscious effort to cultivate it and let it transform our lives. I love how you emphasized the importance of opening our hearts to help others through mindfulness. That’s such a beautiful and vital part of the practice. I'm so glad the story resonated with you!
Sonaakshi, your post beautifully illustrates the wide spectrum of mindfulness. It's not just about silent retreats or expensive coaches; it's about finding presence and peace wherever you are in life. The story of the vegetable vendor is a perfect example. He found his mindfulness practice in the everyday rhythm of his work and interactions. It reminds me of how I find moments of mindfulness when I'm fully engaged in something I love, whether it's painting, gardening, or even just washing dishes. Mindfulness isn't a destination; it's a way of traveling through life.
Thank you so much for commenting and glad you could resonate with my post. It’s amazing right, how mindfulness can be found in the simplest of moments, just like you said—whether in painting, gardening, or even washing dishes. It’s all about being present and finding peace in our daily lives, no matter where we are or what we're doing. I love how you described mindfulness as a way of traveling through life. That’s such a beautiful way to put it.
This was a thought-provoking article and an important question to raise! Mindfulness is a practice, not a destination, and you are so very right that you don’t need to be wealthy to practice. I’ve been practicing for more than a decade and I could never afford the fancy retreats. Mindfulness is now my way of life and I’m ever grateful for this practice that allows me to be present and savor life with all of its ups and downs. A deep bow and a lotus for you 🙏🪷
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words! It’s truly heartening to hear how mindfulness has become such an integral part of your life, without the need for fancy retreats or big expenses. Your journey is a beautiful reminder that mindfulness is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status. I’m so grateful to connect with others who share this perspective. A deep bow and a lotus back to you—thank you for being here!
OMG. I'm just moseying my way through your post, reading at a cool leisurely pace, soaking up every word...taking my time to envision you having this adorable exchange with the vegetable vendor (love the V alliteration...as the letter V is all about vibrancy and being vivid and staying fully ALIVE!...and just yesterday I was thinking I need to write about the letter V this week...thank you).
and I'm enjoying every moment of your post, like I do with fresh garden tomatoes for lunch. the simply tasty juiciness of it. As a matter of fact, I'm gonna have a tomato for lunch and re-read your post.
And I'm thinking, I wrote a post similar but different to this one a few weeks ago, and I love your approach to it and that you are spreading the message in your own brilliant way and I think we should gather a collection of posts like this together and see how widely the message is being scattered everywhere.
And then, I get to the end and see MY NAME! and you linked MY POST...and I also fall of my sofa! I'm so honored. 🙏
Wow....Your comment just made my day (night to be precise)! I love how you connected with the story, and the way you described it as being as juicy and satisfying as a fresh garden tomato—what a perfect metaphor! And I always love how you can interpret different letters...I'd love to read what you write about this letter (also because my husband's name starts from the letter V...haha).
And yes, your post was the perfect complement to this topic, so I had to share it. The idea of gathering a collection of posts like this sounds amazing. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, and I’m equally honored to have your brilliant work linked in mine. Thank you for being such an inspiration! 🙏
I'm eager and excited to collaborate with you more!
That’s awesome to hear! I’m just as excited to collaborate with you :)
That's a remarkably honest examination of the zeitgeist on mindfulness, Sonaakshi. It somehow brought to mind an old quotation from the well known economist, J K Galbraith: "In all life one should comfort the afflicted, but verily, also, one should afflict the comfortable, and especially when they are comfortably, contentedly, even happily wrong." As you point out, unless you can practice mindfulness in every moment of existence, you have learned nothing about it.
It's an interesting question. I do think some parts of it are a bit of privilege, like you say, the retreats and the apps and the YouTube videos. Not everyone is able to do that, or has time to do that. Some people have so much on their minds that mindfulness is just the absolute last thing they can think about. But in it's true essence mindfulness can be available to all.
In the west, mindfulness was pulled out of Buddhism and marketed to consumers as something they can buy. But mindfulness is free to anyone via Buddhist teachings which are often offered freely. And as the Dalai Lama notes, “Do not try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.”
That’s a really insightful point. In the West, mindfulness has often been commercialized, packaged as something to be bought rather than practiced as part of a deeper spiritual path. It’s important to remember that mindfulness, at its core, is freely available to everyone through Buddhist teachings, which are often shared with a spirit of generosity.
The Dalai Lama’s words are such a powerful reminder that the true essence of mindfulness isn’t about becoming something new, but about deepening who we already are. It’s not about adopting a label, but about integrating these practices into our own lives in a way that makes us better versions of ourselves. Whether or not we identify as Buddhist, the wisdom and teachings can help us live more mindfully and compassionately. Thanks for bringing this up—it's an important conversation to have
I love to let my mind just rest sometimes. Just like how our bodies need reset from physical exercise, we need to rest our minds so it'll perform better. Beautifully written!
Oh absolutely...Our mind needs a break from all the overwhelming thoughts and emotions everyday which is why meditation is so important. Glad you founs this post useful...appreciate you commenting here!
You have a wonderful command of English and a beautiful flowing style of writing. I loved your story of the vegetable vendor and the great teaching it inspired you to share.
Thank you so much for your kind words....it means a lot to me! And happy you could relate with the vegetable vendor story.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful story! As you point out, mindfulness is a quality we all possess. But we must decide to cultivate it to transform our lives. Hopefully, doing so will help us open our hearts so we can reach out and help those less fortunate.
Thank you for your kind words! You’re absolutely right—mindfulness is something we all have within us, but it takes conscious effort to cultivate it and let it transform our lives. I love how you emphasized the importance of opening our hearts to help others through mindfulness. That’s such a beautiful and vital part of the practice. I'm so glad the story resonated with you!
Sonaakshi, your post beautifully illustrates the wide spectrum of mindfulness. It's not just about silent retreats or expensive coaches; it's about finding presence and peace wherever you are in life. The story of the vegetable vendor is a perfect example. He found his mindfulness practice in the everyday rhythm of his work and interactions. It reminds me of how I find moments of mindfulness when I'm fully engaged in something I love, whether it's painting, gardening, or even just washing dishes. Mindfulness isn't a destination; it's a way of traveling through life.
Thank you so much for commenting and glad you could resonate with my post. It’s amazing right, how mindfulness can be found in the simplest of moments, just like you said—whether in painting, gardening, or even washing dishes. It’s all about being present and finding peace in our daily lives, no matter where we are or what we're doing. I love how you described mindfulness as a way of traveling through life. That’s such a beautiful way to put it.
What a great reminder! Great article!
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the article. It's always nice to hear that the message resonated. Means a lot coming from you...:)
This was a thought-provoking article and an important question to raise! Mindfulness is a practice, not a destination, and you are so very right that you don’t need to be wealthy to practice. I’ve been practicing for more than a decade and I could never afford the fancy retreats. Mindfulness is now my way of life and I’m ever grateful for this practice that allows me to be present and savor life with all of its ups and downs. A deep bow and a lotus for you 🙏🪷
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words! It’s truly heartening to hear how mindfulness has become such an integral part of your life, without the need for fancy retreats or big expenses. Your journey is a beautiful reminder that mindfulness is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status. I’m so grateful to connect with others who share this perspective. A deep bow and a lotus back to you—thank you for being here!
I really would like to know how you made that picture of the vegetable seller? s this a special software?
I used the Microsoft AI tool to create that.