Dharmachakra

Jim's maple tree in the last of it's autumnal colours, in a very wet lights on kind of day.

Prayers for Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Master, a great teacher of Mindfulness. Exiled and staying in France. A brain-haemorrhage sadly has him in intensive care.

It brought back memories of Jim in hospital - the fear, the sadness, the loss and relief of him no longer suffering. All the emotions that are so difficult to express and put words to, all jumbled together!

To mindfulness that gives 'permission' to feel what we feel right now in the present and to guide thru difficult times. This time of year, the walking in the autumn, so many opportunities to practise mindfulness.

Studies have shown that 3 minutes of mindful breathing a day can make a difference.

A Mindful Moment

Find a leaf and hold gently in your hands, awareness of your posture whether standing of sitting.

Observe your thoughts, feelings, memories that may or may not be related to the leaf. Having awareness of these and acknowledge their existence without judgement or creating a story attachment to them, then allow them to drift on.

Describe the leaf using your senses - take time, no hurry :-)

Participate in the moment: YOU, your posture, your awareness of your breath and the leaf.


Prayers for Thich Nhat Hanh, may his current journey be peaceful and to be able to move peacefully onto a new path when moment comes.