Mindfulness is the quality and power of mind that is deeply aware of what’s happening — without commentary and without interference. It is like a mirror that simply reflects whatever comes before it.
It serves us in the humblest ways, keeping us connected to brushing our teeth or having a cup of tea.
Joseph Goldstein, Here, Now, Aware: The Power of Mindfulness
As I sit at my computer in the South of Kildare this morning and look out my window, I see low clouds, a grey landscape, somewhat wet and windy. By constrast, yesterday was a lovely sunny day, which I find normally prompts me to see things in an open, uncomplicated way. The immediate reactive effects of the low clouds are less positive. It is interesting to notice the effects of these different changing conditions on our mood and our motivation. one opening us up, the other closing things down. When we are not completely open or when we are under pressure we can have negative or doubting chatter in the background of our minds, sometimes without noticing. One of the effects of mindfulness training is to allow us spot our habitual reactions and see them for what they are, types of mental energy that pass through, which we can hook into or not.
Whatever you’re meant to do, do it now.
The conditions are always impossible.
Doris Lessing
In our practice we develop that quality of mind which knows – the ‘knowing’ mind. Not ‘reacting’ mind, but ‘knowing ‘ mind. It’s very different. Within the quality of knowing you can see everything. You can see the reactions. You can see the pain. You can see the joy. You can see the peace. You witness everything.
Ajahn Sundara
Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone
Alan Watts
The subtle suffering in our lives may seem unimportant. But if we attend to the small ways that we suffer, we create a context of greater ease, peace, and responsibility, which can make it easier to deal with the bigger difficulties when they arise.
Gil Fronsdal, Living Two Traditions
Saying “like this” is just a way of reminding oneself to see this moment as it is.
Ajahn Sumedho
