Mindfulness in the Midst

Last week the monkeys took over the zoo! How else can I put it? Mekenzie (the other teacher) and I were trying to keep control of art camp (Week 8) but as I told my Mom, it was less like teaching art and more like herding squirrels. (4 were not yet in kindergarden and it's a 3 hour class)

It is difficult to find peace in the present moment when there is very little peace offered. I did notice in the moments I was able to focus in on just the child I was working with and really be there in the moment and present with him or her, everything else disappeared.

Of course, I was only able to get there about 3 times the whole week, for about 2 minutes each but alas, something to strive for!! :)

Breathing in,

I calm body and mind.

Breathing out, I smile.

Dwelling in the present

I know this is the only moment.

~Thich Nhat Hahn

Iris for Dawn

Oil and metal leafing on canvas board

2008

Drink your tea slowly and reverently,

as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves -

slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.

~Thich Nhat Hahn

When we are mindful,

deeply in touch with the present moment,

our understanding of what is going on deepens,

and we begin to be filled with acceptance,

joy,

peace

and

Love.

~Thich Nhat Hahn

The past is gone,

the future is not yet here,

and if we do not go back to ourselves

in the present moment,

we cannot be in touch with life.

~Thich Nhat Hanh

I have read so many books and listened to so many lectures over the years about being in the present moment but the book, The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Naht Hanh, is the one that truly made me understand the connection between mindfulness and living in the present moment. One story he tells is about eating a tangerine and having a conversation at the same time. If you are chatting while eating the tangerine ... you are not eating the tangerine. You aren't really experiencing the tangerine. You aren't in the present moment. Well, I am paraphrasing and he is much more eloquent! See? You should read the book! ;)

Another wonderful work of his, is an audio CD that my sister had me listen to during the most challenging time of my life. It's called The Art of Power and it helped me beyond words. The title makes it sound different than what it is or what I expected it to be but it's amazing.

Each moment is a chance for us to make peace with the world,

to make peace possible for the world,

to make happiness possible for the world.

~Thich Nhat Hahn

Many blessings and much mindfulness to all of you this week!