Sunday, August 7, 2011

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!


10 comments:

erin's art and gardens said...

such wonderful words from Thich!!! your class of little ones sounds, er.... um.... challenging?!?! can you imagine taking care of that group every day? regardless of your "challenge", you found some purplish peace, in flowers and thoughts.....

A Brush with Color said...

Oh, I think we should ALL be more in the present moment! I'm a firm believer in that. Thanks for the reminder. Lovely

mermaid gallery said...

it is an important message alright....love the iris....

erin's art and gardens said...

hey lucinda...it's me again......just letting you know that i mentioned you in my recent post.
:0)

Anonymous said...

C'est très joli ce que tu écris. Et sage.
Un beau blog.
Bon début de semaine!

Joop Zand said...

Very very nice these pictures, good work Cobalt.

wish you a very nice day.

greetings, Joop

Loree said...

Yes savour each moment deeply for what it is. It's not easy but it can be done.

Anonymous said...

x

Anonymous said...

beautiful pictures!

Cobalt Violet said...

Hello all!
Thank you for the comments! :)