It’s easy to imagine we are being mindful and, yet, to miss what is going on in this very moment. The riches of focusing our awareness on this breath unfold over time with each small revelation.
Finding the deep calm of concentration is one aspect - a nurturing, healing, mind training aspect.
Rumi’s The Guest House captures another.
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Taking the time to center, recharge, reconnect is a valuable part of our health -
whether we take long walks, sit in the sunshine, read poetry, write in a journal, talk to a faraway family member, or sit in meditation.
Sitting or walking meditation, especially, help build our ability to stay in the only moment of our lives that counts - this one.