Mini Mindfulness Break for March 09, 2021

Dear *[FNAME]*:
This water’s shape is round or square according to the container that holds it.
In the spring warmth, it is liquid; in the winter cold, it is solid.
When its path is open, it flows.
When its path is obstructed, it stands quiet.
How vast it is, yet its source is so small it is difficult to find.
How wonderful it is in its streams, which flow endlessly.
In the jade rivulets, the footprints of dragons remain.
In the deep pond, water holds the bright halo of the autumn moon.
On the tip of the king’s pen, water becomes the compassion of clemency.
On the willow branch, it becomes the clear fresh balm of compassion.Only one drop of the water of compassion is needed and the Ten Directions are all purified.
“Verses of Consecration” from “Chanting of the Heart” by Thich Nhat Hanh

“There is a wrong understanding of Mindfulness-they may believe that mindfulness in an instrument that can help business men get more money and the military to kill better. That is why if you have not seen the seven other elements in the path of Mindfulness, you have not seen Mindfulness, and that is not Right Mindfulness.” The other seven that he
was referring to (as shown on the white board): Right View, Right Thinking, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Concentration, and Right Diligence. “In the Buddha’s lifetime, he taught about the Five Precepts (ways of living) which grew out of this 8-Fold Path. And out of his Teaching, you can live happily in the Here and the Now if you practice these 5 Mindful Trainings (Precepts).

“We have seen that one person can bring liberation and healing to thousands, even millions of people. Each one of us, whether a factory worker, a politician, a waitress, businessperson, an entertainer, or a father coaching a soccer game, shares this deep desire. But it is important to remember that to realize this wonderful ambition we must first take care of ourselves. To bring happiness to others, we must be happiness. And this is why we always train ourselves to first take care of our own bodies and minds. Only when we are solid can we be our best and take good care of our loved ones.”
Thich Nhat Hanh, The Art of Power

I have noticed that people are dealing too much with the negative, with what is wrong. They do not touch enough on what is not wrong. . . . Why not try the other way, to look into the patient and to see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom?

– Thich Nhat Hanh, “Interbeing with Thich Nhat Hanh: An Interview”

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May you be free from suffering and the causes of suffering!

All my best,

Jerome Freedman, PhD
–Jerome

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What’s Going Right

I have noticed that people are dealing too much with the negative, with what is wrong. They do not touch enough on what is not wrong. . . . Why not try the other way, to look into the patient and to see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom?

– Thich Nhat Hanh, “Interbeing with Thich Nhat Hanh: An Interview “

NOTE: This month we celebrate my teacher, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh who is now residing in his original temple, Tu Hieu in Vietnam. According to Plum Village sources, he plans to spend the rest of his days there, walking and visiting the resting place of his teacher.

My book, Mindfulness Breaks, Your Path to Awakening, celebrates Thich Nhat Hanh and one of my first teachers, Father Eli. The book is being released this month. Chick on the link below for more information.

May you be free from suffering and the causes of suffering!

All my best,

Jerome Freedman, PhD
–Jerome

 

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