The world discovered mindfulness in the 70’s. Those were the Flower Power years when hundreds of young people were finding themselves. Many took to drugs, many took to travel. But their goal was essentially the same: to find out their purpose in life. 

Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk introduced mindfulness to the West. Its benefits were widely accepted and even found a place in the treatment of stress, depression and other illnesses. I first saw it in the blogging world when I read about it in the blogosphere through Corinne who keeps life simple and holistic on her blog Everydaygyaan. 

Yet it was only last week that I was introduced to this practice by a dear school friend who is a renowned corporate trainer of Mindfulness in her home country of Austria. 

Of course you can’t learn about mindfulness in just half a day but a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.

On Wednesday morning, five of us school friends set out on a speed boat to Alibag to get a glimpse into a practice that is at least standing me now in good stead. 

Essentially, mindfulness is exactly what it means – to be mindful of every action and while doing any action. Or living in the moment. Thus any action can be done mindfully be it as prosaic as eating or as deep as observing one’s breath. Observing one’s breath is key to meditating which is one of the tenets of mindfulness.

Because it is when the mind is still that one is truly connected to one’s heart or as M put it, filled with pure love. And this love is a peaceful calm that descends like a blanket that wraps you in its warm embrace, leaving you completely rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

I repeat that half a day does not make me a Master or even qualified to opine on the subject but I do know that the five kinds of meditation that M guided us through left me energised and calm.

I particularly enjoyed walking meditation. Initially, I wobbled as I tried to synchronize my breathing with the slow, meaningful stride of the monks. But after 10 minutes, I got into the flow and could actually feel the rhythm as we walked around in a circle, the cold floor contrasting starkly with the balmy afternoon sun.

Now that I’ve actually understood what it basically means, I’m trying to incorporate mindfulness in my every day life. When I pick up a book and read it, I try and immerse myself in the story – no skimming over the pages in a mad rush to finish. Similarly, I eat more slowly, savouring each bite, taking in the smell, touch, feel and taste.

As for meditation, I’ve tried to do a little meditation every day. At least five minutes of breathing to centre my life and bring back some sanity in my otherwise chaotic life.

I’ve known M for almost 50 years and we’ve been in constant touch. Yet it was only last week that we managed to do a workshop on Mindfulness. This only reinforces my belief that things only happen when they are meant to happen. 

Don’t you think so?

Ciao and many thanks to M for introducing me to this mind nurturing practice.