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Business Retreat Day 2
Frederick, a talented businessman, possessed an energy that pushed him constantly toward the future and perfection, making him incapable of living deeply in the present moment. His business acted as a demanding mistress, leaving no space for his wife to be seen, understood, or loved. Driven by pride and the will to be number one, he failed to realize that while desire is unlimited, a human lifespan is limited. He died without ever resting, proving that while a position in business is replaceable, a role as a husband and father is not.
The Buddha spoke of four kinds of food that we consume. The first is edible food, which requires mindful eating to discern if it is helpful or toxic. The second is sensorial impressions, consumed through the six senses; reading a magazine or watching television can introduce toxins like fear and despair, or nutrients like compassion. The third is volition, one’s deepest desire. It is crucial to examine the nature of this desire—whether it is bodhicitta or a craving for power—as wrong desires stem from wrong perceptions and attachment to rigid ideas of happiness.
To handle the limited nature of our bodies and energy, one must learn to say no and practice specific exercises for mindful breathing:
- In, Out: Identifying the in-breath and out-breath to reclaim freedom.
- Deep, Slow: Improving the quality of breathing to bring well-being.
- Calm, Ease: Calming the body and emotions. When a strong emotion arises like a storm, one must leave the level of the brain and focus on the “trunk of the tree” below the navel (đan điền), practicing belly breathing to survive the storm.
- Smile, Release: Relaxing the three hundred facial muscles and letting go of mental grips.
- Present Moment, Wonderful Moment: Establishing oneself in the here and now, the only moment life is available.
Mindful eating is practiced by focusing entirely on the food and the community, seeing a piece of carrot as an ambassador of the cosmos. By chewing carefully and maintaining silence, one avoids consuming projects or anger. This mindfulness extends to walking meditation, using the gatha “In/Out, Deep/Slow, Calm/Ease, Smile/Release, Present Moment/Wonderful Moment” to touch the miracles of life with every step.