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DT Kenmore School
We often cause breakups in our loving relationships because of karma or seupgwan—habit energies transmitted from our ancestors, containing both wholesome and negative seeds. If we do not recognize them, the negative energy will continue to push us to do things against our intention, making our regret even deeper. The Buddha taught that we must practice in order to generate a new energy capable of recognizing and weakening the old habit energies. The practice of mindfulness helps the brain become healthy, strengthens our will, and prevents the influence of negative forces; once we have recognized them, these energies no longer have a chance to control us.
The practice of mindfulness must take place in every aspect of daily life: when drinking water, walking, breathing, sitting, working… Mindfulness transforms absence into presence, brings body and mind back to the here and now, and brings about peace and happiness. For example, drinking mindfully, walking mindfully, and breathing mindfully help us to clearly recognize each action, not letting the mind wander to the past or the future. In communication, our full presence is the most precious gift: honestly sharing our state of being, inviting the other person to support us, or pausing to practice walking meditation, inviting the bell, and returning to our breath. The family can set up a small meditation room, a quiet place to restore peace, and also make an agreement to maintain silence when someone is meditating. This is the path to nourish the energy of mindfulness, to transform old energies, and to build lasting happiness.