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Goeth institute
Mindfulness should permeate every moment—whether eating, working, or speaking—keeping your awareness in the present, not lost in past regrets or future fears. Bring your mind back to your body to be truly alive. When walking, do so with full presence and awareness, avoiding the mindless pace of a sleepwalker. This practice, known as walking meditation or mindful walking, invites you to focus on your breath, bringing your mind back to your body, allowing you to be fully present.
The Buddha offered 16 exercises of mindful breathing to transform suffering and promote healing. The first exercise is simple: breathing in, I know this is my in-breath; breathing out, I know this is my out-breath. By breathing in, we become aware of our whole body, and by breathing out, we release tension. Begin by acknowledging your eyes, breathing out and smiling to them, embodying love and care. Continue this mindful journey from head to toe, scanning each part of your body with mindfulness. The practice of deep listening helps us understand the suffering and fears of others, allowing us to correct our own wrong perceptions. Mindfulness helps us recognize and embrace our emotions, including fear and anger. By practicing mindful breathing for just 10 to 15 minutes, we can transform these energies, finding relief and fostering healing.
Mindfulness invites us to consider how we can plan for the future without succumbing to worry. While it is essential to care for our future, it is shaped by our present actions. The Pure Land is not a distant place; it resides within your heart. When we are free from worry, anger, and fear, we can experience the wonders of the Pure Land. Recognize that nothing exists in isolation; everything interbecomes. A flower relies on non-flower elements—sunshine, rain, earth—to exist. This teaching reflects the nature of reality in Buddhism: we are all interconnected.