The thought of feeling calmer, more settled, more aware of your innermost desires sounds so compelling, doesn’t it? But it can be hard to hear our heart’s calling over the noise and bustle of our lives. We know that being happy doesn’t come from having more stuff or even more things to do. And yet…. we accumulate things, we say yes to events and create obligations that we regret (best piece of advice on this latter? Don’t say yes to anything you wouldn’t want to do tomorrow). Pretty soon, our days are full of chores and interactions that don’t necessarily bring fulfilment.
The only way to cut through the clutter? Take a good hard look at your days and your obligations. You can even print out a blank calendar and write everything you “have” to do on it. Then, take a nice black pen and cross through everything you can. Try it. Very satisfying!
But, you say, I’m in the midst of moving, caring for kids, packing for a vacation. Whatever the event is, the train has left the station and you are running along the platform with a suitcase careening on its wheels. Your heart pounding. Maybe you can’t stop the “thing” whatever that is. If that is true for you, try taking a look at other elements that are “cluttering” your mind.
For example, do you turn on the TV on as soon as you get up? Where’s the room for your mind to open into the silence? When you get in the car do you immediately place a call or turn on music? When you finally, finally sit down do you automatically pick up your phone and begin scrolling? Take a good look at all of your habits and see where you might simplify and open space for your mind and heart.
What then? Pay attention to the light on the leaves, the sounds of birds or cars passing, your heartbeat, your chest rising and falling with your breath. Notice the absolute miracle of this moment. We actually only have this one precious life and, guess what? It’s happening right now. Not tomorrow. This is it.
As Tara Brach points out: “the only way to live is by accepting each minute as an unrepeatable miracle.” No matter how strong your practice is, to live like this is a real challenge. But the truth is, that is the only way to live. There is no moment like this one. Or this one.
And the very best way to be right here, right now is to begin to pare away the unnecessary “stuff” that is keeping you from your reality. Once you have that clarity, then you can begin the miraculous (but totally achievable!) opening that is a mindful life.