Monday, 5 November 2012

mindful-ness.

mindful definition: conscious of or aware of


It is a popular word & state of being today. The concept of mindfulness. Being aware of yourself, your thoughts, your environment, your needs, other people's needs, your home, your inner world and the outside world. Being aware of the 'today' because it is what is happening, the now, the moment in which you are actually a participant of.

I participated at a Zen workshop this past weekend at the beautiful White Wind Zen Community in my neighbourhood. I have been quite curious about the Zen Practice since I have met Shikai Zuiko, a monk from the centre. It was a lovely experience and it has created a certain awareness since my participation. I loved the visual simpleness and the order of the space and enjoyed the serenity and sparse-ity. Lately I am more conscious of my real needs vs my 'desired' needs. What I need in order to be content vs what is more fluff and perhaps really  not necessary. Pairing down and my interest in that concept. Though I do believe in indulging in the little extras, I would say that as of late, I do contemplate a bit more of which indulgences are really going to make a difference.



What does this have to do with your closet?? Hmmm, well my intention is not to over dramatize the importance of a mere closet, but to bring about a consciousness of how it does impact your day to day. I know that if the core of my closet is organized, clean and available then it always makes my day or an event I need to go to start on a good foot. I would also say your mind state comes into play as well. Getting dressed when you are frustrated, late and unorganized will probably stress you out, and imagine, you haven't even stepped out the  front door yet...

Take time to organize, be more 'mindful', be aware of all aspects of your life and how they impact you. Feeling overwhelmed? Take a moment or a few minutes if you have the time, breathe and collect your thoughts. 
then open the closet door.  :)


Practice of Zazen.
Try to attain proper posture for Zazen. Seated straight on a zafu, back tall & straight, knees touching floor, hands in position. Eyes open, cast down.
Gustave does his best.



purely for beautiful image:







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