Join the Spiritual Thursday round up at Reading, Teaching, Learning.
For Spiritual Thursday, we are writing about each other’s One Little Word for 2016. Today we are exploring Violet Nesdoly’s word, Mindfulness.
Mindfulness
My mind is full
like the bayou after a long rain
that today blows wild
waves, cold and moving.My mind wants to rest
like the dog at my side
snoring softly,
warm and content.My mind seeks to understand
like that student who questions
and questions, driving me
to stop and think.My mind is aware
of light coming through the window,
a spotlight on my hands,
open and close.My mind turns to you
like the wind chimes chanting
Om mani padme hum
carries me across the rough water
to a place of peace.
Mindfulness, much like my own One Little Word present, means to “be still and know that I am God.” I sing this mantra over and over, making my mind clear to notice the spirit within me, to notice that I am not alone, to notice my love is enough. Stillness leads me to understanding. Presence to mindfulness.
Morning birdbath by Margaret Simon
I want to rest in that little spot by the birdbath. I love the way the light makes the ferns dance. Beautiful photo. “…to notice the spirit within me, to notice that I am not alone, to notice my love is enough.” That thought is calming and peaceful.
As I experiment with photography, I am fascinated by the beauty that sunlight creates. Thanks.
I especially love “my mind turns to you” and that windchime, Margaret! Beautiful. Thank you.
Margaret, after your morning poem a serenity surrounds me. I transport myself to your garden with a lovely birdbath soaking in the sun’s rays as I chant your mantra. “Be still and know that I am God.” My mind turns to you
like the wind chimes chanting
Om mani padme hum
carries me across the rough water
to a place of peace.
Thank you for your calming thoughts amidst your pain. Be well.
You’ve captured beautifully so many “mind” moments. We have wind chimes on the deck too. Now I’m sure I’ll think of a prayer chant when I hear them. Thank you, and for the lovely birdbath scene too!
And yes, when I saw your word “present” it struck me as being a close relative of “mindfulness.”
Stillness leads us to understanding. A great idea to contemplate. And I think my OLW, abide, is another relative of present and mindfulness. Prayers and blessings as you move toward healing.
I love your poetry and the imagery that you convey about mindfulness in simple moments.
This is such a beautiful post, Margaret. First your poem, then your reflections, and finally your photo. I especially need to remember this: “Stillness leads me to understanding. Presence to mindfulness.” Thank you for sharing your wise words!
Your poetry is perfection alongside the birdbath. What a picture of peace. I can just hear
” the wind chimes chanting
Om mani padme hum
carries me across the rough water
to a place of peace.”
A beautiful way to tie stillness, presence, and mindfulness together. So many beautiful images here to be still and contemplate.