![\"Touching](\"http:\/\/blogs.scu.edu\/writeherewritenow\/files\/2013\/03\/483757_206500952788608_190406741064696_673405_2050127965_n.jpg\")
<\/a>Touching the Buddha Within<\/p><\/div>\n
Lately, I found myself, once more, inspired by the poet and Vietnamese Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. In his writing he emphasizes that \u201cthe heart of the Buddha is in each of us. When we are mindful, the Buddha is there. I know a four-year-old boy who, whenever he is upset, stops what he is doing, breathes mindfully, and tells his mommy and daddy, \u2018I am touching the Buddha within.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Pema Chodron explains that as you work with that kind of awareness in the world, you can \u201cjust open your heart in an inconceivably big way, in that limitless way that benefits everyone you encounter (\u2026) the intention is vast: may everyone\u2019s physical pain be relieved and, even more to the point, may everyone attain enlightenment.\u201d\u00a0 We are encourage, in that way, to take a position of mindful \u00a0active engagement as we face the suffering of the world and find the terms of ultimate liberation for all beings. \u00a0In other words, every moment in our life (if we do it mindfully) is an opportunity toward liberation, clarity and compassion for all beings (including us).<\/p>\n
<\/a>El Salvador<\/p><\/div>\n
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed, stress or disappointed by work, too many demands, by verbal aggression and a violent world?\u00a0Writing, just keeping a journal, helps me to stop, breathe, and pay attention to what\u2019s happening within. Writing is a powerful spiritual practice if you can mindfully connect with the \u201cBuddha within\u201d everyday.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
To practice touching the \u201cBuddha within\u201d:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Center yourself by mindfully breathing in and out.<\/li>\n
- Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.<\/li>\n
- As you do so, notice those moments when you are \u201chooked,\u201d\u00a0 distracted or overwhelmed.<\/li>\n
- Kindly return to your breathing.<\/li>\n
- After meditation, write in your journal for a while. Allow yourself to write without thinking. Let your more authentic self, your \u201cvoice,\u201d emerge as you are practicing radical awareness through your writing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Peace,\u00a0Juan<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In her last entry, Diane mentioned how \u201ctoday I often find myself wrestling with shadows, rushing off to meetings, dealing with endless barrages of\u00a0e-mail, spending more time on mundane chores than the ideals that once inspired me.\u201d I can identify … Continue reading