Mindfulness is a practice that extends beyond the individual. Engaging in mindfulness has numerous health benefits and initially it may seem as if one is doing it for one owns betterment. Mindfulness is a practice that also at its core taps into the interrelatedness of all beings. As one develops mindfulness it becomes easier to see the “other” as our self. Awareness increases, we begin to slow down, we think, pause and breathe. Mindfulness allows us to expand from within and re-connect with who we are and why we are.
The following five mindful trainings are from the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh.
The Five Mindfulness Trainings
First Mindfulness Training
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking and in my way of life.
Second Mindfulness Training
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing and oppression, I am committed to cultivating loving kindness and learning ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants and minerals. I will practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will res0pect the property of others, but will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species of Earth.
Third Mindfulness Training
Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relationships without love and and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct.
Fourth Mindfulness Training
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivating loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words con create happiness or suffering, I am determined to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy and hope. I will not spread news that I do not know to be certain and will not criticize or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I am determined to make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.
Fifth Mindfulness Training
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am determined to cultivate good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking and consuming. I will ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being and joy in my body, in my consciousness and in the collective body and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest foods or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society.
Taking time to cultivate a mindfulness practice will help your life in numerous ways. Give it time, be patient with yourself. Simply practice.
