Staying Mindful - The Zen way

- Ms. Manisha Varma

Ms. Manisha Varma is a Counselling Psychologist with over two decades of rich experience working with youth across the spectrum of psychological and wellbeing concerns.

Mindfulness, at its heart, is about direct experience – a way to cultivate inner peace by focusing intently on the present moment. This concept has been explored extensively through literature and research over the years.

Among the many influential voices in this area, the teachings of the revered Zen Buddhist monk from Vietnam, the late Thich Nhat Hanh (affectionately known as Thay, meaning Teacher), stand out as foundational.

This Zen master, often called the Father of Mindfulness for his practical approach to Buddhist principles, introduced the essence of mindfulness. His teachings have profoundly impacted numerous contemporary therapeutic and mindfulness practices around the globe.

Below are some potent phrases from Thay's calligraphy, offered for personal reflection, alongside insights from a mindful, experiential perspective:

This is It. This very instant holds everything. Though poets and songwriters have echoed this truth, the reminder remains vital. All that you need is available right now. As Thay wisely said, "Present Moment, Wonderful Moment." Within this single point in time lies ease, a sense of being grounded, the spark of new ideas, inner strength, faith, hope, and all your abilities. This is what makes the present so precious – accepting what is.
No Mud, No Lotus. The challenges we face, the "mud" of difficult environments and circumstances, are essential for our growth, the "lotus" to emerge and flourish. This perspective encourages us to see that hardship is often a catalyst for inner development. Indeed, the mud and the lotus are intertwined aspects of our experience. Regularly reminding ourselves of this helps us cultivate a balanced awareness, a truly peaceful state.
Just Be. Embrace the stillness within you, the essence of who you are. Accept your full humanity, with all its nuances, as an inherent and valuable quality. Release the constant need to prove yourself through relentless action. This drive itself can become a burden for many.
We Inter-Are. Every effect has a cause, and therefore, our existence is inherently connected to others. We are all part of a larger web of "Interbeing" – as a society, as professionals, as a unified whole. Consequently, what affects one of us has a ripple effect on those we interact with.
Be Free where you are. True freedom lies in liberation from all forms of suffering. And what often causes this suffering? Primarily, our minds – the rigid perspectives and viewpoints we cling to. These fixed ideas can cloud our judgment, leading to confusion and a yearning for external validation. So, in this very moment, wherever you find yourself, do you feel truly free, or bound by invisible chains?
I have arrived. I am home. The place to find true rest and calm is not somewhere else, but within ourselves. A joyful homecoming means feeling at ease with who you are, just as you are. No struggle, nowhere to go. You are complete within yourself.

These words hold layers of deeper meaning. They resonate with the soul, guide us toward our purpose, offer comfort, and invite contemplation.

Years ago, my walks transformed into Mindful Walks. Consciously observing each step and the movement of the legs brought a sense of profound presence. Like mini power naps, complete and at ease in each moment. Often, I would mentally chant, "Here" and "Now." To this day, these Mindful Walks remain a cherished practice, a way of connecting with the Earth as if embracing our nurturing Universal Mother. Staying connected to our roots is a precious legacy left to us by the Father of Mindfulness, beautifully expressed in his calligraphy: "Darling, I am here for You."

Let us engage with our experiences with complete Mindfulness.

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