The Gift of Waiting

When we are forced to wait, say in a traffic jam, our instinct is to do something to distract ourselves from the discomfort of waiting. We turn on the radio, call or text someone on the phone, or just sit and fume. Practicing mindfulness while waiting helps people find many small moments in the day when they can bring the thread of awareness up from where is lies hiding in the complex fabric of their lives. Waiting, a common event that usually produces negative emotions, can be transformed into a gift, the gift of free time to practice. The mind benefits doubly: first, by abandoning negative mind-states, and second, by gaining the beneficial effects of even a few extra minutes of practice woven into the day.

–Jan Chozen Bays

False Expectations Appearing Real

It's been a while...

Hello all,

I have become a little distant from the Dharma recently, I haven't practiced mindfulness in a long time, and have been totally distracted, and caught up in work/worldly things. Whilst I know that 'Buddha Mind' is inherent, I haven't been in touch with the spaciousness/stillness of Buddha mind in a while, doesn't feel good.

My heart has been seeking stillness of late, it's amazing how at times of stress/intense worldly activity...I'm subtly redirected to the Buddha's teachings.

Anywho, life is wonderful isn't it? x