Teresa shares Mindfulness practices in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Why Mindfulness?
“The practice of mindfulness is taught not as a tool but as a path. Mindfulness is a way of living that we are always cultivating and deepening. Mindfulness is not a means to arrive at an end; it is not a tool to get better outcomes later- whether those outcomes are greater happiness or improved grades.”
–Happy Teachers Change the World: A Guide For Cultivating Mindfulness in Education, by Thich Nhat Hanh and Katherine Weare
Mindfulness Practice
- grounds your senses and calms your nervous system
- brings your attention to your thoughts, feelings, and needs
- helps you to be present and in connection with the world
Waking Up
Waking up this morning, I smile.
Twenty-four brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment
and to look at all beings with the eyes of compassion.
A favorite gatha (a silently recited verse that can be part of mindfulness practice)
Participants’ experience of mindfulness practice:
“Mindfulness and the clementines. Surprise (gratitude)” ~ Participants from a Mindfulness Meditation & Cultivating Compassion” session, Columbus, OH
“Self-care allows us to be compassionate to others. I know this but appreciated hearing it again. I will never eat a clementine or an orange in the same way.”
“Thank you so much for sharing your gift of Mindfulness at our Collaborative Conference. You helped make it a great success.” ~ Amanda Cushing, Columbus, OH