There are as many definitions of mindfulness as teachers of this millennial practice. The most important question is, what does mindfulness mean to you? In my quest for an answer, I joined MMTCP, a program that trains future generations of mindfulness teachers worldwide. It is the legacy project of two of the most cherished meditation teachers of our time, Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, coming together to share what they have learned over decades of practice and teaching.
The first thing I learned is that Mindfulness is part of a family of ancient meditation practices aiming to train the mind. Although thousands of years old, Mindfulness meditation has sparked the curiosity of many Westerners over the last few decades. It has been studied scientifically; taught in educational, corporate, religious, secular, military, sports, and mental health groups; and shared in the most diverse settings across the globe. Just as there are many forms of meditation, there are also several forms of Mindfulness, most notably: of the body, feelings, thoughts, and mental states.
The most common concepts associated with the definition of the word mindfulness are awareness, concentration, presence, acceptance, wakefulness, and alertness. These concepts share a quality of attention to the present moment that is both natural and elusive to most of us. Mindfulness Meditation is, at the same time, easy to explain, hard to practice, and an art form to teach.
So, I decided to write about my experiences with MMTCP and another community close to my heart, the NYZC for contemplative care, a Soto Zen Sangha I belong to. Regardless of your faith tradition (I was raised Catholic), your ethnic background (I am white but see myself as part of what is known as a “third space”), your belief, or lack thereof, in a supernatural order, power, great energy, God or gods, we probably share similar existential questions, long to reconnect with the mystery of life, want to live meaningful lives, seek to co-create our understanding of mindfulness in community, and more importantly, fulfill its practical aspect, mindful living.
I invite you to take this journey with me, explore the sacred teachings, share questions and answers, and find with me the endless possibilities and potential that mindfulness practices evoke and the transformational energy they release to the world. Whoever you are and wherever you come from, you are welcome into this space. No separation.