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Page: Mindfulness

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Mindfulness


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The following principles are derived from the ancient Rule of Benedict of Nursia who lived in the fifth century and left behind a great deal of wisdom.

Awareness of the sacred in life holds the world together, and the lack of awareness and sacred care is tearing it apart.

Mindfulness is a blend of harmony, awareness and balance. This includes spending time well, treating the world and all things as sacred, and not confusing one’s wants with needs. Small actions are seen as global in scope and meaning – being faithful in little things implies faithfulness in big things. With today’s world – an interlocking global village – in deep trouble, those who are mindful can through their small, but consistent positive actions regain one inch of the planet at a time. 

Mindfulness sees everything as one – the people of the earth, the resources, and the products. Each is to be cared for well and used without hurting the others. Also, a positive transformation should occur on all fronts – the land from barren to bountiful, thinking from scattered to centred, relationships from exploitative to ennobling. Care needs to taken not to accumulate things we don’t need which separate us from life and imprison us. Becoming prisoners of consumption, we are owned by the artifacts we have hoarded, rather than owning them. 

Time is another commodity that a mindful person will learn to respect. It should be spent on spiritual pursuits of prayer and sacred reading, work to serve others, community participation to share, and finally sufficient rest to rejuvenate, each in a balanced way, without exaggerating any aspect. Every person has all the time there is, but in order to remain balanced and in harmony, we need to take time for the important things, ensuring that nothing is neglected. Life can be seen as a medley of multiple dimensions or facets – the natural, spiritual, social, productive, physical, and personal – each of which must be accommodated and developed. This is what makes people fully alive. 

Cultivating the awareness of manifestation of the divine in all things takes reflection, prayer, and the wisdom of others. Life needs to be worked through – willingness is needed to deal with what we are, where we are, and why. Time (slowing down) and conscious effort is required for this kind of contemplation which will broaden our perspective, enabling us to live life to the full. 

 

Reference:
Joan Chittister, Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today (HarperSanFrancisco, 1991), chapter 6. 

Photo: Intellimon, Ltd. 



 

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Home
About Us
Books and other websites
Truth
About God
The Experience of God
The God of Grace
Amazing Grace
God's Grace and Mercy - Another View
God's Grace in Small Things
Walking with God
God's Gifts and User Manual
God's Loving Care
The Dynamic God
Our Awesome and Incomprehensible God
God, Creation and Truth
The Common Aim of all Godly Religions
Living Buddha, Living Christ
About the Bible
Bible as the Word of God
Inspiration of the Scriptures
Another Reflection on the Bible
Truth Versus Facts
The Bible at your Fingertips
Letter from a Loving God
Book About Basic Bible Teachings
About the Universe
Nature and the Universe
Life's Origin
Our Unique Planet
Mind of the Universe
The Nature of Creation and Existence
Metaphysical View of the World
Order, Beauty, and Harmony - Part 1
Order, Beauty, and Harmony - Part 2
About Humanity
Nature of Humans
Of Creators and Creations
Truth and Perceptions
Our Present State and Divine Potential
Hidden Treasure Within Us
Precious Balls of Clay
Intertwining of Humanity and Divinity
Conversion
Finding One's Mission in Life
Living with Paradox
Scripture Bell
The Potential Good Within Evil
About Health and Happiness
Key Principles for Health and Happiness
Twelve Laws of Spirit
40 Spiritual Principles
Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
Wisdom from Rumi
Aspects of Spiritual Life
First Things First
Disciplined Living
Compassion
Listening
Experiencing Joy
Each Day is a Gift
Dealing with Suffering
Living in the Present
Other Aspects of Living in the Now
Choose Life
Dealing with Change
Acceptance
Prayer
Prayer -- Another Perspective
Serenity Prayer
The Lord's Prayer
Prayer to Magnify God
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Pax -- the Peace of God's Presence
Let There Be Peace on Earth
Human Relationships
Children About Love
Inspiration from the Lives of a Godly Couple
Desiderata
References
Beauty
Skies and Seas
Glorious Sunrises
Beautiful Skies
Awesome Sunsets
Beauty of the Sea
Seaside Beauty
Trees and Flowers
Trees and Shrubs
Flowers in Bloom
Rose Garden
Beautiful Orchids
Animal Life
Australian Birds
Birds on Water and Land
Beautiful Creatures
Friendship of Kitten and Parrot
Other Animal Friendships
Parks and Gardens
Toowoomba Flower Festival
Riyadh Parks and Gardens
Spring Time
New Life
Spring Flowers
Flower Close-Ups
The Waterside
Water Edge
Water Mirrors
Artistic Expression
Art of Jindrich (Henry) Degen
Three Dogs Knowing
Beautiful Actions
The Cab Ride
Dancing in the Rain
Angel in Disguise?
Angels at Work
The Crocheted Tablecloth
Love in the Midst of Tragedy
Children's Innocence
Special Day
~ References ~
Free Downloads
God and Creation
God is Love
Identity in Christ
Love, Joy and Obedience
Nature of Truth
Thoughts about Life
Learning and Growth
Thoughts on Life and Death
Abandonment to God
Wishing You Well
Your Comments
Contact Us