Being Compassionately Aware Of Others Wellbeing.
In the current state of the world, it is important to mind our social distancing and wear masks when appropriate. Being mindfully aware of our spatial relationships, as well as our close interactions with others has now become forefront in our mindset in the challenge to ward off the Corona Virus. Some may feel that this is against what human beings are internally, and that is social beings.While this is true, humans do want to be near others for many reasons, socializing, shopping, or safety, we also have an innate sense of compassion towards others. We want to care for others without harming them. Others may feel that social distancing or wearing a mask intrudes upon their freedoms.
Recall that true freedom is not what is written on paper but it is the liberation from holding on, accepting what is for what is, and knowing that all we experience is impermanent.
Minding our social distance to others exemplifies our loving kindness not only to others, but to ourselves. These actions reveal that we care about others wellbeing as much as we care about ourselves.
These practices also align with at least three tenants of the Eightfold Path (Right Intention, Right Thought, and Right Action).
As we navigate these unprecedented recent times and as practitioners of mindfulness, I am pleased to offer you some brief, yet relevant examples of how the Eightfold Path may be practiced during this time:
Right Intention - When I leave the home it is only for a necessary reason and will be for the briefest time possible. Among these necessary reasons are food shopping or doctor visits.
Right Thought - When I navigate a food aisle I will plan my path to mind social distancing to protect myself as well as others wellbeing.
Right Action - If a food aisle is congested and I cannot navigate mindfully I can perhaps get another item on my list or maybe wait until social distances can be maintained. Prior to returning home using hand sanitizer and then when home washing your hands thoroughly.
I recently read an article about how a Pastor in Louisiana felt it necessary to hold Sunday church services despite a ban on large gatherings. Over 1,000 people were in attendance at his most recent service and he still wants to continue to offering these weekly events. I understood his justification as to why: people being self-quarantined for weeks and needing a source of connection with God and other human beings.
These actions do not display loving kindness and are not mindful of ourselves nor of others. In fact, they are selfish and do not display Right Intention, Right Thought, and Right Action. God does not care if you love him in a designated area on a weekly basis He cares how we treat ourselves and one another on a daily basis.
As we face an uncertain future, please continue to show your loving kindness towards yourself as well as others during these challenging times and remember this will pass as everything we experience is temporary.
Please feel free to comment below.
As we navigate these unprecedented recent times and as practitioners of mindfulness, I am pleased to offer you some brief, yet relevant examples of how the Eightfold Path may be practiced during this time:
Right Intention - When I leave the home it is only for a necessary reason and will be for the briefest time possible. Among these necessary reasons are food shopping or doctor visits.
Right Thought - When I navigate a food aisle I will plan my path to mind social distancing to protect myself as well as others wellbeing.
Right Action - If a food aisle is congested and I cannot navigate mindfully I can perhaps get another item on my list or maybe wait until social distances can be maintained. Prior to returning home using hand sanitizer and then when home washing your hands thoroughly.
I recently read an article about how a Pastor in Louisiana felt it necessary to hold Sunday church services despite a ban on large gatherings. Over 1,000 people were in attendance at his most recent service and he still wants to continue to offering these weekly events. I understood his justification as to why: people being self-quarantined for weeks and needing a source of connection with God and other human beings.
These actions do not display loving kindness and are not mindful of ourselves nor of others. In fact, they are selfish and do not display Right Intention, Right Thought, and Right Action. God does not care if you love him in a designated area on a weekly basis He cares how we treat ourselves and one another on a daily basis.
As we face an uncertain future, please continue to show your loving kindness towards yourself as well as others during these challenging times and remember this will pass as everything we experience is temporary.
Please feel free to comment below.
Wishing you peace and ease,
Vladimir
Blue Lotus Mindfulness and Meditation Center is a registered 501(c)(3) religious organization.
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