Many years ago, I remember listening to Speaking of Faith host Krista Tippett’s interview with Thích Nhất Hạnh, Vietnamese Zen monk, poet, and peacemaker. While I’m not a Buddhist, a lot of what “brother Thầy” says rings true for me. (Thầy is Vietnamese for teacher, and they call him that affectionately.)
One thing in particular he talks about is the Buddhist practice of mindfulness, the act of paying attention to whatever is happening in your life while staying in the moment. Some people think it’s about removing yourself from reality. But in fact, as he tells us:
True mindfulness is not an evasion of any kind.
It’s a serene encounter with reality.