Mindfulness is the capacity to be aware of what is going on and what is there.  With the energy of mindfulness, we touch the present moment deeply and realise that there are many wonderful things around and within us.  We realise that we already have plenty of conditions to be happy in the here and now.  The blue sky, sunshine, trees, flowers, singing birds, the laughters of kids, the smiles of your loved ones, and many simple things in life are miracles!  We cherish what we have in the here and now, and we no longer need to seek happiness somewhere else.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Problems are opportunities in disguise

Three weeks ago, I was on a holiday trip to Hong Kong. I was planning to catch up with my family and some good old friends, and to go shopping.  The highlight of the trip was to go to Disneyland with my parents and sister.  It’d be such a fun family event!  I was really looking forward to it. 


Within 3 hours of arrival, I hurt my back.  It was not very serious but I could move around only in slow motion, I couldn’t walk or even sit for a long time, and I couldn’t carry anything more than half a kilogram. You could imagine my disappointment at that moment. My mind was flushed with all the negative thoughts: “This is going to ruin my holidays!”  “Oh dear, why do I always get sick or injured during my holidays?”  “How am I supposed to go to the Disneyland now?” “I’m going to miss out all the discounts in the shops!”...


I tried to calm myself with mindful breathing and I remembered the quotes from Peace Pilgrim: “All difficulties in your life have a purpose. Problems are opportunities in disguise.” So I meditated on the questions “What is the purpose of this seemingly unfortunate incident?” “What can I learn from it?”


Soon I found the answers.  With restrictions in my mobility,  I could not go shopping. So I would not waste money in buying unnecessary items just because they were on sales.  My mind would also be free from thinking about “what else I should buy”.  I could focus all my time and attention in catching up with my family and friends!


The rest of my holiday was very pleasant and I found myself surrounded with love.  My sister had already took a day off for our Disneyland trip but my parents suggested that we should go next time. We still went to the Disneyland station and had a short walk around the gardens outside. It was a fine day and we had a great time strolling around.  Then we had lunch in the Disneyland hotel and took pictures with Snow White in the lobby! It doesn’t matter whether we entered Disneyland or not.  I enjoyed the times with my mum, my dad and my sister.  They are very caring to me and made me feel loved and protected. I stayed at my parents home most of the time and mum would make the most delicious vegetarian dishes for me.  I also enjoyed the moments with my friends. 


Happiness is here and now!

Posted by at
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)