Why do we read quotes?
Quotes are those particular excerpts of writings that highlight the importance of the text or convey something meaningful.
Many times, it is easier for us to understand the concept if we look at it from a creative perspective. Quotes convey that creative perspective which will help us understand the concepts in a better way.
When it comes to mindfulness, we understand that mindfulness is a state of consciousness where you are aware of the present moment and you accept it while being non judgemental and kind.
Here are 10 selected quotes that will help you understand mindfulness in a better way.
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it. ”
― Thich Nhat Hanh.
“Feelings, whether of compassion or irritation, should be welcomed, recognized, and treated on an absolutely equal basis; because both are ourselves. The tangerine I am eating is me. The mustard greens I am planting are me. I plant with all my heart and mind. I clean this teapot with the kind of attention I would have were I giving the baby Buddha or Jesus a bath. Nothing should be treated more carefully than anything else. In mindfulness, compassion, irritation, mustard green plant, and teapot are all sacred.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh
“Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).”
– James Baraz
“The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
“Mindfulness meditation doesn’t change life. Life remains as fragile and unpredictable as ever. Meditation changes the heart’s capacity to accept life as it is.”
– Sylvia Boorstein
Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It’s about befriending who we are already.
Mindful eating is about awareness. When you eat mindfully, you slow down, pay attention to the food you’re eating, and savour every bite.
In Asian languages, the word for 'mind' and the word for 'heart' are the same. So if you're not hearing mindfulness in some deep way as heartfulness, you're not really understanding it. Compassion and kindness towards oneself are intrinsically woven into it. You could think of mindfulness as wise and affectionate attention.
The key to creating the mental space before responding is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way of being present: paying attention to and accepting what is happening in our lives. It helps us to be aware of and step away from our automatic and habitual reactions to our everyday experiences.
Mindfulness is about love and loving life. When you cultivate this love, it gives you clarity and compassion for life, and your actions happen in accordance with that.
To benefit further from these quotes, you can write them in your journal or on sticky notes and read them every day. These quotes will definitely help you stick to your meditation routine and become more mindful.
Let us know your experience with meditation and mindfulness.
Also, tell us your favourite quote about mindfulness.