An Introduction

 If we take a good look at the human life, it is full of experience. We get to be a child, go to school, meet new people, grow up, find a job, raise a family. We get to feel the happiness of spending time with people we love. And the stress when things don't go our way. If we take a look, our lives are characterized by various experiences, some of which we like, and some of which we dislike.

 Many of us are generally in a rush. We're late for the bus, still have to study for that test. We go upstairs, get bored, then go downstairs. We try good food, decent food, get tired of that too. We climb a mountain, go skydiving, watch television. We argue, we forgive. We laugh and cry. We search, and search. We strive for a better university, a better resume, a better job. We strive to be liked, to feel secure, to find happiness.

 If you take a look, you really have to give us some credit. We continue on like this, doing everything we can.

 Mindfulness is a way of staying connected. It is a way of slowing down and taking a good look at every moment. Here you will find a fuller way to live. A way characterized by awareness joy, love, lightness, and clarity. When I first started practicing mindfulness at the age of 13 I immediately became very interested. I really wanted to understand, to experience everything fully. I got interested in books, in meditation, and in the present moment. Mindfulness brought me back to myself. As I continued through my practice I started noticing some changes. Things that used to stress me out no longer bothered me. I naturally felt more confident. Gradually a sense of lightness, balance, and peace embraced me. Sometimes I would even catch myself smiling for no specific reason. Of course emotions such as stress and anger do sometimes arise, but now there is and ease to them. Without resisting or holding on, everything is experienced as lightness.

 Through practicing mindfulness and understanding, we can walk around life with eyes wide open. Just washing the dishes, making conversation, drinking some tea. It's all here for you to discover. The best part is that you can start now. Anyone can, at any age, and any circumstance. It's so simple, why not give it a try?

 We no longer have to follow those stressful feelings, or fearful thoughts. Instead we simply notice whatever arises. Each with a loving understanding, and a letting go.

 Mindfulness means living in the present moment. We are aware. When walking in a trail we can feel the soft breeze on our face, the warm sun. We can feel the soft crunch of the leaves beneath our feet. Mindfulness is something to be applied to in our everyday lives, in every moment. For example, when washing the dishes, where is your mind at? Place your attention on the action you are doing, no need to get caught up in past or future. Feel as you place your hands on the plate, the cool water rushing down. The various vibrant colors, and different shades of white and blue. You'll find that when something is done with clarity, it naturally becomes enjoyable. Then you can rest with things as they are. Just in this moment. Walking, moving, watching, loving.

 When you do something you enjoy you are naturally in the present moment. For example, when playing basketball your attention is only on the game, the dribbling, the running, the shooting, the cheering. When playing chess, or doing computer programming, you are only doing it because it's fun. You're not thinking or worrying about anything else, you're just working along, absorbed in the task.

 In mindfulness we are free from wanting because all we could ever need is right here, right now with us. Anything that says otherwise, is just another thought.

The Space in Between the Thoughts

The mind seems to always be full of thoughts, always thinking about something or other. Try to notice any breaks in between the thoughts, any areas of silence that you can find. Like when sitting in the quiet forest, only the soft sounds of the birds chirping. The leaves falling and drifting to the ground. The deep breeze rustling the trees. All in silence.

Noticing

Mindfulness is simply noticing. You can notice how it feels to sit on this chair, you can notice any sounds you hear, you can notice the bright vibrant colors all around you. It's all to be found here. Another thing you may notice are any thoughts that come around. Even while reading this book. Any feelings that you can find. Comfortable or uncomfortable. Whatever you notice, that is fine. Take in a deep breath and take in all that's around you, and in you.