I Resolve (2018)
A year ago, I began a meditation practice after taking a six-week introductory course on Buddhism and Meditation. Since then, I have logged nearly 1,000 minutes or 16 full hours of meditation. For me, it is easiest to do it right before bed and it takes about 10 minutes. Thanks to a wonderful app called Headspace, I focus on things like patience, anxiety, balance, sleeping well, and more. Every once in a while, I venture out to a temple to meditate with other people. There really isn’t anything like meditating in a group. Over the next year, I am committing myself to doing this more often and digging deeper into the Dharma (teachings) of the Buddha.
For 2018, I am resolving to focus on one thing. I am done with endless lists focused on the resolutions I would like to accomplish this year. Instead, I am giving the act of mindfulness my full attention, which is perfect because mindfulness asks the user to give one thought or action its full and necessary attention.
In our interconnected world with notifications, calendars, deadlines, and endless responsibilities, I am finding it more and more difficult to give life the attention it deserves. I find myself digging for my phone during quiet moments, running from one appointment to the next, sweating deadlines, and trying to keep a roof over our heads. While all this is happening, life is passing me by unnoticed. I am not pausing to focus on meaning. I am not giving moments both simple and grand the respect they deserve. I am not being fully present. In 2018, I would like to change that.
For me, a journey toward mindfulness will continue by strengthening my meditation practice and digging deeper into the teachings of the Buddha. It also means real world limits and barriers. I have created rules about checking my phone; 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, and before I go to bed. When it comes to my calendar, I purposefully leave my Fridays open to catch up and focus. I am beginning projects sooner to relieve some of the stress put on deadlines. Finally, I am realizing the security found in my new job. Bills, savings, debt, and responsibilities are under control. With these practices in place, I am hoping to leave life open to be experienced.
One day, I will be on my deathbed. I don’t want to spend those final moments in regret. Rather, I want to die knowing I lived my life to the fullest extent possible. For me, this begins with mindfulness. From there, the possibilities are endless.
Be good to each other,
-Nathan
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