From Wherever You Go There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn,
” Guess what ? When it comes right down to it, wherever you go, there you are. Whatever you wind up doing, that’s what you’ve wound up doing. Whatever you are thinking right now, that’s what’s on you mind. Whatever has happened to you, it has already happened. The important question is, how are you going to handle it? In other words, “Now what?”
Jon Kabat-Zinn’s research and books focus on the “essence of mindfulness meditation and its application. It is offered particularly for those who resist structured programs and for people who don’t like to be told what to do but are curious enough about mindfulness and its relevance to try to piece things together for themselves with few hints and suggestions here and there.”
Walking along the garden path contemplating next steps in my continual uncertain journey. One thing I know beyond a doubt, impermanence permeates and is a constant within my journey. I can definitely count on change being only a breath away. Once again, I’ve become more focused on being mindfully present in the here and now. Pausing to pay attention to my breath, inhaling and exhaling deep into the cavity of my torso. As I consciously walk upon this garden path paying attention to my breath, beautiful desert nature is surrounding my being. I’m reminded the season of the garden is like the seasons of my life.
One must mindfully pay attention! The intense heat of summer delivers the cooling monsoons by July. A reprieve from the heat is immensely appreciated. Although, I have to mention this summer the monsoons are later. Cool wispy breezes begin around the end of October.
A walk in the garden on most visits is easy to be mindful of my present moments as I breathe strolling along absorbing the rainbow of colors, smells-especially after a rain, meandering here and yonder. Refreshing my soul with each step and breath I take. Grateful indeed for breathe, a reminder I’m still alive!
Next step, to draw upon mindfulness, being in the present moment, paying attention to my breathe, and intentional focus on breathe during challenging and stressful times.
Mindfulness is a work in progress, of daily reminders to breath while observing my physical and emotional responses to a current situation without judgement. Observing being myself with compassion, not being anything other than deeply in touch with myself.
No matter where I go, I am always with myself- to know and understand our deepest nature of self. Knowing yourself is a practice of self-observation, self-inquiry, and mindful compassionate action. From self compassion, in turn, leads to compassion for others. Mindful compassion is a balance between self-compassion and compassion for others. It’s easier to know others by knowing oneself. We are not our thoughts, being aware of our thoughts without judgement and staying neutral is a mindful practice. Being gentle with loving kindness and nurturing our own being leads to engaging in healthy relationships with ourselves and others within our families, communities and spreading outward to our planet Earth.
Mindfully Being Present
Mindfully Being Present 
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