“Smile, breathe, and go slowly.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Sometimes I choose my Thursday Thoughts. And sometimes they choose me. Sometimes they make me smile, or grab me or dare me not to think about them. Sometimes they tell me a truth in away I hadn't perceived before. Sometimes they just say - listen to me, you need to think about this.
So no prizes for working out that right now, this is one of those quiet ones that says - listen and pay attention, and if you can, please do as I say.
Sometimes these quotes act as real reminders to me, they pull me up and make me realise I need to pay attention on some other level - not just a level of I like that or I'm intrigued, or that's funny; but that level where you think - there is a simple truth in here that I need to act upon.
I must admit that Thich Nhat Hanh is a bit of hero of mine - his approach to a peaceful way of life; of mindfulness and gentleness resonates. And this gentle reminder to smile, breathe and go slowly is perfect for me right now. I have said to several folk it feels as if the world is moving on fast forward at the moment - a wee bit faster than usual, and I am whirling and twirling and occasionally catching my breath. This is a gentle reminder to keep breathing, to keep smiling and to slow down.
Yes a lot is achieved by moving fast, but a lot is also missed. A lot can be gained by going slowly as well, and I feel as if I am moving into a phase where going slowly and savouring things is what I need.
I like that he includes smiling - it does make you feel better.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Sometimes I choose my Thursday Thoughts. And sometimes they choose me. Sometimes they make me smile, or grab me or dare me not to think about them. Sometimes they tell me a truth in away I hadn't perceived before. Sometimes they just say - listen to me, you need to think about this.
So no prizes for working out that right now, this is one of those quiet ones that says - listen and pay attention, and if you can, please do as I say.
Sometimes these quotes act as real reminders to me, they pull me up and make me realise I need to pay attention on some other level - not just a level of I like that or I'm intrigued, or that's funny; but that level where you think - there is a simple truth in here that I need to act upon.
I must admit that Thich Nhat Hanh is a bit of hero of mine - his approach to a peaceful way of life; of mindfulness and gentleness resonates. And this gentle reminder to smile, breathe and go slowly is perfect for me right now. I have said to several folk it feels as if the world is moving on fast forward at the moment - a wee bit faster than usual, and I am whirling and twirling and occasionally catching my breath. This is a gentle reminder to keep breathing, to keep smiling and to slow down.
Yes a lot is achieved by moving fast, but a lot is also missed. A lot can be gained by going slowly as well, and I feel as if I am moving into a phase where going slowly and savouring things is what I need.
I like that he includes smiling - it does make you feel better.
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| ©2011 Fiona Dempster - Umbakumba Lagoon |
A beautiful post, Fiona, and, yes, I'm with you (and Thich Nhat Hanh) about both slowing and smiling!
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerianna - yes I think that could become a mantra - slowing and smiling, slowing and smiling, slowing and smiling....
DeleteI could gaze into that lagoon all day! It's a perfect shot to match your quote today.
ReplyDeleteThanks Annie - me too. I was looking for a photo that felt right and I always end up there - Umbakumba lagoon. Just looking at it slows my hart and settles me. Which is interesting; because the time there was not easy...
DeleteI am smiling and breathing right beside you... slowly.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ersi - smiling and breathing slowly across the miles...companionably.
DeleteA peaceful image for a simple quote..... a great reminder :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Robyn - the more I think about it, the more I need simplicity, slowness, and not forgetting to breathe!
DeleteI wonder if there is an emoticon for breathing?
ReplyDeletedear fiona, yes - the chaotic times do challenge us... our bodies and minds even reject them after a bit, we begin to feel uncomfortable... thich nhat hanh is someone i look up to as well - exiled from his home country because he opposed the war - he is a light for so many in his teachings and gentle manner... showing us the way to quiet the monkey mind that navigates this sometimes too busy world...
ReplyDeletei often hear the 'lightly' passage by aldous huxley for this same purpose...
i have been contemplating how i wish to move through my time here, and i have come to believe that it is in a gentle and slow way - instead of surging forward, digging deeper... going forward an inch and down a foot,yard,mile?
wishing you peace, many deep fulfilling breaths and so much love -
Ah MJ - quieting the monkey mind is never an easy task is it? I like how you are choosing to move thru your time here - gently, slowly and no doubt smiling. Breathig is good too and quietly we shall move forward...go well.
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