So I stayed at the Zen monastery over the weekend for the 24 Hour Chant for Peace.
It's funny how having a Zen mindset can really make or break an experience. I missed a lot due to truly apocalyptic hay fever, but so it goes for me. I tended to my medical needs as necessary, and when able, I got to see some familiar faces and some friendly new ones, both of the roshis were kind to me at various points, and I got to hang out with a bunch of people trying to be the change they want to see.
Because I track my mood closely as part of my recovery, I can see when something has a consistent positive impact.
Mindfulness, particularly in the form of visiting the Zen institutions here, is almost always a big positive for me. It helps even when - or perhaps particularly when - my life is extremely stressful, from everyday stress to existential threats.
For anyone whose moods seem to rule their life, I'd say figuring out how to observe them & look for patterns is a big step toward peace.
I know #mindfulness has become a huge buzzword and there's been a capitalist gold rush of sorts in marketing it, but there's more than a kernel of truth to it. Perhaps a boulder of truth :)
Contemplative practices have evolved many times across all cultures, in spiritual traditions, martial arts, and even 100% secular forms. It may be tough to sort out the marketing BS, but it's worth it. And there are so many ways to practice, I think just about anybody can find one that suits them well.
Anyway enough preaching. I feel good this morning, that's enough. Thanks for reading!