Reflection on Mindfulness in Nature
Standing beside a quiet stream one morning, I watched a grey heron remain absolutely motionless. There was no sign of impatience or distraction. Then, in a single effortless movement, it struck the water. Mindfulness in nature.
Watching the bird, I was reminded that mindfulness is not passive. Stillness is not inactivity. True attention prepares us to respond at exactly the right moment, with clarity rather than haste.
Nature has always been one of my greatest teachers.
Haiku
“Perfectly mindful
Eyes focused, a calm stillness
The grey heron strikes.”
From “Stillness | Moments of Buddhist Practice in Verse” First written September 2022
Stillness is a collection of haiku, senryu and short reflective poems Inspired by my Buddhist practice, meditation, pilgrimage and the quiet moments of everyday life. Sometimes a few carefully chosen words can express what a much longer article cannot.
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Dr. Brian , it’s true that one of the biggest teacher of any human being is the nature.If that person is mindful and aware of his surroundings true reality of his existence would be as clear as cristal.So you are right that stillness may not be being inactive.Similarly, passiveness seems stillness at times but it can be hurricane 🌀 inside us. Lovely analysis of stillness with your experience through your haiku.🙏🌹
I think you’ve got it👏 So many messages and concepts around nature especially stillness, impermanence and Interbeing or coexistence 🙏🕉️