The Mindful Bell

Right from childhood, we are taught by parents, teachers and indirectly by friends, that we should imbibe as many good qualities as we can within us. In one of my sessions on mindfulness, I learnt quite the contrary- to choose just one quality for myself, a quality that I believe I need to cultivate, and allow it to guide me in every problem, in every solution, in every moment of my life. More appropriately, in Swami Vivekananda’ s words, it is to “Take up one idea, make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, and live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, and every part of your body be full of that idea, and leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”

This revelation came about during one session in which I asked Nithya how one could deal with the harsh experiences of life. We all were asked to choose one quality which when sincerely followed would ultimately culminate into more good qualities – A quality that would help us gain insight into ourselves as well as others.

Thereafter, everyone wondered. But my choice was made. Even when I didn’t practice, the one thing I knew I wanted to be able to do was, to let go. So here was my guiding quality –‘letting go’. Letting go, for me, initially represented coming to terms with the unpleasant events and experiences in my life, to stop wondering “why me?” and lolling in self pity. Letting go also meant getting rid of my delusions of persecution. But as we practiced the centering prayer, I realized it was necessary to not only let go of the bad but also essential to let go of the good; to not have attachments. It was indeed very important to let go of peoples’ judgments, opinions and assumptions about me. But it was also important to let go of the attachments and emotional dependence that I felt towards my loved ones. However, the most important thing was to let go of the way I harshly judged myself. It was important that I be compassionate towards myself before I showed compassion towards others.

This one quality that I chose has made me realize that life truly becomes simpler (if not easier) if we just let go. It does not in any way mean that we become cold creatures without any emotions. It just means that we accept life as it comes to us, non- judgmentally, and savor every moment (at least try to) that we are here. It means adopting an attitude of “it’s ok” – If I don’t get that coveted position that I want, it’s ok. If I win a lottery, it’s ok!

That day’s meditation was both joyful as well as sorrowful for me. On the one hand it helped me realize my guiding quality and how I should practice it; and on the other hand I wondered, had I known of this quality earlier and practiced it mindfully, would the course of my life be any different? That’s when Nithya rang his customary Tibetan bell to end the meditation session which made me mindful that it was essential to let go of this thought!