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You've noticed, surely, how often we take for granted untroubled breathing until we get the flu and air has to negotiate its way in—or how often we take for granted freehand writing until our hand is bandaged from an acute cut. I'm not arguing that we should be kneeling down every hour thanking the heavens for good breathing or writing, but I'm observing something even more underappreciated: peace of mind.
Many philosophers and spiritual writers who made names for themselves agree on this truth:
Life is full of problems.
On any given day, a typical person is wrestling with a problem in their mind, triggering uncomfortable feelings: lingering anxiety, spotlight pressure, one-way decision, regret that drives away sleep, agony.
I write this to remind us to realize and cherish those moments in a day where we feel at peace with ourselves, with our circumstances, with our life.
We cherish these moments by being present—taking a short walk around the garden, even at work, especially at work. Spending a few minutes looking out of your window, noticing things: children, beggars half-inside waste plastic bags digging for scraps, a dog basking in the sun.
We cherish peace of mind by being present because, really, we do get lost in our problems—they consume every fiber and neuron of our body. They suffocate us.
That's why we must make it a point to catch up with our normal, carefree breathing by being present and grateful. Because ultimately, we're not chasing peace of mind—we're simply training ourselves to notice its presence.
Other Readings:
The Quiet Power of Gratitude
An Op-ed from DUCT Rivers
Sam Madlala
Blog 85/95
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