Themptiness

Mindfulness is like the sun. It only has to shine its light to do its work.
Thich Nhat Hanh

What is this elusive process called mindfulness? People often talk about it with a hushed reverence normally reserved for things other-worldly. The best description I have come across is that mindfulness is "bare awareness." This refers to observing the world, both inner and outer, without the interference of the constant chattering mind. Another great description is that it is "to stop thinking without falling asleep." Far from being the sole property of monks, sages and prophets, mindfulness is actually our natural state. Watch a very young child at play and you will observe mindfulness. Get absorbed in the moment, whether listening to a beautiful piece of music, watching a sunset, seeing your team win the Superbowl (or so I am told, my team has never given me this opportunity) and you have experienced mindfulness.

Breaking through our thought addiction is the essence of mindfulness. The practice of letting thoughts pass like clouds across the sun is instrumental in seeing the world as it is rather than the way we think it should be. This non-attachment to thought brings about what I call "themptiness." This is the vast space created within us when we realize we are not our thoughts. Themptiness is the space that holds all the planets, stars and galaxies. It is the same space that makes a glass useful and turns four walls into a room. Themptiness is the interval between sounds that makes music possible and the silent gap between the in and out breath that makes life possible. It is not "nothing" but it is a "no thing" and within it all things are contained. To be thempty is to fully experience the present moment. In the here and now, you are the observer. You are awareness itself and no longer a part of the passing parade of ideas in your head. You are above thought like a Macy's Day balloon, minus the tethers.

While there are many vehicles that can lead you to mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, and mantras to name a few, the mind often tries to grab the wheel of these vehicles as it hates taking a back seat. When this happens your practice becomes just another head trip without a map. Here is a quick exercise you can use to keep your egoic mind in the back seat where it belongs:

Find somewhere quiet to sit and observe your breath. Next begin counting with each breath. Breath in and count one, breathe out and count two. Keep counting in this manner until you get to 10. Anytime a thought enters your head, start over at the number one. Do not judge the thought and do not get mad at yourself, just start over. Keep doing this for about five minutes. Remember, the goal is not to get to 10, it is to gently go back to the start anytime a thought arrives. Happy travels!