Week 29: The Mindful Empath's Almanac
Week 29: The Mindful Empath's Almanac
July 14, 2024 to July 20, 2024
“The cool thing is that jazz is really a wonderful example of the great characteristics of Buddhism and great characteristics of the human spirit. Because in jazz we share, we listen to each other, we respect each other, we are creating in the moment. At our best, we're non-judgmental.”
~ Herbie Hancock
Reflection:
TL;DR - Jazz and Buddhism (read: mindfulness) are spiritual siblings. They both anchor you in the present and are intent on cultivating a communal creative moment.
I know that not everyone likes jazz. For many it can be chaotic, often atonal, and too brassy. Unless your only experience of jazz is Kenny G, I imagine that you might share these sentiments sometimes.
My response?
Just wait…and watch.
Jazz is one of those musical expressions best enjoyed in person, because it is so much more about the people and the moment then it is about the music. At least that’s my opinion. The music is an invitation to the moment and the way the musicians talk to each other.
Jazz, Buddhism, and mindfulness are ways of being that allow you to be fully present, engaged with the people around you, and working towards a creative goal.
I have been talking to my daughter recently about what it means to be fully present and more aware of herself and her surroundings. She is at a moment where she wants to practice more independence, yet she is like every other pre-teen in that she is often found with her eyes glued to her phone. Now, I won’t debate the merits of my 11-going-on-18-year-old having an iPhone, we all know the pros and cons. We can leave that larger discussion to another post perhaps.
My challenge (erm, frustration) with her lately is that it seems as if I need to tell her, remind her, remind her again, raise my voice, and then threaten to take away the damn device for her to answer me or do something that I’ve asked her to do.
Again, I know, not new news.
But I think it’s worth talking about with her, and with you.
There are myriad reasons why we want our young people, and ourselves for that matter, to be more aware. Let’s look at a few.
There are safety concerns for my daughter when she wants to walk with the dog to the pool and back in my neighborhood. Is she watching where she is going and paying attention to the cars and people around her? Does she know how far she is from home, or if something were to happen how to handle it?
And then there are the social/emotional concerns about the self-awareness that can be damaged by what’s going on in her conversations. This is more about how the device is being used, and not the phone itself, but it’s definitely worth mentioning. She and I have had many conversations around how we don’t need to attend every argument we are invited to. I also do my best to lift her up and boost her self-esteem, because comparison based social media culture is likely to only bring it down.
Here is where I interject and, rather than concentrating on the concerns born of fear, pivot towards the jazz of the moment.
I believe that when we refuse to be present and fully aware we are missing life and the essential connections that make it worthwhile, as well as numerous opportunities to intellectually improvise with the people we encounter. If we lead with a heart of non-judgmental courage we can cultivate relationships that riff off of mutual interests and love, rather than the competition and envy rampant on social media.
If we just look up and allow ourselves to engage with the world we could be cultivating a spontaneous spiritual moment, minute by electrifying minute.
I don’t know about you, but that’s music to my ears!
Intention:
Today, I choose to dance to the music of love and the energy of connection, finding others that are willing to stop and swing with me.
Meditation:
Jazz Life
Life is like a never-ending jam session. There are moments of brilliance, moments of discord, and moments of silence. The key is to keep playing, to keep showing up, and to enjoy the process.
Practice:
Listen: Begin by listening to the sounds around you. Let your attention be drawn to each sound without judgment.
Feel: Turn your attention inward. Notice your body sensations without trying to change them.
Think: Observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them. Let them come and go like clouds in the sky.
Breathe: Focus on your breath. It’s the anchor to the present moment.
Improvise: Experiment with different meditation techniques. Find what works best for you.
Remember, meditation is not about achieving perfection. It’s about the journey, about cultivating awareness and presence. Like a jazz musician, you are constantly learning and growing. Enjoy the improvisation!
Cultivation:
Mindfulness: Being present in the moment allows you to be receptive to opportunities for connection.
Active Listening: Give your full attention to the person you're with, showing genuine interest in what they're saying.
Open Body Language: Inviting and open body language can make others feel welcome and encouraged to connect.
Embrace Openness
Curiosity: A curious mind is open to new experiences and people.
Vulnerability: Sharing your authentic self can create deep connections.
Risk-Taking: Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected encounters.
Foster a Playful Spirit
Humor: Laughter is a powerful connector.
Lightheartedness: Approaching interactions with a sense of fun can create a relaxed atmosphere.
Spontaneity: Embracing the unexpected can lead to exciting connections.
Appreciation:
Connection is the lifeblood of the human experience. It is the bridge that spans the chasm of solitude, bringing us together in shared moments of joy, sorrow, and understanding. I am deeply grateful for the threads of connection that weave through my life.
These connections have:
Enriched my world: Introducing me to new perspectives, ideas, and experiences.
Provided support: Offering a comforting presence during challenging times.
Inspired growth: Motivating me to become a better version of myself.
Filled my life with joy: Creating shared laughter, memories, and love.
In the symphony of life, these connections create a composition that embrace both harmony and dissonance, which in turn produces a masterpiece. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with others.