The core concept of mindfulness is the practice of remaining present in each moment of our experience. We are all familiar with the wandering monkey mind and how easily we get caught in the past and the future stories. Once we get hooked by the past or future the mind becomes entrapped in a constant stream of “What If” stories.

The past is no longer, and the future has not happened yet, it is all in our mind. It is merely a thought and nothing else. A word we pulled out of our memories or our future desires. It is usually our propensity to look at the past and future as a burden in our lives. A place where we are trying to rework or undo the past and create or forecast a future. All we need to do is merely observe without reacting to the video in our mind. Imagine you are the projector and you’re going to project that video on the screen and watch it like a movie. The challenge will be watching without reacting to the movie.

The Buddha reminds us that the past is already done. The future has not happened. The task for all of us is to be present in this moment without clinging to anything.

The messages may be like, “I want it this way or if I only had that, I would be happy”. These messages are our emotional hooks. Messages keep us stuck in our heads looking and searching for what we want.  Once we find what we think we are looking for, we are off to the next thing. The mission is to let go of the past, let go of the future. Instead, mindfulness reminds us to be here in the present moment appreciating all that is right now.

The practice is to look at the as just a thought. We are learning to set an intention to be vigilant for these thoughts to continue to cultivate mindfulness. The Buddha states, “by rightly understanding I am on the way to letting go of self-identification. This is the foundation of Nirvana/Enlightenment.” The freedom we all want is the letting go of “I am”. Remember, “Whatever has the nature to arise will also pass away. It’s not about getting or attaining anything it’s all about “letting go”. Buddhism is very clear about the process of thoughts, “whatever one thinks about becomes the inclination of the mind.”

Approach your mind with Metta, loving kindness.  Make your mind your friend not your enemy. You cannot conquer your mind with negativity, judgements, and unkindness. Doing battle with your mind only makes it stronger and have more resolve. This causes more suffering not less. Invite your mind into a friendship. Afterall no one in our life can love us the way we can / love ourselves. Having a well-directed mind is the only way to self-love. This is the only way to put out the fire of our own suffering. When you hear the ego/mind shouting at you smile and invite the mind to tea instead of a battle. At tea listen and observe the mind without judgement, instead accept and let go.

Those of us who practice the insight that brings us to the other shore- “see no more obstacles in their mind and because there are no more obstacles in their mind they can overcome all fear, destroy all wrong perceptions, and realize perfect nirvana.