The Problem
At every moment of our lives, we, as humans, consume various forms of intake. Physically, we may consume various foods, drinks, drugs, minerals, etc. Mentally, we may consume new or old information, mental formations, and energies from any experience we perceive through various media, including websites, games, TV programs, films, magazines, books, and conversations. We may be allowing ourselves to consume mindlessly and, therefore, allowing ourselves to forget to appreciate the present moment. The nourishing and healing moments in life remain in the present moment because the present moment is the only moment we will ever have. Being trapped by the sorrows and regrets of the past or anxieties and worries about the future may cause us to forget the present moment. When consumed by mental formations like loneliness, anxiety, ignorance, or suffering, we often find ourselves hiding from them by creating unwholesome habits. Every action taken, word spoken, thought thought, and intake consumed, creates who we are today and in the future. Like a slight wave in the ocean that can develop into a great storm, small seeds of unwholesome mental formations have the capacity to grow and cause greater suffering in the long run. By contemplating on the interbeing of all beings, we can use our perseverance, compassion, and passion during difficult times as motivation to take positive action. We may not be able to be compassionate to the whole world if we cannot be compassionate to all beings within our community. By cultivating a practice of mindful consumption, we can respond to challenging situations compassionately and patiently, aware of the objects we transmit and receive. I hope to share an accessible mindfulness practice that can be used at every moment of the day, to inspire mindful leadership and compassionate action.
