The present moment can be magic

Dear Friends,

The day before Halloween, while at Plum Village, we listened to a talk in which Thay shared that when we come into the present moment, we have the capacity to become someone who can perform miracles. It’s like we get a magic wand which can magically bring happiness to ourselves and others. Once we see the roots of suffering, ours and others’, we will know how to help and we will be motivated to help.

There are days I feel like I have easy access to the present moment (and hence my magic wand) and other days when I feel powerless and discouraged about the state of the world and whether I can do anything to help. 

When our minds are full of discouraging thoughts like,  “I’m just one person, the world is a mess. What can I do?” we get caught in feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and comparing ourselves to others. That kind of thinking usually deposits me in front of the TV or scrolling on my phone to avoid feelings of shame and despair. 

Reigniting our magic wand can start with noticing our next in-breath. 

When we return to the present moment, letting go of our mind’s exhausting monologue and it’s relentless grasping for false refuges, we can touch the supports  that are already here - in the form of mother Earth, our friends and family, our beloved animal friends, delicious food, the fresh air we have to breath, and much more. Only in the present moment do we have the power to recognize and pass on that love to ourselves and to others with a look, a smile, shared tears, or a kind word. This basic practice of noticing our breathing provides the doorway to love and freedom, not just for ourselves but for all beings. 

By following your breathing right now, you can tap into that power of love and - poof - you will have a magic wand that can transform the lives of suffering beings — those sitting beside you on the subway or sleeping next to you in bed. 

with love,

annie.