With lots of things going on around us in our daily lives, finding moments of peace and tranquility is important. With all that goes on around us it's easy to feel disconnected from ourselves. However, amidst the chaos there exists a powerful practice that can help find solace and serenity.
Sharing daily life with Sarah put me in a practice of mindfulness; being present and engaged in the moment without judgment. It involves paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations by cultivating mindfulness. I have learnt to observe my experiences without getting caught up in them, allowing me to respond to life’s challenges with compassion.
Mindfulness is far reaching as it improves focus, memory and emotional regulation, of course with a greater sense of well-being. Sharing daily life with core members at the house has helped me understand that one's presence is paramount and each one of us is ‘special in a special way’.
It has helped me master both the art of conscious effort to focus on one task at a time and fully immerse myself in the present moment whether sharing a meal, going for a walk or having a quiet time, its given with undivided attention and were need be multi-tasking chips in, at the end of the day it gives satisfaction to the core members and the community at large.
Being compassionate is also an essential component of mindfulness. Treating others with kindness and understanding is a practice we should all carry on as we live together in our saint john community, trust me it reciprocates!
Embracing mindfulness and compassion offers pathways to inner peace and resilience. It also helps us navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and grace, deep sense of connection and contentment along the way. And that's the way to go as L’Arche Saint John.
Thank you,
Edrine Nakku
House Assistant, McKim House