Opening Reflection
My life seemed to be going well. I had a supportive family, two little boys, and enough financial security. From the outside, everything looked good, and I should have felt satisfied. But when I turned 40, I began to ask myself a profound question: What is the real purpose of my life?
I started to wonder if I was simply here to follow a set routine, achieve a few things, and then pass away—much like the philosophical view that “we come from nothing, and we return to nothing.” This thought made me uneasy and led me to question if there was more to life than just going through the motions. This marked the beginning of my search for a deeper meaning and a real change in my life.
Introduction to Buddhism
When I was younger, I often saw people around me, including my parents, praying for things like their children's success, wealth, and good health. But I never believed that praying alone could make those wishes come true without effort or action.
As a software developer, I spent most of my time in front of a computer, and reading books felt like a chore—something I avoided. This led me to mistakenly believe that my abilities and intelligence alone would help me overcome any obstacles in life. Because of this belief, I focused on changing the world through my talents.
However, one day, I picked up a book that changed my perspective: No Death, No Fear by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. It wasn’t just another book; it shifted something deep within me. The wisdom in its pages made me rethink not only my approach to reading but also my understanding of life itself.
Personal Motivation
After reading No Death, No Fear, I felt a strong urge to continue learning from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. I began exploring more of his works, including Fear, The Art of Communicating, How to Love, and The Art of Power. Each book opened my mind and challenged the beliefs and paths that society and even my ancestors had imparted to me.
These teachings encouraged me to question the old ways of thinking and helped me see that there was more to life than just pursuing societal goals. They guided me toward a deeper understanding of myself and made me realize that true power and peace come from within. This shift in perspective motivated me to delve deeper into Buddhism, particularly focusing on the concept of impermanence.
The Start of the Journey
After absorbing the concepts from these books, I began to see the world and my life in a new way. Thich Nhat Hanh’s wisdom highlighted the importance of being present, so I started practicing one of the most basic yet powerful techniques—observing my breath.
By simply focusing on my breath, in and out, I trained my mind to return to the present moment, letting go of the distractions and worries that usually clouded my thoughts. This simple yet profound practice marked the true beginning of my journey with Buddhism. It wasn’t about grand gestures; it was about learning to be still and fully aware of the here and now.
Early Challenges and Insights
Initially, the practice of observing my breath seemed straightforward, but I quickly discovered how challenging it was to keep my mind from wandering. Thoughts about work, family, or the future frequently distracted me, making it difficult to remain in the present moment.
This was frustrating. I had always relied on logic and willpower to solve problems, but now I faced the challenge of simply being still and mindful. It felt unnatural to quiet my mind, and I struggled with the idea that something as fundamental as breathing could have such a profound impact on my mental state.
As I began to notice small changes and find peace in mindfulness, I shared these insights with friends and relatives. Some laughed or responded with perspectives that reflected the prevailing culture, saying things like, "You read those books, so you should know how to let it go," or "You can't do that. Life is about enjoying the good times—parties, beers, conferences, and socializing."
But deep down, I understood that reading the books was just the beginning. The real challenge lay in practicing these teachings to explore my inner world. While others might find joy in social activities, I felt a pull toward something more meaningful—a sense that mindfulness and inner peace were worth pursuing, even if it meant stepping away from the usual distractions of life.
Connection with the Self
As I incorporated mindfulness into my daily life, I began to practice it through simple, everyday activities. Whether I was observing my breath while sitting alone in the garden with a cup of tea or during my morning runs, I focused on staying present. Instead of being distracted by thoughts of what needed to be done or regrets about the past, I concentrated on my steps and breath.
Repeating this habit daily, I found that I started to enjoy the time spent alone. For instance, during forest treks with friends, I noticed I preferred walking by myself. Rather than feeling isolated, I felt connected to the beauty around me—the variety of animals, plants, and trees, the warmth of sunlight on my skin, or the coolness of water and moisture from waterfalls. What once might have been an uncomfortable heat became something I appreciated, and the quiet moments of solitude brought me a profound sense of peace.
This newfound enjoyment of solitude wasn’t about escaping from others but rather about connecting more deeply with myself. In these moments, I felt more aware, more alive, and more in tune with the present. Through this practice, I began to understand what it truly means to be mindful—not just in theory but in the way I lived each day.
Conclusion: The Beginning of Transformation
The journey I began with simple mindfulness practices marked the start of a profound transformation. While it began with observing my breath and focusing on the present moment, I soon felt a significant shift within myself. I realized that exploring the path within was essential for fulfilling my journey through life.
As I continued, I delved deeper into Buddhism, reading more books and listening to audiobooks that expanded my understanding. I learned valuable lessons on maintaining calmness, listening more attentively, and observing rather than simply expressing my opinions. This practice of mindfulness and self-awareness became central to my daily life, guiding me through challenges and enriching my experiences.
This transformation is ongoing. Each day presents new opportunities to explore, understand, and grow. What began as a simple step towards mindfulness has evolved into a deeper journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The path within continues to reveal itself, and I am committed to walking it with an open heart and mind.
Lesson learned
As I’ve shared the beginning of my journey, I hope to inspire you to explore your own path of self-discovery and mindfulness. Begin with small, manageable practices—whether it’s observing your breath, taking mindful walks, or setting aside moments of quiet reflection. Remember, this journey is personal and ongoing.
Consider incorporating mindfulness into your daily life. Start by dedicating a few minutes each day to mindful breathing or a brief moment of stillness. Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgment, and allow yourself to fully experience each moment.
Transformation doesn’t happen overnight; it requires patience and consistent practice. Embrace the process and stay open to the lessons it brings.
For further exploration, consider these resources:
Books by Thich Nhat Hanh:
- No Death, No Fear (2002) – Offers insights into overcoming fear and understanding the nature of life and death.
- Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm (2012) – Provides practical advice on managing fear and embracing mindfulness.
- The Art of Communicating (2013) – Focuses on developing mindful and compassionate communication skills.
- The Art of Power (2013) – Explores the nature of power from a Buddhist perspective.
General Resources on Mindfulness:
- Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation for Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn (1994) – A practical guide to mindfulness meditation.
- The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology by Jack Kornfield (2008) – Offers insights into applying Buddhist principles to modern life.
These resources provide valuable guidance on mindfulness and personal transformation. I will continue to share my experiences on how Buddhism helps me transform my life, focusing on enjoying what I have rather than chasing what I don’t.
