some work problems don't need more motivation.
they need us to stay.
I've noticed this in my own work. when something becomes difficult, my mind suddenly becomes very creative about finding something else to do.
check the phone.
open another tab.
make coffee.
look at email.
maybe I'll just do this easier task first…
and then I remember something simple.
come back.
for me, that's one of the easiest ways to understand mindfulness.
mindfulness is noticing where your mind is, and gently bringing it back to where you are.
Thầy Thích Nhất Hạnh described mindfulness as bringing the mind back to the present moment. Plum Village also explains mindfulness as awareness of the present moment, which can support concentration and insight.
imagine you're reading a difficult document.
you've read the same paragraph three times, but your mind is somewhere else.
mindfulness isn't forcing yourself to concentrate harder.
it's noticing:
oh. I'm not really here.
then you return to the paragraph.
that's it.
maybe five mins later, it happens again.
come back.
and again.
come back.
I think this matters a lot for deep work because difficult work naturally creates moments when we want to escape from it.
mindfulness gives us a small space between that feeling and our reaction.
I've written before about creating a simple ritual to make deep work easier to begin. you can read it here: a simple deep work ritual that actually starts
for me, mindfulness makes that ritual feel less like a productivity trick and more like an invitation to arrive.
I'm also deeply grateful for Thầy Thích Nhất Hạnh.
his teachings have influenced the way I think about presence, attention, and simply being here. there is something very gentle in the way he approached mindfulness. no need to become someone else first.
just come back.
one breath.
one step.
one moment.
if you'd like a quieter moment today, I also put together this Plum Village music video with relaxing violin and guitar: Plum Village music: relaxing violin & guitar
maybe put it on.
then come back to whatever is in front of you.
that's mindfulness, at least as I understand it.
not escaping life.
being here for it. 🤎
p/s: if Thầy's words speak to you, I wrote we will continue, Thầy, about what his teaching gave me and how we can keep practising with him today.
and if you'd like a few of his words to return to, here are 12 quotes from Thầy Thích Nhất Hạnh, to save on your phone or keep on your desk.
