The Island of Mindfulness

I took a yin class earlier this week where the teacher discussed a practice by Thich Nhat Hanh called the "Island of the Self" or the Island of Mindfulness.

I really like that. The Island of Mindfulness.

What does that bring to mind for you?

I immediately thought of my yoga mat, my small personal oasis - once stepped upon, the world around fades away. I see my worries, my fears, my sadness from the lens of mindfulness. I can fully be there with whatever it is I'm feeling and I let myself feel it as I move my body and connect with the flow of my breath. I take refuge on my mat. I find peace on my mat. I let go. And that's why I come back - again and again.

It's like a house in the middle of a storm. We close the windows and doors, we make a cup of tea and settle in front of the fire, knowing we are safe in the house. Safe from the rain, the wind, the dark.

What if we carry our islands (or houses) with us off of our mats, wherever we go? What if we can easily find refuge from chaos, anxiety, despair? What if we can settle ourselves on the sand and bask in the warmth of the sun on our own peaceful island in any and all moments of our lives?

This is what the practice of yoga teaches us - to seek refuge in the Self. This is mindfulness and it's just a breath away.

May you come home to your island of mindfulness at any time. Again and again. No matter the weather.