View full issue in PDF - The Mindfulness Bell

Concentration increasing, forming a giant loop again,
circling the loop and tucking it into the fisted grasp. But Ben
has now pivoted his body in a circle pursuing the elusive
lace ends, and I was unable to see the magic movement he
made with his fingers that completed the knot.
I crane my neck to see the completed product and
discover he is not yet done. Now he is grasping the flopping
loops of the bow in two fists and crossing them over each
other in the elaborate ritual of a second knot that would
ensure not having to struggle with the first one again.
Patiently he turns to the other shoe and with equal concentration
accepts the repeated challenge. All completed very
matter-of-factly, he stands and trots off. No expression of
the injustice of shoes with laces, no self-criticism at taking
so long at the task. When I am overwhelmed with a struggle
and feel the need to demonstrate competence immediately, I
will remember Ben and this shoelace gatha:
Struggles are a reflection of inexperience and maturation,
not inadequacy.
Peggy Mallette is a mother, school counselor, and member
of the Open Way Sangha in Missoula, Montana.
Always Coming of Age
by Ariadne Thompson
I
took the Five Precepts when I was 13 years old. I
felt completely ready and knew that I wanted to live my
life following these guidelines. Many people thought I was
too young to make that big a commitment and wondered
why I decided to do it.
The precepts are a basis for my spiritual life. They
motivate me to be a better person, living my life in peace
and harmony. I practice mindfulness and meditation
wherever I can, incorporating the precepts into my life
where I know they will be helpful. For instance, when
working with the fifth precept, I refrain from watching
movies or reading books that are based on senseless
violence. When I have not followed this precept, I often get
a frightening image stuck in my head which brings fear into
my life. I learn from my experience that the precepts are
worthwhile and make deep psychological sense to me.
One of Thich Nhat Ranh' s most important teachings is
the concept of interbeing, an interconnection and oneness
among all beings. We are interdependent on each other. We
would starve to death were it not for the farmers who grow
our food, the earthworms who strengthen the soil, the truck
driver who brings it to the store, and the store owner who
sells us the food. Reminding myself each day that I am
connected with everything else in the universe is refreshing
to me. It reminds me to be aware of and grateful for my
connection to the whole, and of the fact that we are all
responsible for each other. I want to respond in an open,
clear, healthy, compassionate way, no matter what the
circumstances surrounding me may be.
Today is not the only day that I come of age. Every
morning when I wake up I am coming of age. Every time I
take action or responsibility, I am coming of age. At 26, 46,
66 years old, I will be coming of age with different tasks for
different stages of my life. In our coming of age group, we
have called ourselves "blooming adults." I feel honored to
grow into myself in the supportive presence of this congregation.
I would like to close with a poem I wrote about the
spirit of mindfulness in my everyday life:
May I develop the capacity to be alone;
to take time out from my day
and go places that I love
to speak with the earth,
reflecting on the beginning of the world
or talking about the weather.
Ariadne Thompson, Peacemaker of the Source, is 15 years
old and lives in Santa Monica, California. This is an excerpt
from a piece she wrote for her Coming of Age Ceremony in
the Unitarian Church.
Family Practice Opportunities"
'March 8
Green Gulch Farm, Muir,Beach, California; Seeds of
Joy: Family Day of Mindfulness led by Wendy JOlulson
with the Communit~ of Mindful Livin ,.Familie§will enjoy
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being together, sitting and walking meditation, chll.nting, .
working, 'playing, gardening, and sharing a silehtirtieal.
Every family will take home seedlingstfr0m the f8;rm. To
register, call Greenpulch Farm (415)~§3-3134. ..
June 13-18
Camp Albemarle, yirginia. Fred Eppsteiner w~l1!ead the
third annual family retreat for adults, teenagers, and children
at Camp Albemarle'near Charlottesville: Activitiesinclude
sitting and walking meditation, swimming, singing, and
storytelling. On Father's Day, the chilq,lien will conduct a tea
ceremony. Contact Fred at (941)566-1769 to register.
July 15-August 15 ..
Plum Village, France. Summer Opening. Children six and
older are welcome to participate in the family program,
which includes meditation, art, music, festivals, and many
other activities. Registration forms are available twough the
Community of Mindful Living, tel: (519)527-3751, and
Plum Village, tellfax: (33)5-56-61-61-51.
Monthly
New York City, New York. The Mindfulness with Children
group meets monthly on the Upper West Side, In the
past, we have enjoyed yoga taught by a four-Year-old,
singing, discussion,stories, mindful eating, and m~qitation .
Please call Susan Sp6iler at (212)877-0355 for more
information.
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