Staying Centered

Life is not always easy. Each day, there are constant struggles that have the potential to weigh people down. Days can be filled with obligations for work and family, stress related to physical appearance and social life, etc. It is difficult to stay positive throughout an entire day when confronted with a busy and demanding schedule. 

                                                                

                                                                Daily Struggles                                                                                        

The last time I visited the Emaho Foundation, I was fortunate enough to speak with 4 active Buddhist community members. I asked them why they involve themselves with Buddhism, and what they take out of it. Although each individual may focus on different aspects of Buddhism as they delve deeper into the thought system, there is one common denominator shared by all. All 4 individuals say that they use Buddhism to center themselves throughout the day. 

Ahhhhhh...

The first individual said that she "struggles with negativity, overcoming emotions, [and being] mentally scattered," throughout the day. Meditation and mindfulness (mental awareness, noticing how your mind reacts to different stimuli) help this individual stay centered throughout the day, so as to not be weighed down by the burdens of daily life. The second individual, Joanne Goodwin, recognizes hateful emotions and negativity in her daily life, so she uses "Love and Compassion as the perfect antidote." Further illustrating her point, she tells me, "Someone could cut me off while I'm driving. But instead of getting all mad [makes an angry face to imitate roadrage], I realize that the person isn't trying to make me angry, that he feels the same emotions I do, and that kindness is what I should focus on." If only every driver thought like that! The third individual I questioned said that she incorporates mindfulness as much as she can throughout the day. Whether she is feeding her pets, doing laundry, etc, she tries to stay mentally aware of her thoughts and emotions as a technique to stay centered and grounded. The fourth individual, Gabriella Ciuca, views Buddhism as a "science of the mind." By exploring this science, Gabriella becomes aware of what affects her mind, and then centers herself with greater ease and peace. All four individuals I interviewed have many different thoughts and experiences with Buddhism; yet, when it comes to using Buddhism as a daily tool to center the mind, all four are alike.