Practice of Mindfulness

When the monks come there is a lot of preparation. Seng’s mother is always the one who is in charge. She prepares food for the Monks which is usually vegetarian . The finest tea or coffee we can get our hands on. The pressure is on when the monks come because they need to eat before 12 in the afternoon, they fast the rest of the day. We have the house fragrant with the freshest most beautiful flowers. There is an array of fresh fruit for them to bless & eat. You must prepare a area in the house to pray. They sit down and you face them. The chanting begins, You must sit on the floor with your legs both tucked under you buttocks & your hands out in front of you in prayer position. The monks begin to chant. The monks light a candle & the wax drips into a metal bowl with water in it. Sometimes we add lemons or rose pedals to the water. The chant is repetitive yet captivating. The smell of incense is beautiful. All the sudden I find myself in a meditative state. I loose myself in the chant. Praying to the only thing I know Jesus Christ. It is amazing how I can experience such a spiritual experience when the Monks come. I achieve mindfulness, being fully present in the moment. The Monks use the water with the melted candle wax to sprinkle water on you at the end of the chanting.
I am not Buddhist. I do have the utmost respect for diversity. I choose to use a type of fusion in my life that works for me. I would never say “No” to a custom that Seng’s family has been doing for many generations. It is out of respect for ancestors & future generations. I appreciate many different peoples customs & beliefs. Spirituality comes in many different forms. Some people find spiritual fulfillments in art, music, writing, poetry, nature or acting. Anyway I can deeply experience the moments in my life, rather than just living through them. Wishing you Faith, Hope & Love to what is important to you in life.