When we hear or read of practices, ideas and beliefs miles away from what we are accustomed to, we may resist those ideas. Here is an example, Thich Nhat Hanh offers the thought of sitting in stillness and or mindfulness aimlessly. He introduces the notion of aimlessness and idleness to the American listener or reader. After some thought, it sounds balancing and a form of meditation–which it is.

Instead of resisting the idea, try it for yourself. Set the goals, agenda or list for the day’s activities aside. Sit for awhile with awareness tuned within open to the inner, deeper realm of being.

I believe Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is hoping we may find deep relaxation and relief in simply sitting and allowing the inner and quieter powers movement and voice. 

Now you are invited to simply sit — with intention centered in being aware of relaxation, concentrated focus on the things spiritual, for instance, the still small voice, the breathing in and out, becoming more and more meditative receptive to letting Divine Spirit bless us through the avenues of intuition, wisdom, inner knowing, and deep rest. So many restorative gifts are received in letting go of the outer doing and being present to the inner true reality and the intelligence of harmony rising from within and blessing our entire livingness. 

The benefits of self-awareness and keen knowing arise from balancing our goal oriented fast-passed living with stillness and practicing being in the moment of the aliveness of our treasured inherent gifts of our spiritual dimension. Affirmation: With ease, I sit, relax and let the in breath and the out breath bring me into the present and wonderful moment.