Make Each Task a Meditation

"A good traveler is one who knows how to travel with the mind." ~ Michael Bassey Johnson

I take little delight in grocery shopping. For me, it's like being on a treadmill or stationary bike. The monotony of the supermarket venture is deafening. Making miles, yet never arriving. Fruits and veggies, milk and eggs, bread and cheese, cereals and teas. Same aisles, same Muzak, same routine.  

In his book, The Miracle of Mindfulness, Thich Nhat Hanh addresses this dilemma. He advises individuals to breathe deeply and "resolve to accomplish each task in a relaxed way with all your attention." This approach breaks up any leaning toward viewing our duties as nuisance ordeals. My decision to hate these jaunts had increased my suffering and while in the store I had been holding my breath the entire time. I must return to my breath and decide to be present for my appointment with the weekly shopping.  

"Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

When present in each inhale, I am open to discover the many wonders along each aisle. The energy of Mother Earth dwells inside the store and she provides the goods that stock the shelves which affords a means for me to sustain nourishment for my family. Within each exhale I become more aware of these truths and gratitude instead of ire begins to color my understanding. Life exists in the stacks of product surrounding me and it is to be honored and celebrated.   

Along the D.I.V.A path, I am learning how to enjoy every aspect of my life from the non-temporal to the mundane. Approaching my market stopovers as walking meditations eliminates the escalation of dread I experience circling the lot for a park near the cart returns. 

The evolved Zen Masters perform their daily tasks in a slow, deliberate manner, minus resistance. Each morning that I am granted another 24 hours of earth light is a most precious gift. My power of choice determines my willingness to sacrifice an hour of content to fuel my distaste for being in a grocery store. Applying this philosophy to any task broadens our awareness and we train ourselves to be mindful as a daily practice. 

It is possible to take peace in every step. 

Decide.

What duties do you find least enjoyable?
Are there things, tasks, or people in your life drawing you away from your peace?
How can you find peace in each step throughout your day?

"The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

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