No Mud, No Lotus - Thich Nhat Hanh

The ideas are drawn from the book by Thich Nhat Hanh, a global spiritual leader, poet, and peace activist known for his impactful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace. Pain is inevitable in life, but suffering is not. When life becomes complex, we often avoid confronting it; instead, we escape into distractions. Mindful presence can help us become more authentic and peaceful. We should refrain from falling into the trap of avoidance. The distractions we seek only provide temporary numbness to our problems. We are merely masking symptoms while the underlying injury continues to worsen. The more we escape, the greater the damage done. 

The author encourages the creation of 'bells of mindfulness' throughout the day. We must use these moments to engage in mindful activities. One suggested action is to inhale and exhale while placing a hand on your belly, allowing you to feel its rise and fall. This practice should be performed daily, whether you feel sad or happy. 

As mentioned before, pain is inevitable, but the choice to suffer rests with us. The Buddhist concept of 'two arrows' deepens our understanding of this. The first arrow signifies life's unavoidable pains: failure, loss, injury, and rejection. The second arrow is entirely self-inflicted. While you may experience a stumble because of the first arrow, the second arrow can make you experience a fall. It all depends on the narrative that we create for ourselves. Mindfulness can come to your aid in this situation. When you think only of the sting of the first arrow without dwelling on the second, you can recognise that you have cultivated a sustainable relationship with suffering. 

Another source of mental trauma is the comparison trap. Some of us may feel superior, while others feel inferior. Both attitudes stem from the belief that we must defend our identities. Today's victory may become tomorrow's forgotten memory, while today’s defeat transforms into next year's valuable lesson. Mindful walking is another technique to consider. This practice turns our everyday steps into moments of stillness. Walking and breathing (inhale and exhale) can seamlessly integrate into any environment.