In the realm of Buddhism, love transcends mere emotion; it’s about being fully present in the moment. However, achieving this state of presence requires training and practice. After all, how can one truly love if they are not fully there? This is where mindfulness, particularly meditation, comes into play, as it enables us to bring our genuine presence into the here and now. The fundamental question we must ask ourselves is: Do we have the time to love?
Allow me to share a poignant story of a 12-year-old boy whose wealthy father once asked him what he wanted for his birthday. Despite having the means to buy anything, the boy’s deepest desire was not a material possession but rather his father’s undivided attention. Sadly, his father’s pursuit of wealth left him little time for his family. This story highlights a profound truth: affluence can become a barrier to genuine love. When one’s focus is solely on acquiring and maintaining riches, there’s little room left for meaningful connections with loved ones. If this father had understood the essence of true love, he would have prioritized time for his son and his wife.
The most precious gift we can offer our loved ones is our authentic presence. But how can we genuinely be there for them? Those familiar with Buddhist meditation understand that meditation is primarily about being present – to yourself, to your loved ones, and to life itself.
Here, I propose a simple mindfulness practice: mindful breathing. It involves the awareness of each breath with statements like, “Breathing in, I know that I am breathing in; breathing out, I know that I am breathing out.” With a modicum of concentration, this practice allows you to genuinely be present because, in our daily lives, our minds often wander while our bodies remain in the present. We might dwell on past regrets, fret about the future, or become entangled in anger or jealousy, causing a disconnect between mind and body.
Fortunately, there is a bridge between mind and body – mindful breathing. This practice can reunite them in just ten to twenty seconds, creating a state of oneness. Everyone, even children, can achieve this. The Buddha’s teachings include the Anapanasati Sutta, or the Discourse on the Practice of Mindful Breathing, which is essential for those interested in Buddhist meditation.
Imagine if the father in our story had known about mindful breathing. He could have taken a minute or two to practice it before approaching his son. With a warm smile, he could have said, “My dear, I am here for you.” This simple act would have been the greatest gift to his son.
In Buddhism, we speak of mantras – powerful phrases that, when uttered with complete concentration and unity of body and mind, can transform situations, minds, bodies, or individuals. Allow me to introduce a potent English mantra: “Dear one, I am here for you.” Try practicing mindful breathing for a few minutes this evening to unify your body and mind. Approach your loved one, gaze into their eyes, and sincerely say, “Dear one, I am truly here for you.” Witness the transformation it brings about.
So, do you have enough time for love in your life? Can you carve out precious moments in your busy day to truly connect with those you cherish? Often, we find ourselves too occupied to share meaningful moments, whether it’s breakfast in the morning or coming home in the evening. However, it’s essential to revolutionize our daily lives, for our happiness and fulfillment lie within us.