Mind or Mindfulness?

I once took a walk with Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh (of course, there were 2000 other people with us)

I learned from Buddhists that “mindfulness” can be very good (ironically they encourage “mind-emptying” rather than filling).  I especially liked walking meditation.  Mostly simple awareness of breath and the immediate environment.  I learned to pay attention, to be “awake” and alert to the world near at hand.  I still value those basic insights and think we might all benefit from a “practice” of mindful awareness.

Yet, I appreciate the balance of this Guardian article that asks, Why are we trying to think Less when we need to think More?

It’s fairly clear to me that IF people were thinking (reasoning, questioning) more, especially about matters of faith, we might have a healthier world, don’t you. . .think?

Breathe.  Think.  Comment. . .