👉🏻 Lessons from Breathing: Over a Thousand Things in One Day, and Mindfulness for a Happy Heart ♥️🍃

10 days ago

##Hello, my lovely friends 🤍🙏🏻

We meet again this morning as usual. Today I have many stories to share, stories about living with others and the responsibilities that overwhelm us each day. I believe many of you have experienced this feeling—the good feelings you have for the people around you.

I start my day with duty and mindfulness. My life has changed a lot since I started studying basic Buddhist teachings. I try to adapt and refine my mind according to the Buddha's teachings. I diligently correct what I know is wrong and try to live as naturally as possible. For example, this morning was so hectic I barely looked in the mirror. Since waking up, I haven't had time for personal hygiene like brushing my teeth or washing my face because my first task is opening the shop. Then I went straight to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for my mother-in-law and make food for my daughter before she goes to school, as well as making coffee for myself and my husband.

There are only a few days that I get to sit down and leisurely sip coffee at a table. Most of the time, I leave my coffee cup aside and wander off, doing housework, taking care of my mother-in-law, and other tasks. Sometimes I completely forget what I came here for, and have to walk back to regain my composure (sometimes I even laugh at myself when I get back! haha). That's what they call a lack of mindfulness, which I still need to practice. My tasks usually don't subside until almost noon, or some days I even forget about the coffee I brewed and left on my dining table.

🏥 A Lesson in Compassion at the Hospital 😭

Lately, life has taught me so many lessons, especially regarding the illnesses of my relatives. Yesterday, I traveled to a hospital in Trang province (over 70 kilometers round trip) to visit my sister-in-law's mother, who is seriously ill.
I prepared thoroughly, bringing mashed rice, milk, and other essential items. Upon arrival, the sight that deeply affected me was when the patient expressed a desire to eat and drink. However, the doctor had advised against it for safety reasons. Her hoarse voice struck me, filling me with overwhelming pity. After consulting with the nurses and receiving permission to allow her to eat only a small amount to prevent choking, I carefully used a syringe to feed her just a teaspoon of mashed rice. The moment I saw the look in her eyes and heard her response showing satisfaction, it was a mixture of joy and sadness—a volatile emotion that forced me to seriously reflect on my own feelings.

👉🏻👀 The Truth Called Anatta (Non-Self)
👅👁️♥️👂🏻👃🏻
After spending nearly two hours talking and encouraging her, I had to rush back home to care for my bedridden mother-in-law and prepare dinner for my daughter. Then, around 4:30 PM, while my husband and I were on our way to visit another relative at the hospital, the sad news arrived. My husband's sister called to inform us that our mother, whom I had just fed at lunchtime, had passed away peacefully. In that moment, everything became clear. What we had expected, what we had seen just hours before, nothing is permanent. Everything is Anatta, meaning non-self, something we cannot control. My husband and I rushed to attend her final religious ceremony and returned home almost at 11 PM with heavy hearts but understanding the Dharma.

My day may have a thousand unexpected events, but ultimately, the only thing I can do is let go and do my best in the present. I hope my story today will provide a good perspective for my friends to consider the importance of mindfulness and spending time with loved ones.

Thank you for your continued support and warm regards. See you next time. Goodbye for today! 🤍♥️🙏🏻