We often think of spiritual awakening as the culmination of many years of ascetic practice-a state of enlightenment or nirvana achieved after a long life journey. It may be thought of as a point of no return. After experiencing the insights of this awakened state, we are forever transformed.
But in our everyday usage of the word, we awaken each day, and we pass through countless cycles of sleeping and reawakening day after day throughout our lives, and many-even after decades of these cycles-seem none the wiser.
In between mundane awakening from our nightly slumber and ultimate spiritual awakening is the awakening to the present day. Enjoy the sensations of being fully alive. Feel the warm comfort of soft sheets before you roll out of bed, and the refreshing splash of water on your face.
Savour all that you eat. Appreciate the appearance and texture of your food, and consider its source. How did it come to your table? What have others done to bring it there? Be thankful.
As you step out the door, take a deep breath and feel the cool fresh air fill your lungs and clear your head. Feel the sun, rain or wind on your face. Feel alive and awake.
As you walk through the park or along the sidewalk, passing trees and street lamps, shops, homes and offices, consider how they all came to be. Who planned, created and paid for them? Who maintains them?
When you visit your doctor, you may not realize all that is done behind the scenes to maintain the safety and quality of your care, including the work of the medical office assistant. When you go to your community centre, you may appreciate the person who greets you at the front desk and the fitness instructors, but you may not recognize the staff who work throughout the day and overnight to keep the facility clean and safe.
At your local pool, you know the lifeguards are ready to assist struggling swimmers, but you may not realize all that is required to keep the water clean and healthy.
Being mindful is more than fully experiencing the present moment and seeing what is before you. It includes reflection and the realization of what lies behind the gifts of the present-their meaning and significance.
When we awaken to our interdependence with countless others, we recognize our own responsibility-to appreciate what we take for granted and to ask ourselves, "How do I contribute to the greater whole -to those I see each day and the many more whom I may never meet?"
Awaken to your own potential and the potential of this day.
Dr. Davidicus Wong is a physician and writer. His column appears regularly in this paper. You can find his latest posts at facebook.com/ davidicus.wong.
