By Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, NCTMB CE Provider
Mindfulness entered my life in a meaningful way when I began studying the teachings of Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, scholar, and author, Thich Nhat Hanh. I was introduced to his work by my friend, Paméla Overeyender, and his teachings quickly resonated with me.
At the heart of his philosophy is the belief that through mindfulness we can learn to live happily in the present moment. By cultivating present-moment awareness, we nurture inner peace within ourselves and contribute to greater peace in the world around us.
Thich Nhat Hanh devoted his life to teaching mindfulness and compassionate living. During the 1960s, he taught Comparative Religion at Princeton University and Buddhism at Columbia University. Through the establishment of Plum Village monasteries and Mindfulness Practice Centers around the world, he created opportunities for countless individuals to experience the transformative power of mindful living.
His writings and lifelong commitment to peace have profoundly influenced me and inspired me to become a more mindful person, grounded in present-time awareness.
My understanding of mindfulness has also been shaped by the work of Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Dr. Ornish, founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California, is widely known for developing the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program, which emphasizes lifestyle changes to help prevent and even reverse chronic disease.
Dr. Kabat-Zinn is the founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, a groundbreaking approach that has brought mindfulness into mainstream healthcare.
The contributions of these pioneers have helped increase awareness within the medical community about the powerful connection between mindfulness and overall well-being. I have deep admiration and respect for the work both of these physicians continue to do on national and international levels.
Throughout my career as a massage therapist and massage therapy educator, mindfulness has been an invaluable practice. It has helped me become more focused, centered, and present in every moment. Through mindfulness, I have cultivated a deeper sense of inner calm and peace, which has positively influenced both my personal and professional relationships.
I have found that mindfulness allows me to be more empathetic and understanding with my massage therapy clients and massage students. It encourages me to listen more deeply, respond more thoughtfully, and remain fully engaged with those around me.
Perhaps most importantly, mindfulness has helped me experience life more fully. By bringing my attention to the present moment, I become more aware of the beauty, opportunities, and connections that exist right here and now.
One of the greatest gifts mindfulness has given me is a reduction in unnecessary worry. So much of our stress comes from dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. When I return my awareness to the present moment, I often find a sense of clarity and peace that was hidden beneath those concerns.
As yoga master Swami Satchidananda wisely said, “You can’t control the waves, but you can learn how to surf.” Life will always present challenges, uncertainties, and changes. Mindfulness provides us with the tools to navigate those inevitable waves with greater balance, resilience, and grace.
By practicing mindfulness, we learn not only how to survive life’s challenges but also how to appreciate its many blessings. In doing so, we open ourselves to a richer, more peaceful, and more meaningful experience of being fully alive.
