Quotes about Mindfulness

The ability to stand back and calmly observe my inner dramas, without rushing to judgment, is foundational for spiritual seeing.

To keep the mind space open, we need some form of contemplative or meditation practice. This has been the most neglected in recent centuries, substituting the mere reciting and "saying" of prayers, which is not the same as a contemplative mind, and often merely confirms us in our superior or fear-based system.

Before you speak of peace, you must first have it in your heart. —St. Francis of Assisi13

When you are present, you will know the Presence. It is that simple, and it is that hard.

Whenever we get defensive or go emotionally up and down, this is a sign that we are attached to a self-image.

Words and complex rituals almost get in the way at this point. All you can really do is return such Presence with your own presence.

All that each of us can do is to live in the now that is given. We cannot rush the process;

Contemplation is really the change that changes everything—especially, first of all, the seer.

As the old joke put it: It is forbidden to smoke while you are praying! But it is wonderful and meritorious to pray while you are smoking!

the Greek word meta-noia, which literally means to move "beyond the mind," is usually translated "repentance" and no longer points to its much deeper meaning.

To keep the mind space open, you need some form of meditative practice—something much more than saying prayers. In fact, if recitation of prayers does not lead to a change in consciousness, it is actually counterproductive.

One of the few generalizations we can make in the field of universal spirituality is this: No one else is your problem.