Finding Christ

So, I am up to Chapter 4 now in my book and I thought I would reflect today on Chapter 2.  Thich Nhat Hanh compares mindfulness and the Holy Spirit.  This is an interesting comparison and some of what he says compliments the book I have been using to get started in my meditations.  The first 5 meditations focused on love and God flowing through me…the Holy Spirit.

In Living Christ, Living Buddha, it says that mindfulness or the presence of the Holy Spirit leads us to see and listen deeply, resulting in understanding, acceptance, love and the desire to relieve suffering and bring joy.  This is very much in keeping with the work and life of Christ following his baptism where we are told, the Holy Spirit descended upon him as a dove.

One of the things that comes up repeatedly is living in and appreciating the moment.  This is a concept that I have been exploring as well.  Last week I was looking for the serenity prayer when I discovered something most people in AA do not readily point out…the verse we know as the Serenity Prayer is only about 1/3 of the actual prayer.  It is the last half that I am finding most useful in my own life at the moment.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

One of the things I am coming to understand is how important this moment is and not next week or next year.  It makes life a lot easier.  It is also very helpful in dealing with life, if we remember the Holy Spirit is within us and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us through the people and things around us.