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FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 45
Therefore, to foster mindfulness effectively, it is mindfulness into our daily routines can be a practical
imperative to consistently remind ourselves to direct approach. One effective method to do so is through
our attention towards the process of our body and mind the practice of "body awareness." Our bodies are
(feelings, emotions, and thoughts); all while maintaining constantly present and portable, making them an
an attitude of kindness and curiosity. This fundamental ideal "home-base." By simply returning to various
aspect of training holds equal significance for both anchors within the body, such as our physical
Buddhist and modern mindfulness practitioners. posture, the sensation of our feet on the floor, and
our breath, we can incorporate mindfulness into
HH The Dalai Lama once said the aim of all human even the most mundane tasks. This means you can
beings is to be happy. Can mindfulness help us to be embrace mindfulness while engaged in everyday
happy? And if so, how is that possible? activities, whether it's while brushing your teeth,
taking a leisurely jog in the garden, conversing with
A central function and benefit of mindfulness practice others, or during your daily prayer.
lies in its capacity to empower us with the skill of
returning to the present moment. By doing so, we You’re a Certified Mindfulness Teacher with Search
prevent ourselves from being incessantly swept away by Inside Yourself (SIY) Leadership Institute that
the current of our obsessive thoughts, which typically was first started in Google. In your training
tether us to the past and the future. As a renowned do you integrate Buddhist elements into your
Harvard professor once stated, “a wandering mind is mindfulness program?
not a happy mind.”
In the context of SIY, we harness the power of
The key to this lies in our ability to recognize our mindfulness as a fundamental catalyst to cultivate
thoughts and moments of mental drift, and then a wide spectrum of emotional intelligence
consciously redirect our attention to an anchor in competencies. This encompasses a multi-faceted
the present, for example, bodily sensation, breath, or approach that delves into self-awareness, self-
sound. This fundamental process serves as the bedrock management, motivation, empathy, and the
of mindfulness practice. Over time, through diligent refinement of social skills. As participants progress in
training, our mind gradually attains greater stability and their journey, these vital components harmoniously
rootedness. A stable mind, in turn, forms the cornerstone merge to pave the way for the development of
upon which happiness and contentment are built. Compassionate Leadership.
Can you tell us more about the Malaysia It's essential to underscore that the qualities
Mindfulness Association which you started to we emphasize within the SIY program, such as
promote ‘Mindful Living” as a healthy and holistic mindfulness, self-awareness, empathy, and loving-
lifestyle into mainstream society? kindness, have not only universal relevance but also
deep roots in the principles cherished by Buddhists.
The Malaysia Mindfulness Association is dedicated These attributes transcend cultural and religious
to promoting a message of social inclusivity by boundaries, making them accessible and applicable
emphasizing that "mindfulness and its benefits" are to people from all walks of life. This universality
accessible to everyone, regardless of their cultural or underscores the core message of compassion and
religious affiliations. The key to achieving this lies in empathy, emphasizing the profound connections
embracing the practice of "Mindful Living." that bind humanity and the value of these qualities
in fostering not only individual growth but
While mindfulness is often mistakenly equated with also harmonious interactions in a diverse and
meditation, its scope goes beyond formal meditation interconnected world.
alone. In the fast-paced modern world, integrating

