Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a song composed in honor of Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, and one of the great thinkers and philosophers of the 20th century.

​

In the Plum Village reading book, there is a meditation poem by him that begins with the phrase:

"This body is not me; I am not caught in this body. I am life without boundaries; I have never been born and I have never died."

​

I find this passage extremely beautiful and often read it when I need to meditate. After reading this text, the first lines of this song came to me, and from there, I wrote the lyrics and quickly created the melody.

​

The song offers a way to meditate that is as peaceful as a slower piece but with a certain joy and rhythm that creates a pulsating element in the meditation. This approach reflects my personal experience, as I find that I can meditate effectively when the practice is active.

Mindfulness is movement.

It’s not about stopping — it’s about flowing. Like a gentle breeze at sunset, weaving between the ocean waves and a golden sky. 

​

Mindfulness is an invitation to take a deep breath, feel the wind on your face, and remember that the present moment is a place of peace and balance — even while in motion. 

​

This insight was also inspired by Thay's teachings in his book on walking meditation.

​

Lyrics of the song:

​

Feel the breath, in and out,
Let the chaos fade to doubt.
Close your eyes, the world can wait,
Here’s a moment to meditate.

In the stillness, you will see,
Life’s unfolding mystery.

​

Here and now, release the past,
Find the rhythm, make it last.
With every heartbeat, light the way,
To where the present softly stays.

​

Feet on the ground, roots grow deep,
In the silence, peace we keep.
Gentle winds, their whispers sing,
Guiding us to everything.

​

Feel the sunlight, touch the rain,
Every moment starts again.

​

Here and now, release the past,
Find the rhythm, make it last.
With every heartbeat, light the way,
To where the present softly stays.

​

Like the river, flowing free,
Through the forest, to the sea.
Every breath, a sacred art,
Every beat, a mindful heart.

​

Here and now, release the past,
Find the rhythm, make it last.
With every heartbeat, light the way,
To where the present softly stays.

​

Feel the breath, in and out,
Let the noise fade into doubt.

​

For a deeper understanding of this perspective, you might find this short teaching video by Thich Nhat Hanh insightful:

​

​