Navigating the streets of Saigon requires not only a clear head but lots of quick thinking and reflexes. Every single minute is head throbbing. I stood there for like ages...
A friend commented, "Did you like manage to cross to the other side"?
I replied, "I just walked as if drunk until I reached the other side"
That was in 2017.
I had earlier sat gazing out of the bus window into the night, taking in the sights that adorned the streets. This was the last stop. I got off from the bus and stared at the sight in front of me. I can't help but took out my mobile phone and quickly took a picture.
"See..how beautiful this is," I exclaimed.
The sight was too beautiful for me to not keep a picture. After all, memories are precious treasures that we can revisit whenever we need a moment of solace or a reminder of the beauty that once captured our hearts.
Known for its bustling financial markets, and its role as a hub for global finance, the place is alive at night. The last bus leaves at 01:00 am, I was told.
The Illusion of Constant Distraction
A Concrete Forest.
In the heart of modern cities, a symphony of sensations surrounds us. The incessant honking of horns, the hurried footsteps of passersby, and the ever-present glow of screens create an orchestra of stimuli that engulfs our senses. In this cacophony, the concept of tranquility can seem distant, akin to a mirage shimmering in the desert of urban commotion.
Our digital age has heightened the sense of urgency that accompanies city living. Smartphones, while marvels of connectivity, have also woven an intricate web of distraction. The constant stream of notifications, messages, and alerts pulls our attention in countless directions, fragmenting our focus and leaving us feeling perpetually scattered.
The very pace of city life, with its relentless rhythm and expectations, can create a mental whirlwind that makes finding moments of serenity feel like an elusive quest. The pressures to keep up with a fast-moving world can obscure the beauty of the present moment, relegating it to the sidelines of our consciousness.
The more we immerse ourselves in the whirlwind of external distractions, the more we distance ourselves from the core of our being. We begin to identify more with the noise and chaos around us than with the quiet wisdom that resides within.
Yet, amid this tempest, the wisdom of embracing the present moment beckons. It serves as a life raft in the ocean of distractions, offering us a lifeline to reclaim our focus, peace, and connection to the world around us. By acknowledging the fleeting nature of the past and the uncertainty of the future, we're gently guided back to the anchor of the here and now. While the city may hum with activities, we hold the power to tune into the symphony or detach from it—to be in the world, but not consumed by it.
The Essence of Present Moment
"Present Moment is the only thing we own," Bhante Analayo
The idea of embracing the present moment, rooted in mindfulness becomes a potent tool in regaining our sense of peace amidst the urban chaos. By directing our attention to the here and now, we free ourselves from the clutches of worries about the past and anxieties about the future. Mindfulness encourages us to fully experience each moment, whether it's the feel of the breeze on our skin during a hurried walk or the taste of our morning coffee.
Finding solace in the present moment doesn't require a complete retreat from city life; rather, it's about integrating mindful practices into our daily routines. Simple activities like taking a few deep breaths while waiting for the subway, observing the play of sunlight on towering skyscrapers, or truly listening to the conversations around us can anchor us in the present. These small acts of awareness can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. To delve even deeper into the present moment, we can extend our awareness to three distinct layers of our existence.
- Firstly, by tuning into our physical body—the vessel through which we experience the world—we establish a connection to the tangible sensations of the moment.
- Secondly, becoming attuned to our sensations—the realm of emotions and feelings—allows us to acknowledge the subtle currents that flow within us.
- Thirdly, we explore the realm of mental formations—our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions. Here lies a crucial challenge: letting go of the mental chatter that often distracts us from the present. As we learn to release our attachments to these mental constructs, we truly embrace the fullness of the present moment. This unshackles us from the burdens of past regrets and future worries, opening up a space for pure, unadulterated presence.
By expanding our awareness to encompass our physical body, sensational body, and mental formations, we embark on a journey towards ultimate liberation. This journey culminates in the release of even the mental level of attachment, allowing us to transcend the confines of the mind. In this state of transcendence, the present moment becomes a sacred sanctuary, untainted by the complexities of thought.
In the heart of the urban frenzy, the wisdom of cherishing the present moment becomes a multi-layered practice. By embracing mindfulness, cultivating awareness of our physical, sensational, and mental dimensions, and ultimately letting go of mental attachments, we can navigate the city's chaos with unwavering serenity. The city then transforms from a cacophony of noise into a symphony of presence, each note a reminder that life's richness lies in the eternal now. So, the next time you find yourself swept up in the rush, take a moment to pause, breathe, and immerse yourself in the totality of the present moment.