In this talk, Jack Kornfield explores how poetry, beauty and art fit within mindfulness practice, where attention can include appreciating them.
Poetry, beauty and art are all around us – even amidst great difficulties and struggle. Mindfulness practice may help us tune into this beauty – this poetry, this art – unconditionally, and deepen our acceptance of and attentiveness to whatever exists right here and right now.
Mindfulness and Beauty
There is a common misconception about meditation and mindfulness practice, which Kornfield points out in this talk on poetry, beauty and art: that meditation is a withdrawal from the world, or a dampening of what exists. In fact, mindfulness practice may help us tune in with greater awareness to the beauty that is all around us. By opening our heart to the present moment, we may feel more connected to the blessings that exist in the physical world we are a part of. Kornfield reminds us, “Meditation is an invitation to presence, aliveness, to a passion, if you will, in the face of all things.”
Poetry, Meditation, and Spirituality
In this talk, Kornfield looks at how spirituality, meditation, art, and poetry intermingle, sharing words from poets including Rumi, Veronica Patterson, and Thich Nhat Hanh. Poetry can help us connect to the physical world in a meaningful and mindful way, and feel interconnected with all that flows through and around us.
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