Becoming aware of the 'common'.
To be mindful of something new, or rare, takes no discipline; it grabs us and enthralls us. We are surrounded by beauty, but because it is ‘common’ we often become blind to what is around us. We can slip into a dream mode and float through the day. To become aware of what is ‘common’ and to find out that it is actually ‘not ordinary’ at all takes discipline. Like the Japanese tea ceremony. When done well it is a thing of beauty. Each movement is done with attention, the tools laid out mindfully, all that is needed to be done in a mindful, unhurried state. Sometimes when making my coffee, I try to make it into a ‘coffee ceremony’ and it does deepen the experience, instead of me just unconsciously making the coffee, pouring it and then drinking it without really tasting. Being mindful makes the event ‘holy’ and not common at all; each event is unique.--Br.MD
