Embraced among the books on my shelf, a little Buddha stands as a steadfast reminder, akin to Johnnie Walker’s resolute Striding Man urging us to “Keep Walking.” But this serene Buddha doesn’t prompt me to move forward; instead, his plump, two-inch figure emanates a radiant smile, as if he’s untouched by life’s trials. An enigmatic presence, he gazes upon me, and in that gaze, I find solace—a precious elixir in times of need. I can’t recollect the moment of his arrival, but his reassuring aura has been a constant companion, akin to a vital remedy tucked within a medicine chest.
Several Buddhas grace my bookshelf, each an emissary from diverse lands—China, Thailand, Sri Lanka—and a stately reclining deity hailing from Cambodia. From these worldly travelers, I’ve imbibed a profound Zen meditation. It’s an art of replenishing my inner reservoir, a practice of capturing a breath, seeking out stillness and solitude, and directing my focus inwards. This ritual rekindles my spirits, a respite from the maelstrom that life can effortlessly whip into existence. It’s a countermeasure against the encroachment of despondency and self-doubt that can seize hold when one is alone.
This meditation is a skill not bound by place. It can be cultivated anywhere, be it a bustling street or a tranquil sanctuary. Just for a moment, pause the incessant rhythm of life. Inhale unhurriedly, letting each breath unravel its serenity, and strive to clear your thoughts—shedding the cacophony and mental ramblings. No one claims it’s facile; yet, it’s an attainable endeavor. This effort creates an expanse within, paving the way for a transformation, an opening for novelty to emerge. Admittedly, distractions have a knack for infiltrating even the most resolute minds, but the beauty of this meditation is that one can tenaciously guide their consciousness back to its tranquil course.
Everyone bears their private skirmishes, their battles to wage, their vulnerabilities to conquer, and their aspirations to chase. Amidst these intricacies, it’s crucial to grant yourself permission to momentarily disengage from the world’s perpetual twirl. In those moments, profound liberation is birthed—not from the mere act of sitting in meditation, but from declaring, “I will seek what I yearn for, and I shall pursue it with boundless self-compassion.” This is the essence of being kind to oneself, an act akin to focused and mindful breathing—a gentle affirmation of your own worth and aspirations.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have been featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
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