WHAT IS MINDFULNESS

WHAT IS MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is the energy of being aware and awake to the present moment. It is the continuous practice of touching life deeply in every moment of daily life. To be mindful is to be truly alive, present and at one with those around you and with what you are doing. The second part is practicing what has been called The Golden Rule and using the Practice of Mindfulness to help you live The Golden Rule, to treat others as you would have them treat you and help others to discover and do the same. This is a universal principle which is present in every major religion in the world (see the table below). Practicing Mindfulness as proposed in our Tours is universal, and appropriate for people from all Nations, all Races and all Religions. To help do this we have organized our tours around visiting a Mindfulness Practice Center, Plum Village and riding The Camino Santiago de Compostela. It is our premise that while treating others with love and respect is our basic nature, as we grow up we learn other things and, for the most part, need reminding to remember to adhere to our interpretation of the Golden Rule. So our tours are a Pilgrimage and intended to help you Practice Mindfulness and living in the Present Moment. Practicing is the key. Like anything else, to master it, requires practice. Practicing meditation and/or prayer, is the basic building block of a Mindfulness Practice. We have found that regardless of your religious background that the Buddhist methods of learning to be mindful work extremely well, so we include spending time learning this practice. Breathing In and Breathing Out, following your breath, and Smiling are the essence of this practice. Simple and not in conflict with any religion, but it takes practice!

Why cycling?  There are many groups around the world helping people be better people.  Bicycle touring has been Marilyn and my passion since 1970.  Through years of taking bicycle vacations and eventually organizing them for others, we have found that they are a spiritual experience, or at least have the possibility of being a profound spiritual experience.  Why?  A bicycle is the most energy efficient way to get between places, so it is Green.  It also makes you healthier.  It also allows you to cover more territory than on foot and puts you in an intimate relationship with the countryside and sights along the way.  Also, you meet many more people, who always admire what you are doing and want to know where you are going and where you came from, providing constant reminders to be Present and Mindful!  Dick Powell 
“My religion is very simple.  My religion is kindness.” — The Dalai Lama 
 "Every thought you produce, anything you say, any action you do, it bears your signature. When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love."  — Thich Nhat Hanh.   Content copyright 2013. MINDFULNESSTOURS.ORG. All rights reserved.