Remembering to Return
Be here and now, they say. Okay. But where the heck is that?
Some would claim we’re right here. Sure. But can we see that? Do we feel, touch, live and know that? Maybe mindfulness is remembering that we have no idea where we are. Until we do, that is. Until then we might stop believing and remember that we’re being here, now.
But what of believing? I’m going to go out on the end of the donkey and say that beliefs can sometimes be obstacles to mindfulness. Mindfulness is resting the mind on an object in the present moment. Living a mindful life depends on our ability and willingness to hold our mind to the raw, factual, actual reality before us. Beliefs can misguide us when we believe in things that we only think, but which we have no corroborating evidence. We can’t rest our mind on an idea.
This post is an exploration of a traditional Buddhist teaching called “The Four Foundations of Mindfulness”. These are the cornerstones of clear seeing on which the powers of mindfulness rest. Interestingly, the trad texts translate mindfulness as “remembering”, or “recollection.” The point seems to be remembering to remember that we are here. Right now. Problems come when we believe we’re in some internally created reality that doesn’t include very much actual reality. While this is a big problem when we don’t recognize it, in reality, it’s not a problem at all when we see happening. Mind’s wander. They make up stories. They start trouble when they’re bored. Just like kids, the unawakened mind believes make believe. The mind grips so tightly to here that it fails to see see what is happening now.
What’s the problem? Especially when most of us are able to stumble through life, even tho we have no idea where we are? Minds wander. Untrained minds believe the places they wander are real and so, get lost in their stories. They end up wandering out after dark. The fact that we make it home at all allows us to forget how much danger we may have been in. With mindfulness practice we can train ourselves to remember and bring ourselves back home to what is actually here, now. No matter how far we’ve travelled, we need only remember and we’re home in an instant.
Your body is always here. Your life is always unfolding. Your emotions are always happening. But your mind—it can be anywhere. Mindful living begins when body and mind meet in the present.
Mindfulness of Body
The body never leaves the present. It absorbs our joy, pain, fear, and connection—whether or not the mind notices. Instead of judging it, imagine the body as a loyal friend: imperfect, maybe heavier or slower than you’d like, but always here, always supporting you.
We often see our body through distorted beliefs—like thinking we’re overweight when we’re not, or obsessively poking and prodding to “fix” ourselves. These are false ideas, not reality. True mindfulness of body is not about changing or perfecting. It’s about seeing, accepting, and caring for the one who’s been with you through every moment of your life.
Mindfulness of Mind
The mind spins stories, schemes, and worries. Mindfulness of mind means stepping back and asking: Is this true? Is this useful? Is this about right now? Most stress comes not from the present, but from catastrophic or compulsive thoughts. By noticing them, we can return to clarity in the moment—where life is always more workable.
Mindfulness of Life
Life is not only what happens around us but also how we relate to it. Is your life supporting your well-being, or draining it? Mindfulness of life means recognizing what helps, what harms, and when acceptance—not struggle—is the wisest response. Even in difficulty, people find love and strength when they learn to see what’s really here.
Mindfulness of Feelings
Feelings are not the enemy; they are our life force. Joy, sorrow, depletion—all deserve recognition. By noticing them, we can arrange our life to support inner balance rather than ignore or fight what’s inside us.
At the heart of mindfulness is returning—again and again—to an open body, a compassionate heart, a clear mind and synchronicity with the flow of life. This is our refuge. Even in real danger, presence makes us stronger and steadier. When something signals, pay attention, but forgo the stories. Feel what this part of you is telling you. If nothing else it’s an opportunity to come back. If the body, mind, feelings or life grab your f0cus screaming that THIS is real, remember to return to your whole self. The integrated self, the comprehensive being, the fullness of you in the present is presence.
And don’t forget to smile—with your face, your heart, or even in your imagination. A smile signals confidence, openness, and connection, even when unseen.
Strong body. Open heart. Clear mind. Aligned with life. Conscious and intentional.
And when we get lost, we can remember our body, feelings or life and return the mind from believing to being. That is the practice.
And, as far as anyone knows, it never ends.
