Mindfulness
Meditation:
A Practice that Gives us a Deeper Level of Protection Against
Harmful Viruses
Dear
friends,
We are experiencing a collective fear of the coronavirus
sweeping across the globe. It is true that the virus is
spreading, but there is another truth that many of us are
unaware of: constantly growing fear, worry, and anxiety are
weakening our immune system and leading to many health problems.
We are becoming more vulnerable to other virus attacks and more
susceptible to new diseases. Current illnesses we may have can
worsen. Global fear is like a pandemic, spreading more quickly
than the coronavirus and multiplying very fast when we panic.
A hidden aspect of mindfulness meditation is its capacity to
strengthen our immune system. Being diligent in the practice of
mindfulness is more important now than ever before.
- Mindful breathing helps to reduce tension in our body
and calm our mind. It enables us to get in touch with refreshing
and healing elements within and around us. The energy of
mindfulness permeates our strong emotions such as fear and
despair and brings about inner peace and harmony, which
strengthen our immune system.
- The practice of total body relaxation helps to improve
our sleep. Sleep is an important factor in strengthening our
immune system, as proven by the scientific community.
- The practice of mindful walking, especially in nature,
maximizes the intake of oxygen and healing energy from the
universe. Our body becomes stronger and healthier with this
practice.
- The practice of mindful movements and qigong are
well-known to boost our immune system and bring about a sense of
balance and overall well-being.
- The practice of mindful eating helps to reduce stress
on our digestive system and maximize absorption through healthy
food choices and chewing well.
- By attending a day of mindfulness, we give our mind
and body a break from the media, news, and unhealthy
consumptions. Attending a day of mindfulness allows us to enjoy
all the above mindfulness practices.
As of Friday, March 13, 2020, the MPCF is closed for a minimum
of two weeks due to health and safety concerns. We will be
offering online classes and workshops in the meantime. You will
be notified when the schedule of online classes is made
available. When the activities at the MPCF resume, the practices
below will be observed:
Standard Hygiene:
- If you have a fever, chills, cough, cold, sore throat, runny
nose, or body aches, please refrain from attending the MPCF
events.
- If you have recently arrived from overseas or have been in
contact with people who have recently returned from overseas, or
have contracted the virus, please refrain from attending the
MPCF for at least two weeks, or until you are clear of
infection.
- The bathrooms at the MPCF are well-equipped with soap and
water. Please wash your hands as soon as you arrive.
- Please use the hand-sanitizer provided.
Practices:
- We will refrain from greeting each other with a hug. Instead,
we will greet each other with joined palms, a gentle smile, and
eye contact.
- We will refrain from holding hands during the closing circle
and before & after walking meditation. We will stand in a
circle and enjoy our deep connection through mindful breathing.
- For the Day of Mindfulness and Deep Relaxation & Mindful
Movements class, participants are invited to bring their own
blankets for deep relaxation. We will have vegetarian brown-bag
lunch rather than sharing a potluck meal as before.
As cells in the MPCF community body, it is our wish that you
take these safety measures from a place of understanding of the
disease, not fear. Several members of our community are, or have
family members who are, elderly or have compromised immune
systems. The outbreak of COVID-19 is a bell of mindfulness for
all of us, as humans, to remember that planet Earth is one
family and is our home. By taking care of ourselves, we take
care of each other and of Mother Earth.
May all living beings be safe, peaceful, and happy.
Warmly,
Anh-Huong and Thu