Answer this question in a comment below and you could receive a free ticket to attend the Creating a Mindful Society conference in New York, September 30 and October 1st. I'm going to be there, learning about mindfulness, and I look forward to meeting the winner of this contest there as well. For information about the program, visit here.
Five runners-up will each receive a copy of The Mindfulness Revolution, a new anthology of writings on mindfulness and mindful living, so there’s no need to feel discouraged from entering if you can’t make it to New York.
As part of the program of talks, dialogue, practice, and breakout sessions, participants will:
- Learn from leading experts in the mindfulness field: keynote presentations will be by Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), mindful leadership expert Janice Marturano, U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan, and renowned neuroscientist Richard J. Davidson
- Discover the benefits of mindfulness for your own life—and learn about the science that proves how it works
- Go deeper into areas of interest at breakout sessions of your choice
- Share experience and insight with fellow practitioners across many fields and benefit from theirs
- Learn about the exciting work now happening to change lives and create a mindful society
- Explore the future of the emerging mindfulness movement at the Mindfulness Town Hall
- Connect and network with others in the mindfulness community in a relaxed, contemplative atmosphere
Creating a Mindful Society will be held at the New York Society for Ethical Culture on beautiful Central Park West in New York City. This landmark gathering of the mindfulness community is a partnership of the Center for Mindfulness, Omega Institute, and Mindful: Living with Awareness and Compassion.
If you are new to meditation, this is a great opportunity, and it's also a wonderful situation for established practitioners to deepen their experience and share with a community of others committed to mindful living.
For your chance at a free ticket, tell us what you think a mindful society is. The winner of the contest will be chosen on September 14th at 5 pm. Five runners-up will receive copies of The Mindfulness Revolution, a new anthology of writings on mindfulness and mindful living. So this is a contest for all!
Congrats to Sharon H., who is going to the Creating a Mindful Society conference! Also, congrats to Gregg, Simone, Susan, Chet, and Gavin. They each received a copy of The Mindfulness Revolution. Thank you all for your thoughtful comments! It is inspiring to know that mindful society is such a rich topic for contemplation.
We live in a universe that is constantly flowing and evolving. Within the unfolding of that immensity is the beautiful manifestations of nothingness, from human beings to grains of sand to the stars that light the evening sky, that all in their exquisite beauty uphold and have the potential to consciously behold this magic that flows effortlessly through all living things.
However, we have issues. We are a people, globally, that have been conditioned into objectification of various forms that have laid the foundations for the progressive illnesses that we face such as racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism and ecological degradation. Many of us walk unconsciously unaware of how these issues have been conditioned into the consciousness of humanity. Many of us walk amongst each other deeply unaware of the wounds that we all carry in relationship to how our socialization and conditioning - rooted in our families, towns, schools, places of worship, peer relationships, etc. - has put us at odds with one another and the needs of our planet.
What is a mindful society? A mindful society is one in which we are deeply aware of the various roots to the illnesses that inhibit or progressive development and positive possibilities, while maintaining an understanding of the immense vastness of this magical moment, and allows the ego's voice to be subdued by the unfolding of that immensity as it cleanses our psyche of those wounds and enables us to heal.
A mindful society is compassionately connected to every living thing understanding that we share the same roots and all have a purpose and wish to allow everyONE the space to flourish without obstruction. A mindful society is compassionately engaged with our psycho-social, eco-spiritual, economic/political development ... with deep, abiding, conscious intention.
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 6:25 pm
A Mindful Society is characterized by respect and compassion stemming from a clear awareness of ourselves and others.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:05 am
A mindful society is the un-self-conscious interactions between mindful persons. Beyond mere "rights" or "me" mindful social interactions embody the complexity of each unique situation and conform to its demands.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:08 am
The best way I see a Mindful society. Is a society where people are taking responsibility for their actions, words an thoughts. Where people own their emotions and have the courage to look at their projections. To stay in contact with whatever happens / appears in front of them. We can embrace our humanity and still live in peace :)
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:08 am
A mindful society is one that lives in consonance with the principle of interdependence of all phenomena; where citizens view themselves nodes on Indra's net - reflecting within them the infinite myriad phenomena just as they are reflected in all the nodes stretching in the ten directions.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:09 am
A mindful society would be one in which we confront and accept the realities that are before us and to help others find their path to such realizations.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:12 am
A mindful society is a collective, collaborative effort to ensure the environment (mental and physical) are sound and fertile for enrichment.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:17 am
A mindful society is one that cherishes its children for their innocence and their elderly for their experience, and takes care of both with gentleness and compassion. It is a society that approaches nature with respect and gratitude, by protecting the eco-systems that support plant and animal life. It is a society that respects differences of opinion and engages in dialogue about heated issues with civility, especially in matters of ideology and religion. A mindful society is one that realizes that we are all interconnected and interdependent, so we should look for our commonality in all we do and in everyone we meet. A mindful society places top priority on education without competition, and on universal healthcare. Finally, in cases where our fellow human beings fall short, a mindful society operates a criminal justice system with ample opportunities for true rehabilitation, including job training, intellectual stimulation intensive support networks and lifelong help in avoiding substance abuse.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:20 am
A mindful society would be one in which we could see clearly what is actually happening in the moment and live from there. People would take full responsibility for their thoughts, actions, and feelings. Blame and resistance would be replaced with acceptance and patience.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:21 am
A mindful society creates peace - a holistic peace of right relationships with self, others, and with the earth.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:22 am
It would look like a healthier, albeit more abstract version of the historical "From each according to his means to each according to his needs". Humans would be more awake and present, and be able to utilize better coping mechanisms. We would build healthy communities based on sacred connection to the Earth, Spirit, and one another. Living mindfully would bring balance to the psychology of individuals, communities, and cultures, and to the relationship between humans and other living beings, so that suffering and oppression would be significantly reduced, and humans would be free to live in joy and safety.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:26 am
A mindful society will be our reality when each of us can return to our true selves in the moment. "Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field, I'll meet you there." after Rumi
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:32 am
A mindful society is built on inter-relatedness. Truth, courage, hard decisions and complex conversations are all part of it, within the context of relationship.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:38 am
A mindful society would be one in which meditation, in all forms (breathing, walking, pausing before making choices) would be taught at an early age and reinforced in school. In a mindful society, choices that are clearly hurtful would not be considered unless the alternative was obviously more hurtful to more beings. In a mindful society, people would be aware of each other's energy and try to nurture each other with even simple routine daily interactions, making a discipline of responsibly monitoring one's own energy and choosing to send only positive (or at least neutral) energy out into the world. A mindful society would be one in which we pray for each other's well being and the happiness of all beings endlessly, all day long, almost without thinking about it, habitually.
A mindful society would be one in which we regard each other as tender, gentle beings and act accordingly, with lovingkindness.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:48 am
A Mindful Society is an education of peace to serve our interconnected environment as a whole and to last many lifetimes.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 7:08 am
A mindful society is one where everyone is present and aware of the impact that his/her every action has not only in their personal life and that of those around them but in the life everything in the planet.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 7:12 am
A mindful society is a grup of mindful persons. So, one by one, one schould develop his own minfullness.
In such kind of group, there is no need of too much special rules, but simple and natural wisdom, a little bit of common sense and lots of loving kindness.
But this require a long education and training in selflessness to reach to the mindfullness and true wisdom.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 7:51 am
A mindful society is the realization that we are all interconnected in this universe, and every thought, deed, action is felt by all. The purpose of a mindful society is to evolve thru thought, deed, action into a loving, enlightened state of conciousness that benefits all.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 8:00 am
A Mindful Society is:
A personal awareness that drives action,
A personal action that impacts collective awareness,
A collective awareness that drives personal and collective action,
A personal and or collective action that impacts personal awareness
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 8:05 am
In a mindful society the citizens are awake. They use their senses, sight, touch, scent, smell and hearing to fully take in all that which is around them. With this they view the world and each other, not judging or jumping to conclusion. More like simply noticing. As we notice things we note where we might be able to be of service. If we observe pain in another, we can use our compassion and voice to help heal. We can use a loving touch to comfort. If we see anger in another, we can listen to what might truly be the source and use our words to show we are listening and let the other know they are loved and supported. In short, in a mindful society we are able to use all of our gifts to observe rather than react, and bring peace rather than additional chaos. When I am mindful I can observe without a filter and can be a help and not a hindrance. When we are all mindful, not just of each other, but of everything around us, we have an opportunity to make the world a better place by being helpful and kind, helpful, disciplined and compassionate. Thank you.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 8:09 am
A mindful society will happen when many people pay attention to what's actually there without judging others or themselves. When there is space to pay attention with kindness.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 9:09 am
A mindful society is one that has its roots and grounding in compassionate self awareness. Through each individual living in a deeply mindful way, this self compassion will spread to the entire society, creating a compassion that is so broad and encompassing that no aspect of society will be left out. Everyone will live with the wisdom of the interconnectedness of the society - creating mutually supportive interactions amongst all. It's not to say there would never be hardship, loss, grief and stress, but the mindful society would approach these things with grace and the ability to see ALL life experiences for how they are - the light and the dark, good and the bad...therefore creating a society of raw truth, openness and awareness....
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 9:48 am
A mindful society is a defined group of which the mind of each is minister to the collective consciousness and is raised to the vibration of harmony and deep connection and service to this vision.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:24 pm
To me a mindful society is one where each person feels safe to be themselves and the courage to let others be themselves at the same time.
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 3:21 pm
To me, a mindful society is one in which we re-member we are all one, that what we say and do effects all other sentient beings in some ways - and that we can make positive change when we put heart, soul, and mind into it. (Or at least, we can refrain from harm!)
Posted on August 31, 2011 at 7:56 pm
[...] of leaders in the field of mindfulness in New York, September 30 and October 1. Please visit the editor’s blog and tell us what you think a mindful society would be for a chance to win. The winner will be [...]
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 3:00 am
I think a mindful society:
First it starts with me, being, true to self and authentic. I have just learned this recently, as I realize I have not been authentic with myself or others, hiding my thoughts and the truths as I see them. Just a day ago, I saw something authentically and made conscious decision to be there, tell the truths as I see them and let it go. Amazed as the results. The surrounding persons who received the truths didn't know how to receive the information and in turn lashed out on me. I listened, then walked away knowing that I told my truths, no longer hiding them or from the truth.
The truth came from my heart in a kind way.
This, is a mindful society, the way I see it.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 3:17 am
Hello again,
I think a mindful society should be basic. Something taught from very young and nurtured throughout school years throughout life. It should not take experts or well practiced people to show/teach compassion and mindfulness. A mindful society should be as normal as nature, as a breeze through the trees, an environment where fear does not exist, only respect and a passion to be good. Have a great day everybody!
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 3:21 am
Mindfulness is paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, interactions without aggression to yourself or others. In a mindful society, people would be aware of the dynamics between them and others and respectful of differences. Many people want the same things : love, harmony, an appreciation of the world and the desire to help others. In a mindful society, there would be actions to accomplish economic equity so that all people could live with enough food,clothing, shelter and medical attention.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 3:39 am
Human societies are based on interactions. The origin of the driving force/s of these interactions is what will eventually determine the outcome of behaviors within society. The more each member of the community understands (i.e. is mindful) the reasons behind their behaviors, the more meaningful a community becomes. A mindful society I believe should be aware of all of its individual and group actions, and be based on helping and promoting this understanding.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 4:14 am
A mindful society is one in which we are aware of how our views affect others and so we look at others with compassion and loving kindness so they may achieve their fullest potential.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 4:34 am
A mindful society is one in which the leaders and citizens are willing to see the facts of the situation regardless of whether those facts are conveniently aligned with their personal goals.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 4:35 am
Here we are, in the moment. All dharmas are dreams.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 4:36 am
A mindful society opens us to an awareness of the fundamental human rights that allow for true freedom and responsibility. Realizing that their are no shortcuts to mindfulness, yet that the resulting contentment brings hope and healing beyond measure.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 4:43 am
Mindfulness starts with small noticing, and extends from this simple experience to profound compassion. Noticing our own mind creates the space and attention to be present with others. By practicing coming back to being kindly present with ourselves, we can't help but be present with the heartbreaking challenges experienced by others in our world. We can't help but notice the effect of our presence on the world - economically, ecologically, societally and globally.
Simply, a mindful society notices. It collectively practices kindly coming back to being present while conducting the affairs of affection, distress, business, and just getting by.
The fabric of humanity can be woven quite differently. Not that it would be ideal, or perfect, but that it would be woven with open awareness, compassion and willingness to
be present to what is.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 4:49 am
In a mindful society we all see the truth in every sentient being. That truth is we are all one mind; our true nature is love. With that knowledge, we all treat one another with love and kindness ensuing in world peace.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 5:44 am
A mindful society would be made up of people willing and determined to see what they do and then still be kind to themselves and others. In a mindful society, people would say "Oh, I see." much more frequently than "Oh, you're wrong." or "Oh, I'm bad."
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 5:51 am
A mindful society is one in which people are fully aware and present in each of their everyday activities and encounters with people. They are paying full attention to what they are experiencing at that moment and not thinking about past or future events or worries. In a society like this people are compassionate, understanding, loving and kind to others because they are fully conscious of what they are doing and/or saying. They are paying close attention to whatever life throws at them and responding in the most loving way possible.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:08 am
[...] Shambhala Publications is soliciting comments on what people think makes for a mindful society. Go here to see the ”prizes” & to add your own. [...]
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:16 am
The fundamental ingredient of a mindful society is the consciousness of its people. The ways in which they express that consciousness, the way it plays out, is what will create that mindful world.
We see ourselves as a "cell" of a greater organism - the family, the community, the culture, the planet. Each family, community,etc is also seen a part of the greater organism (an "organ"?! ha!)
Contemplative & meditative skills are taught from an early age, & people are encouraged to respond to what we notice, what we see.
We are rewarded for being aware of our impact upon each other & the greater organism. People see that there are necessarily many kinds of "cells", which all play a role in the life of the greater body. There are many mechanisms in the communities for improving that impact upon everyone else:
Expression through the arts & invention
Sustainable methods of living, farming,
building, etc
Incentives for doing volunteer work as
young teens, & throughout adulthood
Time & interaction are the major
currencies
In the contemporary moment, we are seeing the first stirrings toward such a mindful world. And also great resistance to it. So, "mindfulness" being brought about in a pervasive way IS possible.......
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:26 am
In a mindful society, the quality of experience -- depth and intensity of presence, simultaneous awareness of foreground events and background emptiness -- is more important than the content of those experiences. People seek ways to have higher quality experience of every aspect of living, not better or more possessions, or the right to tell more impressive stories. Power is not an end in itself, but a means to express love (inherent connectedness) through wisdom (understanding and appreciating the interplay of large-scale pattens in the uniqueness of each moment).
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:52 am
A mindful society makes the wellbeing of people its top priority
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:57 am
What we don't see, the heart will follow. Hooks wait to be baited, fish will bite.
Every where I turn I see more and more people searching for new ways to live with the uncertainties, anxieties, and fears that define our times and the world we live in . There is a collective yearning for a new vision which might ignite our sense of purpose and bring new meaning into our lives.
We are confused and troubled by the things we see and hear and are hungry to find a way through the violence and aggression that produces the conflicts that keep our selves divided from ourselves and from others.
Compassion, empathy and developing awareness are the shoes we have to walk in if we are going to develop a more mindful world.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:00 am
A society in which we are all able to witness what is happening with compassion, openness and clear energy: so that we spontaneously bring healing where there is hurt, help where there is need, thoughtful problem solving where there is conflict and a quick willingness to pool resources and support when "things fall apart", as they repeatedly do in our messy, but good - and tenderly human - collective earth experience.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:34 am
A totally Mindful Society might look no different at first glance, yet its inherent radiance would function as a wellspring of energy. What springs from that energy is yet to be determined. Survival is built into our cells. Yet perhaps the mind will insist on moving toward unlimited compassion. How then could we even pull a carrot from the ground?
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 7:53 am
A mindful society is one in which all members of the society, in every interaction with other members of the society, simply put the needs of the other person or persons before their own needs. With the exception that any other needs cause no harm.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 8:11 am
I mindful society is one in which each person has empathy and respect for all other people and all sentient beings--keeping in mind the needs and suffering of others which are impacted by our actions and intentions.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 9:16 am
To me, a mindful society is when people are dedicated to becoming consistently aware of the interconnection of their experience with others and the world. As a result of the prevalence of this deeply felt perspective, there is no emphasis on “me” or “them,” and there is acceptance and compassion and an urgent sense of mutual responsibility for all the arises within and around us for now and for the future.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 10:27 am
For me, a mindful society would encompass a population of souls who live with reverence for the gifts of Mother Nature's blessings.
People would work WITH the land, WITH our natural resources, and WITH the animals, plants, and trees.
Care and reverence for the abundant, beautiful gifts at our disposal would be valued, making printed money and factory-rendered specimens less coveted.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 12:17 pm
A mindfulness society lives on a me-less diet
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 12:51 pm
A mindful society might be based on citizens that are in touch with reality-- that is they are open to the sacredness of life, including the tremendous pain and the great pleasure. To be able to experience everything and to act from the tenderness and apreciation that comes from that.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 1:45 pm
i guess we all grasp facets of the broad range of what "mindful society" may encompass. so, i'll take this from the practical side: a mindful society is one in which mindfulness has permeated and seeped through the major part of society; a society in which mindfulness is practised, and, most importantly, in which children, stakeholders, journalists, politicians, parents have been raised into mindfulness. in summary, a mindful society is a goal for the future which should motivate us to think about how to achieve it, and motivate us to cultivate mindfulness within ourselves and shine it out to others.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 4:11 pm
IF mindful means aware, which I think it does here, then it would be a collective of people each dealing within with their own rejected energy - so that it doesn't manifest collectively and without awareness. Since we are all energizing AND rejecting all that we do not like about ourselves - and manifesting it collectively - and then fighting against this collective manifestation as something other than ourselves, it is a difficult bind. It would have to be that all individual energy is managed individually, with individual responsibility for it.
Or it is what we are living in now, and there is only degrees of mindfulness/awareness to discuss. Or we are fine being where we are right now, just because Hey look: this question is being asked, within this society.
I also left the comment for this under the last passage from Chogyam Trungpa, so what do I know.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 5:02 pm
Mindful society: Where the most valued and widely encouraged thing is cultivating a gentle,clear,kind and open mind.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 6:57 pm
the mindful society or the three jewels is the foundation . in any school you need the teacher the teachings and the students from their everything becomes workable.
Posted on September 1, 2011 at 11:42 pm
No amount of words or philosophies said could cause mindfulness in any society.
it begins foremost with ourselves. the actual practice of meditation(exchange of selves n others...etc..) and then the gradual assimilation to our daily lifes.
Also, it is a blessing to have "evil" ppl around us, or else I really don't know how we could pratice n gain enlightenment..
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 7:11 am
[...] Via Ocean of Dharma, from the book The Truth of Suffering, published by Shambhala Publications, who are currently offering an opportunity for you to win a ticket to this fall’s Creating a Mindful Society conference in New York City. Click here for details. [...]
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 9:39 am
Constantly healing, spontaneous, mostly peaceful, people working on themselves sincerely, without drama, working together to be rid of phantoms, sexuality realigned, ambition redirected, people building things manually, enjoying each other openly. hmmm, I think there would be a lot more artist-healers than we have now and people would eat better.
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 9:57 am
[...] Via Ocean of Dharma, from the book The Truth of Suffering, published by Shambhala Publications, who are currently offering an opportunity for you to win a ticket to this fall’s Creating a Mindful Society conference in New York City. Click here for details. [...]
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 2:33 pm
In a mindful society we know to sew before we reap. Our learning curve stays steep. We become mindful in an instant, as we detach by breathing deep, we become mindful for a moment, to look before we leap, we are mindful for a while, to dream before we sleep, and together, we release our fear, when we all come to realize, there's only one of us here.
Posted on September 2, 2011 at 8:38 pm
A mindful society is one that recognizes basic goodness in everyone and in society itself as the basis for living together.
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 3:28 pm
fundamentally, awake. not reacting, but responding as needed. without expectations or agendas.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 4:10 am
A mindful society is the first step toward an enlightened society.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 4:10 am
What would a mindful society FEEL like?
A sense of being
Quiet, still, like deep water
Clear, fresh, cool, straight to the bottomless bottom
Presence
All colors of the rainbow in white light
Out of nothing, everything
Doesn't that make your heart sing?
Can you hear yourself as a melody in the Universe?
Writing a symphony from our diversity
Who wants a one note Universe
When we can have harmony in infinite variety?
Sing along
Set yourself to dancing
Splash yourself with color
Celebrate the never-ending creation
Welcome the singing of new songs.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 4:22 am
In a mindful society we continue to lead ordinary, recognizable lives (work, friends, family, school) with the usual perceived obstacles (delays, lack of resources, illness, interpersonal disagreements). Life continues. What is different is how we perceive and respond to these ordinary parts of life. In an UN-mindful society, we believe our reaction stories and set into play a chain of events that perpetuates pain, suffering, and misunderstanding. In a mindful society, we recognize the power of our self-stories and give ourselves the moments to choose more compassionate and appropriate responses, setting into play a chain of events that affect the world in a positive way. The difference between an un-mindful society and a mindful society is the step from unaware reaction to aware response.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 4:26 am
I think a mindful society represents the living heart quality of the earth; we can think and speak for her, as she holds us in her body. She speaks to us through our bodies and minds, and together we co-create positively charged reality. Cosmically, our mind-body consciousness expands to interact with the universe, speaking in light and sound. Holding this awareness in each precious individual, human or otherwise, we exist in an ever evolving dance of love and understanding.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 4:34 am
A mindful society is filled with people who are aware and open. Individuals who live their life in a place of love for all beings. They take action for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 4:51 am
As we near the anniversary of 9/11, many Americans are contrasting a free society (ours) with others visibly bound by a religion and culture that often seem incomprehensible to us. But are we truly free? Perhaps we are as impervious to our binds as they are to theirs. A mindful society is a free society. Free from preconceived notions, free from the ego's incessant needs and demands, and imbued with clarity and appreciation for what is in front of us, right now.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 4:54 am
Mindful Society is when Ron Paul gets elected and appoints the Karmapa as his cabinet.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 5:11 am
Mindfulness is a living will to do no harm to others, to respect and cherish life in all its many manifestations, and to offer self service to others who are in need of help and support. It is not necessary to expend energy or money from without to achieve mindful living. It comes from within the depths of the person's heart.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 5:53 am
A mindful society works based on a deep understanding of impermanence and non-attachment to self, out of which love and compassion emerge. A mindful society doesn´t have to meditate everyday, although that would help :)
A mindful society is based on tolerance and love and its decisions emerge taking in consideration the well-being of all its members.
A mindful society observes clearly its tendency to greed, hatred and delusions as a means to overcome them.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 5:57 am
A Mindful Society is a society where there is 'equanimity of resources'. That means that each being has access to adequate water, food, and shelter, which we actually have the resouces to do now if so directed. Once there is equal access to water, food, and shelter, we can then focus on equanimity of other. Seeing other as self, or as Guru, releases us from war, and the competition that charaterizes the jealous god realm. Then we can be mindful of the Earth as Gaia, a Sakyong point of view, an Earth Protector. Then we can celebrate the ever changing playfulness of each moment in mindfulness, for we can then be free of samsara's seduction into distraction.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 6:27 am
A mindful society is one in which the sacred esssence of each person's potential for enlightenment guides our every thought and action. This requires a willingness to be in the moments of our lives as they present themselves, such that their unfolding leads us forward in harmonic unity. Difference is recognized as complimentary, not chaotic, and peace is both our premise and promise.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 6:49 am
A mindful society feels the earth against its bare feet while reaching upward and outward to care for all living beings.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:18 am
A Mindful society would blur the distinction between self and other.This mindful world would be balanced so that heartfelt authentic love would quickly diminish the competive distinctions that seperate the haves and havenots
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:49 am
Mercurial collective awareness
Inquiry into action
Now what is needed?
Declaring interdependence for all
Forgiven, never forgranted
Utility is key
Love is the door
Self as other
Other as self
Culture is natural
Inherent in being
Elemental to reality
Tomorrow is a dream
Yesterday is memory
I knew my second grade poetry class would be handy one day...
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:58 am
Human beings have been practicing mindfulness for over 2,000 years and our neurosis continues. A mindful society learns from the past, is aware of the present and works with it toward a better future. I read somewhere that enlightened people don’t look any particular way from the outside. I think this applies to an enlightened or mindful society as well. This was made clearer to me recently when I learned that in 1789, English historian Edward Gibbon published The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. “Gibbon blamed the fall on several factors: a loss of civic virtue, the use of barbarians as mercenaries rather than Roman soldiers, and the rise of Christianity, which led to increased pacifism and widespread beliefs that a better life awaited Roman citizens after death.” (Did rain bring down the Roman Empire?, IGBP’s Global Change magazine Issue 77, July 2011)
Violence, hatred, and aggression exist within human beings and therefore also exist within society. A mindful society works with the reality of that aggression rather than ignoring it or wishing that it didn’t exist. The daily realities of protection, survival, and reproduction are inherent in nature. There are lessons to be learned in nature. Those lessons can be shared with others through building pockets of mindfulness and venturing out into the greater society. The strength of the mindfulness movement is working with the reality of the present existence. Once a community can do that and let go of idealized versions of society, it realizes that a mindful society exists now. It doesn’t look any particular way from the outside, so work with it now toward a better future.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 8:20 am
Mindful society is one where everyone is aware of what they are doing both to themselves and to all other beings.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 10:38 am
I imagine a mindful society would not be driven by competition and anxiety. People would be able to be more direct and straightforward about what really interest them, what really excites them, what they really feel... not looking over their shoulder to get ahead. People would be motivated by the desire for honesty and happiness - for all. This would be such a profound change. The ramifications for economics, politics and culture is beyond me to fathom. But seems worth it to try.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 11:21 am
A Mindful Society is one where everyone looks at problems as opportunities to grow.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 4:40 pm
A society where all beings walk with an open, broken heart.
Posted on September 7, 2011 at 6:16 pm
I think a mindful society is one where every single person regardless of age gender orientation race height weight shoe size, to the best of their abilities and education innate or learned, contemplate, even if for an instant, the affect/effect of their actions thoughts motivations on everything else. Else here is everything else, people, animals, insects, birds, fish, air, sound, smell, environment, perceived intention, actual intention, etc.
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 2:50 am
In a mindful society, people recognize and act on what they can contribute to others to make society a more fulfilling, just place.
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:08 am
The fat worm
the full breasted robin
become one.
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:19 am
In a mindful society all motorcycles will have mufflers especially Harleys ~ beautiful mindfulness.
Posted on September 8, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Awareness of surroundings, each other, all life, and the moment.
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 4:28 am
similar to riding a bicycle, mindfulness incorporates an ongoing balance of internal and external awareness.
If we look ahead and see the upcoming crack in the asphalt or tree limb lying across the path we make an instant adjustment to a more external orientation. For the experienced rider there is minimal "thinking" involved because the adjustment is basically performed without-thought. The same is true for the committed practitioner of mindfulness.
The need to focus on internal and/or external issues is dealt with as they arise.
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 4:40 am
Mindful Society is one that includes caring, kindness and bravery.
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 6:03 am
O for a world that lives what it claims to believe... From whatever view of the holy one takes...recognizing we are all in this time together...
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 7:01 am
Mindfulness is not a practice. Mindfulness should be one's entire life, 24/7. A belief or fixed idea about the possibility of "creating" a "Mindful Society" is a seductive utopian ideal, a clever dream that keeps people asleep, and is practically and historically impossible to sustain for any meaningful length of time. "Mindful Society" is like a warm fuzzy blanket when what we need is a bucket of ice water. "Mindful Society" is impossible in samsara, and presupposes that people can already 'do' and 'be.' Such a conference qualifies as a good example of 'idiot compassion.'
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 7:02 am
[...] & go here too, to ‘enter’ the drawing for a ticket to Creating a Mindful Society in NY, Sep 30 & [...]
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 7:33 am
A mindful society is the dream in my heart and also the necessity and the gift that more and more people are realizing is unavoidable.
Complete awareness in our society has been forgotten, unlearned, and opposed by our ego-filled need to have status & perceived importance, and by the fear of feeling pain. What we have lost though, is the reality that by living unmindfully we are actually perpetuating the pain and moving further and further away from the truth of our existence. Running from the perceived pain, and basking only in the perceived joy leaves us constantly searching for a way to stay in those perceived states of happiness. But, sitting mindfully and honestly in whatever comes our way allows us to acknowledge the thought, the fear, the joy, and to see what is past it. What is past it is the unifying thread that runs through our entire universe---that we are all connected, we are all one, we are all human.
When our society as a whole, every human being, lives mindfully, and truly experiences life, we reawaken the human connection. We find that my pain is your pain, and my joy is your joy. We are able to see the humanness, the deep true connection that binds each and every human being. This awareness will awaken our society. And, violence becomes something that is not so easy to do because we see truthfully what is guiding those actions and our humanness. We are then not running from the pain, and acting out the pain because we see what is really there.
Each being that is awakened and chooses to live mindfully, is one step closer to this societal shift.
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 7:46 am
Where people wish for ease and well-being for all sentient beings in a world with limited physical resources....where we learn to create ease within ourselves...where we find new ways to work together applying resources and talents toward goals that increase well-being...where decisions about local and global issues consider the impact as far as seven generations hence...where seeking to understand differences to find common ground and make wise decisions becomes the norm...where we recognize that "mindful society" is a process of becoming.
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 9:10 am
A Mindful Society begins with me - being a warrior for myself through faithfulness, compassion and loving-kindness. Then being open to allowing that to ripple out to life all around.
All for one and one for All.
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 9:50 am
A mindful society is the next phase in the evolution of humankind. Paradoxically, everyone will be mindful because they will have gone beyond mind into a no-mind state: the present. In the present is the bliss of silence and peace.
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 11:56 am
A mindful society is the conscious choice each of us makes at any point in time.
It lives in each moment that we make a decision to act, or a thought to create, the resulting product always having far reaching consequences for benefit or destruction.
A mindful society could be a place where people are allowed or allow themselves,the time and space to reflect. So that people would become aware of their individual and collective intelligence and magnificence and value that as integral to the workings of our world.
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 12:27 am
A Mindful Society will be founded on compassion and loving kindness; in which every person is embraced and valued as a potential buddha.
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 2:24 am
Mindfulness is the clear view in the present moment of what the intended purpose of the objective goal looks and feels like; from the subjective perspective that it has already manifested into existence, through our imaginations empathy from selflessness.
A mindful society is a collective consciousness based in love, with the clear vision of world peace.
World peace starts with our relationships, especially the relationship that we have with ourselves.
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:47 am
Mindfulness is a thread that runs through all aspects of society. From the way we relate to others, to the way we relate to our food, being mindful means recognizing interdependence as well as making a consistent effort to appreciate all moments of our lives by being present. Mindfulness also creates a deep sense of clarity in our lives that allows us to be compassionate and put the needs of a others before our own.
One love that sees through the reflection of ego to the simple, unwavering beatiful reality.
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 1:22 pm
A Mindful Society is one that places an intrinsic value on human experience and subjectivity, not simply material goods or economics. In a mindful society, there is a means of empowering individuals to be whole human beings and an acceptance of this as a part of the human condition. Mindfulness and the things associated with it, such as compassion and reflection, are given a place at the forefront of society and understood to be necessary for people to live whole lives of value.
Posted on September 12, 2011 at 12:17 pm
Everyone gets the memo/email/leaflet/message about being present in the moment. Rather than getting ticked off about it, everyone is okay with it. It seems like a perfectly natural thing to do. They accept who they are and they accept who others are as well. The compassion that they feel as they open up to others inspires them to awaken more fully with each passing day. Life goes on but the awareness of impermanence and the interdependent nature of reality deepens with each passing moment.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 2:56 am
A mindful society will be a magnet for peace and prosperity. A mindful society will not only love more, it will laugh more. And it will prioritize justice. What a worthy subject for contemplation! Thank you.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 3:06 am
In a mindful society the individual whether a corporation or person is living in an awareness of the wholeness and interaction of all and the impact each has on all of the others and contemplates each act before acting with love and care.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 3:44 am
Being a Mindful Society is being here, now with what is. What ever the "is" is! May it be joyful or painful, being awake and aware of it without judgements. In this way, a Mindful Society is one of Compassion.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 3:53 am
Mindfullness (to me) is a collection of vibrating souls that from the singleness of conscious thought join the oneness of all conscious thought. I am mindfull of the integration of my journey and the journey of other's whom at any given moment, reflect a piece of me that I may not have witnessed - yet. Through magnanamous compassion I experience my journey and with the same heart, I respect the journey of others. Mindfull community.
Thank you.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 4:40 am
A mindful society is when all people live every moment in awareness. Accepting all parts of yourself and others. Being open and loving so that you can learn to spread this love and peace to all.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 4:49 am
To my mind a mindful society would be a mix of positive mindful characteristics already present in other cultures and communities as well as places in history. The initial characteristics that come to mind are eating meals slowly, less scheduled days, extra care and concern for expressing creativity, homage to all living beings, emphasis on spending time with and relating to others, less and less fear, and a general spaciousness and compassion in individual and collective minds.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 5:08 am
A mindful society is an open, curious, learning society that experiences and appreciates each moment, painful through joyful, for the immense amount of wisdom it holds towards achieving the goal of living peaceful, loving, happy lives.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 5:18 am
I look around and see beings with love and compassion. Faces are smiling, hands reaching out to help others in need. People living simply yet richly. Less is more. Scowling is no longer.
More learning,more slowing down,more looking around,more sitting. Love.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:42 am
A mindful society is one where peace is the focus of all members of the society. It is founded on compassion, ethics, and understanding.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 8:52 am
A mindful society would be one in which all citizens of that society would be aware of how every choice they make would impact themselves, their friends and family, society and the environment as a whole and chose only actions that would be beneficial and helpful and to refrain from those choices that would harmful.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 9:39 am
I know that I don't practice Mindfulness nearly enough, so I don't think I can really imagine clearly what a Mindful Society would be like. I do believe that there would be a lot less need for distractions such as the reporting of news and opinions 24/7. Although I really enjoy reading books (mainly fiction) and watching movies, there would be less of a demand for entertainment. Perhaps most people would have a good understanding of their states of consciousness. Though we all project our own state of consciousness on the World, there would be greater understanding of this and how damaging our projections can be to ourselves and others when we believe they are true.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 10:35 am
A mindful society is one in which presence, awareness, & acceptance are fostered by its institutions and inhabitants. Acceptance of self and other, moment by moment, would be its practice and its ideal.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 10:54 am
A mindful society promotes the understanding that to be human is to be imperfect and to expect mistakes, so will have systems in place to allow for learning and growth. A mindful society also understands the laws of nature and that some are more predator-like than others and therefore need humane boundaries for protection of the innocent. A mindful society understands that there is no place for judging others based on opinion, however, uses discernment wisely to promote peace and harmony among each other. A mindful society understands that we are all a work in progress, doing our best to practice the art of mindfulness as we understand it, each as creatively different as we all are. A mindful society creates such a culture in symphony with the planet, using it's resources respectfully and with infinite gratitude.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 12:00 pm
A mindful society is one where each person experiences peace within; as a result, each member acts out of service and love in all interactions and conflicts are seen as avenues to growth for all.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 12:39 pm
To me, a mindful society would be what we aspired to -- and occasionally achieved, at least momentarily -- in the Sixties: A peaceful, creative, communal experience founded on respect for individual expression, generosity and awareness (of ourselves, others, and the earth). Namaste.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 1:15 pm
It is not enough to define a mindful society. We must also define how to create a mindful society. Our longing for peace and love of family can guide us in creating the future we want to live into, for ourselves, our children and grandchilren, through the chain of generations and throughout the web of life.
Mindfulness in society brings awareness and compassion to institutions and structures, to organizations and communities. It does not free us from the challneges and pain of life, but enables us to lean into them with awareness and integrity, to embrace interconnectedness as we work together to heal and restore ourselves, our societies, and our planet. Mindfulness opens our minds and enables us to continually move toward greater consciousness and wholeness for the benefit of all life and all beings.
To move toward collective mindfulness or societal mindfulness, our commitment to practice must deepen, our respect for all life, our compassion, and the understanding of our interconnectedness must penetrate our actions, and our sense of service to the whole must guide our work.
We need a mindful society here in the mess of the world, where conflicts arise, fear overwhelms, hunger saddens, and all the many difficulties of life occur. Our hearts are full of enormous potential for love and compassion; our beings are full of presence, and our mindfulness can enable us to be at ease as we support the creation of a society where all living beings are in harmony and the web of life glistens with enlightenment.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 2:13 pm
A mindful society is a society that has replaced knee jerk reactions with an open eye and an open heart and a never tiring willingness to look beyond one's one boundaries and learn from every one, regardless of 'who they are', just like a wise master always remains a humble student. A mindful society reminds itself to be silent and reconsider its needs and actions, and is never too proud to turn half way.
(PS unfortunately I will not be able to attend the NY even)
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Everyone is equally deserving of respect... everyone is equally deserving of love... everyone is equally a future buddha...
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 3:39 pm
A mindful society in one in which balance is acheived between the busyness of daily life, obligations to family and community, and attention to individual spiritual practice. A natural result of this balance will be an infusion of wisdom into our cultural and political institutions. We will take better care of ourselves, and as a result, take better care of each other.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 5:01 pm
A mindful society would be one where curiousity and questioning are the foundations. Time passing slowly one moment at a time making space for all the love, pain, suffering without judgement, expectations or attachment to things past.
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 6:47 pm
A mindful society is me standing elbow to elbow with my neighbor, having an opened heart and mind, looking honestly upon the universe before me, behind me.
Posted on September 14, 2011 at 1:57 am