The Late Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, once described our senses as doors and windows to the world.  In ‘Peace Is Every Step,’ he described how he went for a walk outside his house during a winter in France. Upon returning home, he found it cold and in disarray. Papers were scattered all over with several books knocked on the floor by the swinging drapes. Realizing a window was left unlatched, he closed it so the wintry wind could no longer bring disorder into his home. 

 

Just like the doors and windows of your home, you can choose how open or closed you would like your senses. In the 1990 book, Hanh goes on to explain that ultimately it is our choice of what we would like to let in. In pointing out the troubles of watching violent movies on television and what it does to our nervous system, he went on to remind the reader that mindfulness can help guide the way. By noticing how we respond to what we are letting in, we can choose what we allow in. Times have changed immensely since the book’s publication. Not only do we have access to those same movies he warned about, but we also have access to multiple news and social media feeds simultaneously all from the convenience of our personal phone. 

 

With ever faster technology and newer social media sites, people have already been recognizing the growing negative health consequences. Documentaries such as the ‘Social Dilemma’ have outlined this in detail. Who is to blame? Who can we point the finger at for all the havoc being wreaked by these tech companies? This way of looking at things is like deciding whether to blame the wind or the sun for the weather coming in through the window.

 

Even though the book was published over 30 years ago, the tools suggested by the venerable monk are still just as powerful. Utilizing mindfulness and awareness, we too can become aware of what we are allowing in and how it is affecting us. How do you know if you need to make changes in this department? Check in with the ‘weather’ in your body after you take in different experiences through your senses. Are things relaxed and organized or in disarray?

 

How is your sleep?

 

How is your digestion?

 

What is your mental state like?

 

How does your body feel?

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Do you feel energized or drained?

 

Can you move about your day in general ease?

 

And so on…

 

If something doesn’t feel great, we may need to adjust our windows and blinds. After all, we owe it to ourselves.