"When you have wisdom, connecting it with experience is like standing at the bottom of a ripe mango tree. We get to choose between the good and rotten mangoes. It is all to your benefit, because you know which fruits will make you sick and which are healthy.” (Adapted from a lesson in Jack Kornfield’s book, “The Wise Heart” as taught by his mentor Ajahn Chah.)

This fruitful analogy highlights the power of wisdom. Much like a mango tree laden with fruit, life confronts us with a myriad of experiences – some nourishing, and others potentially harmful.

Wisdom gives us the ability to discern the difference, empowering us to make conscious choices that promote our well-being.

Mindfulness is the key to cultivating this inner wisdom. By grounding ourselves in the present moment, we develop an awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations.

This heightened awareness allows us to observe experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant, without being swept away by them.

As we consciously practice mindfulness, we see the "healthy and unhealthy fruit" of our experiences with greater clarity. We start to recognize patterns and triggers.

Most importantly, we learn that we don't have to automatically react. Mindfulness empowers us to pause, breathe, and respond from a place of wisdom rather than from a place of reaction.

Our mindfulness is like a sovereign and compassionate ruler overseeing a well-functioning kingdom.

It witnesses the ever-changing territory of our inner landscape, facilitating conditions that allow for integrity, love, generosity, and simplicity to flourish naturally.

If you're looking to deepen your own mindfulness practice, consider these approaches:

Meditation: Find a quiet place and start with even a few minutes of guided or unguided meditation, focusing on your breath.
Mindful Moments: Bring mindfulness into everyday tasks, noticing intently the sensations, sights, and sounds as you perform them.
Mindful Walking: As you walk, pay attention to your body movements and the environment around you.

Remember, mindfulness is a journey, not a destination.

With patience and practice, you'll discover the transformative power it holds, enabling you to navigate life's “mangoes” with wisdom and grace. 🙂