Wash Your Bowl

(practice with your partner)

breathe, be. here. now.

It sounds simple, right? Find a comfortable seat, drop your shoulders back, close your eyes, and... just breathe. Focus on the present moment. Bring your awareness back to your breath, the core of your being. And reapeat, until the bell goes off.

If you are reading this article, chances are, you've tried something like this before.

But, what if our mindfulness moment didn't have to be a "just sit" situation?

What if you decided to play with mindfulness, in every moment? What would that look like?

(this idea is based on this talk provided by Roshi Joan Halifax of the Upaya Zen center.. "true practice means working with "the ingredients we have been given" in each moment. Roshi emphasizes that awakening isn't found in transcending daily life but in meeting each activity—whether washing bowls or putting down a zafu—with complete attention and care.")

If you want to watch the talk, you can find it, here

How to play:

At any point, you can say "wash the bowl", to your partner.

If they return the phrase "wash the bowl", you both must stop whatever you are doing to take each others hands and breathe seven times, deeply (it does not have to be in unison).

Then, you are encouraged to return to whatever activity you were doing before, with increased attention and care.

After you've completed the activity, tell your partner what you noticed about the experience.

If you have at least one thing in common with regards to your experiences, you win the game!

Happy washing!