The Mindfulness Project
“May all living beings be full of loving kindness. May all living beings be healthy and free of physical and mental pain. May all living beings be calm and relaxed and free of fears, and may they be happy, content, and Really Free!”
This Buddhist chant was given each time we had a meal or formed a “goodbye circle” for a volunteer leaving the Mindfulness Project for their next journeys. Whether laughter followed at Christian’s enthusiastic performance of the last two words, or tears followed as we gave a big goodbye hug to someone who felt like family in just a few days of knowing them, the words were moving and centering, reminding us why it matters to work towards creating a better world for any living being we could, including ourselves.
I arrived at the Mindfulness Project not knowing where exactly I was. This winter my intention was to visit as many ecovillages in Thailand as I could to learn practices and philosophies that contribute to greater individual and collective well-being, but I really didn’t have much information going into this one. Some stray dogs stared at me coldly as I walked past farmland, treading dust on the dirt roads, my heavy backpack weighing on my shoulders, sweat rippling down my skin.
A wash of relief flowed over me when I finally saw the bright orange sign at a gate: “The Mindfulness Project,” it read, featuring a meditating figure. Oh right, I thought to myself as I recalled planning my Thailand trip, this is the one where we wake up super early to meditate. Cool. I realize most wouldn’t be too excited about waking up at 5:30 every morning to meditate, but having spent two months last year doing one-hour silent meditations daily, I knew how amazing it was going to feel and how easy it would be to have the discipline to practice if everyone else was doing it.
I tentatively walked through the gate and was instantly greeted by nearly a dozen warm hugs from the most peaceful-looking people I had ever seen. They told me they were resting after a morning of hard work, and not one of them seemed at all bitter as they went into further detail of the rigorous work they had done. The conversations were easy and flowing, and in a matter of hours I was settled in, laughing with the group, participating in a talking circle where we all answer a deep question as well as recount what our best moment of the day was, and then getting my first mindfulness teaching. I couldn’t believe how comfortable and inspiring this place was right off the bat.
The mornings were completely in silence, so I woke up to the ringing of the real gong we use as an alarm, and watched intently to see what the heck I should do. I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and mimicked a girl ahead of me picking up a yoga mat and pillow. I was amazed by the beautiful sunrise, stars still shining through a cotton candy sky. We walked down the road, the green trees and bamboo softly waving in the early morning breeze. We did an hour of yoga and then an hour of meditation, walked back for a delicious, mindful breakfast, and broke the silence by giving each other a big hug! Oh yeah, I was in hippie town and enjoying it very much!
Each day started out like this and then went into working for 4-5 hours, helping out wherever we could on the land. It was hard work in crazy heat but it was always fun, active, and mindful, being completely in the moment, exercising, getting things accomplished, and being in great company. In the afternoons we had a break where we could relax, do whatever, do laundry, hang out, always prime time for a nap in my book. In the evenings we had dinner, a talking circle, and a teaching, and when I say these are the most rich and fulfilling days ever, I mean it. We’re all pretty tired, but extremely happy, connected and inspired.
On the weekends we would go to a monastery in the city and participate in Buddha Day, sleeping, meditating, offering food, and learning about Buddhism straight from the source on this weekly Buddhist celebration. After Buddha day we get an evening off and free day the next day to explore the city and then to sleep in and do whatever we want the whole day. My favorite activities were going to the mall or going to the gorgeous lake nearby.
I was really lucky to be there for two volunteers’ birthdays in which they had unlimited wishes that they could ask for anything, including what we would have for dinner, and most importantly an extremely fun dance party complete with the Mindfulness Project’s legit DJ deck with huge speakers. Belting Queen together at the top of our lungs is something I’ll never forget.
We also got opportunities to be of service to the community by going to the local orphanage or animal shelter to help out, or to go experience Thai culture by going to temples and celebrations. Mostly I think the purpose of the Mindfulness Project is to teach Buddhism, not strictly through theory, but through experiential practice, opening our hearts, understanding the meanings behind the rituals, gestures and mannerisms in Thailand, and making a difference wherever we can, applying the work we do internally to make a positive impact outwardly, even if that just means being a little more open, kind, present, authentic, loving and peaceful.
The Mindfulness Project is so dear to my heart, an unforgettable experience full of so much personal growth, fun, new experiences, deep conversations and connections, and so much hope for the world that it’s possible to gain this much internal and relational peace, comfort and joy just from mindfulness practices. I’m excited to say that I’ll be volunteering with them again long-term starting mid-January and I look forward to helping to support such a beautiful force in the world. Their primary mission is reforestation, a goal they have done a lot for in the past and will do much more for going forward as they move to their new land.
If you would like to learn more about Buddhism and mindfulness, here is my article on what I learned. If you want to learn directly from the source, the Mindfulness Project has a Patreon on which all their lessons are available, or you can plan a visit with them in Thailand through worldpackers or just visit their website here.
