Meditation and the concepts of non-self and interbeing.
There is an elusive concept in Buddhism called Anatta or non-self. In Hindu philosophy, it is called the anātman. In African wisdom, it is named Ubuntu. It is closely connected to something Thich Naht Nanh coined Interbeing, which he explains through the analogy of a flower: “Flowers are made of non-flower elements, including water, sunshine, the soil, the weather, the gardener, the florist, etc. Without these elements, no flower would manifest”. The concept of non-self is a theme of meditation in which we allow ourselves to become aware that we are connected to the world around us.
In an article in the Plum Village Community blog, Dharma teacher Karen Hilsberg writes, “… we all contain the nature of awakening within us, and we can activate or realize this in ourselves by practicing mindfulness which is made up of … deeply looking.” To appreciate interbeing, we pay close attention to nature and other beings in an intimate relationship encouraged by mindfulness. We realize that we are connected to the life-giving sustenance of plants through the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide. Plants and animals reciprocate and exchange nourishment and this necessary coexistence helps everything survive on this beautiful and fragile planet.
In Native American philosophy the concept of “all life being connected” is central to the relationship between humans, animals, plants, and the natural world. When we practice mindfulness and meditation, we appreciate that everything benefits from reciprocity. Earth-based wisdom nourishes this interconnection and it is central to an understanding of healthy living. We cannot survive independently of our surroundings because everything is intimately related through the concepts of non-self and interbeing.
A meditation practice that helps us be mindful of Anatta and Interbeing is entitled Awake in Nature. Many of us enjoy hiking or walking in the beautiful surroundings of our northern New Mexico landscape and the following practice invites us to exchange our mobile phones for a snack and be with nature in a way that welcomes a deep connection. This practice can be done with the entire family, a group, or by oneself.
Anne-Marie Emanuelli is the founder and Creative Director at Mindful Frontiers LLC. Mindful Frontiers LLC is a Benefit Corporation (BCorp) committed to Community Wellness by providing schools and organizations with mindfulness meditation tools that nurture positive social-emotional growth. With over two decades of meditation experience, Anne-Marie provides coaching for children, families, individuals, groups, and classrooms. She is a certified meditation leader and a certified labyrinth facilitator. Featured practices can be found on the Welcoming a Mindful Future podcast and Insight Timer app. Our website is MindfulFrontiers.net.
Awake in Nature: a meditation on non-self and interbeing
- Begin by choosing a comfortable place outdoors. Before settling into the practice, check your body for any areas of tension or discomfort. Stretch out these areas in any way that feels right to you. Close your eyes if that is comfortable or just gaze on a neutral spot with eyelids relaxed.
- Allow yourself to become aware of your breathing. Take a couple of deeper-than-usual breaths, noticing where the breath is most apparent (chest, belly, or nose area) to relax the nervous system and settle the mind.
- Next, choose an anchor for the mind. This can be the sound of birds chirping, the swaying motion of tree branches in the breeze, or the sound of a stream. Pay close attention to this anchor, noticing details as they become aware. There are often moments of silence between the sounds in which the mind can take extra pleasure.
- Switch your attention to the body. Is the sun warming your skin? Can you feel the heaviness of your body on the earth? Notice how oxygen is coming into your body and with each exhale, you share life-giving carbon dioxide with nature.
- Bring out a snack and as you eat, be mindful of the nourishment provided by the food. Using mindful awareness, consider what elements are shared between the food and your body. How did the food come into your possession? Who and what made this possible?
- Allow yourself to notice sensations all around you. Is there grass under your feet or something tickling your legs? Can you reach your hands and feel the bark on a tree or gaze at a flower near you? Are there insects or an animal enjoying the space with you?
- Keep going for as long as you are comfortable. Allowing yourself plenty of time to get absorbed in nature helps us embrace interbeing. Breathing in and out, sensing our surroundings, absorbing what’s here in the present moment for as long as you can.
When your practice is complete, journaling or writing a poem may be inspiring. Children can be invited to draw their experience.
Originally published in The Taos News, September 12, 2024
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