Sitting on a cushion meditating is called ‘practice.’ It is a practice at being mindful. Really, I think my whole life is constant practice. It shapes my mind, I get insight, I understand the nature of things, I learn how to act. I teach my mind.
To make it happen, however, I need to be aware, really in the moment. Otherwise my life turns into one mindless, habit-forming step after another.
When my mind is present, I am gaining insight. I am learning how not to base my life on ‘should’ but on awareness, insight, understanding. When my mind and heart are present in this time and space, I know what is happening in this time and space.
By practicing, by acting according to the nature of things, I gain greater insight into their true nature. A tool is of use only when I use it, and it is in the use of the tool I learn more about its true nature and potential. My mind can be my tool. Everything I mindfully experience is my tool.
Such is so for all of my human nature. By being present in the moment, by being aware of what is happening, I gain insight in my nature. By acting according to the insight, I am practicing being human. And so I gain further insight, if I am paying attention. Then I can have more insightful, skillful practice.