Dazzlement and Mindfulness

A visit to the grand Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and Universal Studios Singapore (USS) brought about a mix of thoughts and feelings. I wondered what I appreciated about these places and what brought discomfort.

They are beautiful places, showcasing the artistry and talent of many people across many cultures. There is much laughter, joy, and excitement in the air. It is a place to be dazzled.

And the discomfort sits on this point of dazzlement. Coincidentally, the origin of the word "dazzle" comes from "daze", which means to be stunned or overwhelmed. It is a place seemingly void of suffering with the senses overwhelmed with beautiful sights, wonderful scents, exotic foods, fancy goods, and exciting play. It is a place where mindfulness can be forgotten.

Leaving the place, it can bring lingering feelings of wanting more: another dish to taste, another ride to try, another photo to take, and so on. Fortunately, reality awakens us most of the time and brings us home to the present.

Fifth Mindfulness Training - Nourishment and Healing 

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivating good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I will practice looking deeply into my consumption of the Four Kinds of Nutriments, namely edible foods, sense impressions, volition, and consciousness.  I am determined not to gamble, or to use alcohol, drugs, or any other products which contain toxins, such as certain websites, electronic games, TV programs, films, magazines, books, and conversations.  I will practice coming back to the present moment to be in touch with the refreshing, healing and nourishing elements in me and around me, not letting regrets and sorrow drag me back into the past nor letting anxieties, fear or craving pull me out of the present moment.  I am determined not to try to cover up loneliness, anxiety or other suffering by losing myself in consumption.  I will contemplate interbeing and consume in a way that preserves peace, joy, and well-being in my body and consciousness and in the collective body and consciousness of my family, my society and the Earth.