December 18, 2025:
Aware of My Mind; Cultivating Joy, Caring for Mental Formations
The Path of Emancipation, Parallax, 2000
Chapter 6 - Embracing our Feelings - Pages 91 - 95

Chapter 7 - Cultivating Joy - Pages 97 - 113

Chapter 8 - Transformation at the Base - Pages 115 - 120

Verse 9:
Breathing in, I experience (am aware of) my mind (mental formations).

Breathing in, I experience (am aware of) my mind (mental formations).

Verse 10:

Breathing in, I make my mind happy (gladden my mind).

Breathing out, I make my mind happy (gladden my mind).

Our practice sessions are open to anyone who would like to participate; there is no requirement to have attended prior sessions. 

Practice Exercises for December

1. Continue to use a bell of mindfulness (from the Plum Village app or your own timer) throughout the day. When you hear the sound of the bell, stop and return to your breathing. Take a moment to note something in your environment that you find nourishing or supportive and open yourself to a sense of gratitude and happiness.

2.  We learn this month that happiness can come from "leaving something behind," or "releasing our cows." Spend some time reflecting on your beliefs about what you need to be happy. Make a list of those things, then look deeply into each item and ask, "Is this necessary for my happiness, or is it an obstacle to my happiness?" Without judgement, take note of what arises when you ask this question.

3. Practice flower watering. Begin by noticing something you value or appreciate in yourself, and take a moment to feel appreciation for that quality. Then, try to find opportunities to water the flowers of people around you. Let yourself experience the happiness that comes when we contribute to the happiness of others.

4. Spend some time stretching your body or doing some form of mindful movement daily. Let yourself become aware of the pleasant feelings associated with showing your body this kind of care and compassion.

5. Thay tells us that conditions for our happiness are everywhere in us and around us, but because we aren't mindful, we don't recognize them. Don’t overlook simple things like a good night’s sleep, the taste of your morning coffee, a friend’s smile or cheerful greeting, or the warmth of a favorite sweater. Continue to use a gratitude journal  during your meditation time or at the end of the day, and list the things that have contributed to your happiness and nourished you in the past 24 hours.

Enjoy your practice, dear friends! 🙏

Optional Recommended Resources

• Video and Song below