From Mindfulness to Heartfulness

From Mindfulness to Heartfulness Transforming Self and Society with Compassion Mindfulness has become a mainstay of modern life. Millions have found it to be a powerful tool for reducing stress enhancing attention and instilling tranquility but Stephen Murphy-Shigematsu insists it can be so much more. As mindfulness has moved from East to West Murphy-Shigematsu believes something has been lost in translation. The utilitarian approach has widened its appeal but narrowed its potential. From years of practice he's discovered mindfulness is not just a way to clear your head it can transform you make you more fully awake alive and aware of your connection to all beings. In Japanese the character that best expresses mindfulness consists of two parts the top part meaning 'now' and the bottom part meaning 'heart.' It's that second part that Murphy-Shigematsu wants to restore. Heartfulness consists of mindfulness compassion and responsibility. Its eight principles beginner's mind vulnerability authenticity connectedness listening acceptance gratitude and service are ways of realizing the original intent and full possibilities of mindfulness practice. Underlying it all is Murphy-Shigematsu's strong belief that the deepest expression of an awakened mind is found in our relation to others. He uses stories from his own life as the son of an Irish immigrant father and a Japanese mother a professor in Japan and America a psychotherapist a father and a husband to encourage each of us to reflect on how these principles can be manifested in our daily lives. There is too much mind in mindfulness today. It shouldn't just be about thinking and relaxing Murphy-Shigematsu shows us how much more enlightening an experience it can be when we add caring and a concern for our fellow beings to the practice.