The Paris Traveler

Wherever You Go, There You Are (Hopefully, It’s Paris)

by Kim on April 4th, 2008

Today is one of those days where what I am writing has nothing to do with Paris but is something that I really want to bring to your awareness–just in case you need to be made aware.

 In 1994 the gentleman you see here, Jon Kabatt Zinn published, Wherever You Go, There You Are:Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life.  It’s a fascinating book that outlines a simple path on how to become more aware, attuned, mindful–whatever you want to call it to each moment in your life. Sort of opening yourself up to the “silence” inside your head instead of listening to all the static-y chatter.    I pulled it off my bookshelf the other day and started reading it for a third time since I purchased it way back when it came out.  Yes, it is a book about meditation which you may or may not be

cup of tea, but much of what he says goes beyond sitting in stillness, which in our culture can be a pretty difficult thing to do.  Doing, moving, climbing will beat out “being” any day for many of us.  Fear of too much being might mean that others are running over us in the race to get ahead. That’s so not the American way!  As I write this, I realize that maybe this has everything to do with Paris…and much of Europe for that matter. Culturally, Europeans are OK with being.  Granted, some countries don’t allow their citizens many options, so being just is.  On that count, we are fortunate to have a choice.  But still,  sitting at a café with a book or newspaper sipping an espresso or glass of wine is totally acceptable.  Rushing to get to the next moment, the next meeting, the soccer field, the dance lesson without living in the present doesn’t really happpen there.  We have created a culture of busy but it’s mindless busy. Sort of filling time so we don’t appear to be slacking. And yes, doing has to be done, I am well aware, but perhaps we in the states should strive to find a better balanace between the two.   I know I identify strongly with how Europeans choose to live which might be why this book and the ideas behind it resonate so strongly for me.

If you aren’t interested in reading the book, I have found something that actually, might be a bit better.  I did a Google search on Mr. Kabitt-Zinn and found a video of him giving an “introduction to meditation” lunchtime lecture, at of all places, Google headquarters in northern California.  The video is long, 72 minutes, but is so informative, useful, helpful and as a speaker, Mr. Kabitt-Zinn is engaging, humorous, intelligent and makes what he writes about come alive or should I say, come into being;-).  As a result of another search for classes or workshops he conducts, I found them but they can cost upwards of $1500 for 5 day sessions.  So, I do believe I just found the best of both worlds–his expertise for free!   Actually, in the video he clarified some of his concepts from the book that had me hanging so I’m thinking a combination of reading and watching might be a real bonus.  Try it.  You have nothing to lose except all the incessant chatter going on in your head!

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