Article By – Manish Behl and Published by The Free Press Journal

Have you ever jolted awake with a gasp, realizing you have overslept and you have missed an important meeting? Or perhaps you have found yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, losing track of time and feeling a hollowness despite the constant stimulation.

These are just a few examples of how living on autopilot can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary stress.

Value of Mindfulness through Kabir’s Doha:

When I started walking on path of mindfulness I realized that it so simple yet so complex. Like this small Kabir’s Doha unveils such a profound wisdom. Kabir ji, a 15th century Indian mystic poet, offers a powerful anitidote on mindfulness.

उठ जाग मुसाफिर भोर भई,अब रैन काहा जो सोवत है|
जो सोवत है वो खोवत है,जो जगत है वो पावत है|

Wake up traveler, it’s morning now, night has finished. Why are you still sleeping? Whoever is sleeping is missing, whoever is awake is getting and enjoying this moment. 

Here, Kabir doesn’t simply call for a physical rise from sleep. He challenges us to awaken our full awareness, to be present in the here and now, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Imagine a traveler navigating a treacherous mountain path. He would not walk with his eyes closed, oblivious to the dangers around him.

Let unveil the layers of hidden meaning from this simple poem. Kabir’s doha unveils several layers of meaning that hold the key to cultivating mindfulness. Let’s decode the lines of Sant Kabir’s doha that hold the key to mindfulness in today’s world:

Jaag Musafir – The Traveler: Kabir addresses us as “traveler”, a metaphor for every human being on a life journey. We alll are travelers traversing the uncharted landscape of existence. This simple yet powerful image reminds us that life is not a destination but a continous voyage of discovery.

Bhor bhae – The Dawning of Awareness: “Morning” signifies the present moment, the only moment truly we have any control over. By urging us to awaken “now”, Kabir emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present, where life unfolds with each passing breath.

Ren kahan: The “night” that has finished symbolizes the past, which is gone and cannot be changed. The future remains uncertain, mere horizon on our journey.

Jo sovat hai: The “sleeping” state refers to our slumber of unconsiousness, our tendency to autopilot through life without truly being present. We are often lost in thoughts about the past or worries about the future, missing the beauty and power of the present moment. Kabir’s call to “wake up” is a powerful invitation to break free from this slumber and engage fully with life.

Jo sovat hai woh khovat hai – The cost of being unmindfulness: The phrase, “whoever is sleeping is missing” highlights the consequences of unconsiousness. When we are not present, we miss out on the simple joys and opportunities that life offers.

Jo jagat hai woh paavat hai – The reward of mindfulness: The final line “whoever is awake is enjoying this moment”, emphasizes that by being present, you can truly enjoy and appreciate the richness of life. The heartfelt conversation with a loved one, the breath taking beauty of a sunset, or the satisfaction of completing a task with focused attention.

Tools for everyday life:

Start your day with Intention: Instead of rushing through your morning routine, take a few moments to center yourself. Practice a few deep breaths and set an intention for the day.

Embrace the power of the pause: Throughout your day, incorporate mini-mindfulness exercises. When the urge to multitask arises, take a pause. This mindful pause can help you re focus and approach your tasks with renewed clarity.

Be thankful: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, however small they may seem.

Benefits of Mindfulness:

Mindful Science Centre one a leading mindfulness institute in the world located in Mumbai works relentless on scientific application of Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence. They run Asia’s biggest summit called “Mindfulness India Summit” which also takes place in Mumbai.

Research has shown that mindfulness practices can lead to a multitude of benefits, including:

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety
• Improved Focus and Concentration
• Enhanced Emotional Regulation
• Greater Self-Awareness
• Increased Compassion for others
• Improved Sleep Quality

A Lifelong Journey:

Mindfulness is not a destination but a lifelong journey. Our minds will wander, and that’s perfectly alright. The key is to gently bring our attention back to the present moment without judgement. With consistent practice, we can cultivate a deeper sense of awareness, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and richness of everyday life. You can also reach out to me if you wish to learn more on Meditation and Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence.

Become a ICF  Certified Mindfulness Trainer  – Read More