Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Paying attention and being aware of what is happening outside is important but not as important as being attentive and self-aware of our inner landscape. Such an attitude leads you to a better understanding of yourself.
Physical changes and impermanence are perpetual. When life’s transient nature registers in our mind we hear the whispers of the primordial questions, “Is that all there is?” “Is there anything permanent?” “What is authentic about my life?” “What is that which truly makes me happy?”
In our younger years we pay attention to only our outer appearance, what we see reflected in the mirror. Our awareness is directed outward upon things, people, and places. With age, if we are fortunate, we turn inward towards the things that give meaning to our life, help us find a purpose. Each of us defines meaning and purpose differently. Different things make us happy.
Reading and writing make me happy. One year in my late 60’s, I decided to read, The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, as part of my morning practice. Each day I read aloud several poems until one reverberated with my heart. I copied it in a notebook meant especially for this exercise. It took me one year to read aloud all 1775 poems and copy my favorite ones. By the end of that project I had 220 of Dickinson poems copied.
This exercise not only deepened my prose but also inspired a few poems of my own.
The poems underlined the significance of looking inward, to be in tune with the inner self, and to pay heed to its whispers. In short, to be mindful.
By now you have some idea of what mindfulness feels like. You are honing it daily. With mindfulness practice you are able to go into deeper levels of consciousness. The deeper you go, the darker it is. You find yourself in stark darkness but your inner mentor, the Authentic Self, is there to guide you. In Dickinson’s words, “I am out with lantern, looking for myself.” Your lantern is your mindfulness practice. Do what makes you happy. What makes you happy?
Prompt: Journal about where you are now and where do you see yourself at the end of this year, and at the end of five years.
Lorraine
I’m finding and understanding myself more each day. As I watch others my age floundering over life, regrets, unknown future, unknown passions, confusion and stress – I’m very thankful to have followed you for so many years, Madhu. You’ve helped me through the process of self-discovery and aging with passion, direction, and grace.
Donna Lucas
Mindful Writers Practice helped me discover and embrace my Authentic Self. This is my sixth year using the tools you taught us, Madhu. Thank you!
Today, my students are starting class with personal journaling that they do NOT have to share with anyone else. When they are done, they choose to put it away or throw it away.
Madhu B. Wangu
Thank you so much Lorraine! You’ve made me feel quite good. Love.
Madhu B. Wangu
Thank you so much for letting me know how Writing Meditation Practice has helped you get linked with your Authentic Self! What a great teacher your students have. Donna Lucas! who teaches them mindfulness and journaling. They would be grateful to you for the rest of their lives.
Jennifer D. Diamond
Thank you, Madhu, for your insights. This line stuck out at me today, “Physical changes and impermanence are perpetual.” I use familiar routines to calm my generalized anxiety, so the perpetual natural changes of life used to throw me for a loop. Now, by following Writing Meditation Practice, I am able to bring myself back to the present moment, to settle my anxious mind, and work on what brings me joy in the here-and-now.
Madhu B. Wangu
My dear Jenn, keep the good work of practicing Writing Meditation going and watch your spiritual progress, slowly but surely.