The Essence of Mindfulness and Freedom
I recently listened to a Tara Brach talk on Surrender (she is my spiritual go-to) and came across this poem by Dorothy Hunt. It so resonated with me that I couldn’t help but share it.
So often, we search for peace as something out there, a future destination, a better version of ourselves, or a life with fewer challenges. But Peace Is This Moment Without Judgment, by Dorothy Hunt, reminds us that true peace is much simpler and far more accessible.
This poem speaks directly to the essence of mindfulness: being present with what is, without the need to fix or change it. It shows us that freedom doesn’t come from controlling life, but from softening into each moment with acceptance. When we stop judging ourselves, others, or our circumstances, we discover a spaciousness—a Heart-space—where everything is welcome.
This is mindfulness. This is freedom. And it’s available now.
Peace Is This Moment Without Judgment
Do you think peace requires an end to war?
Or tigers eating only vegetables?
Does peace require an absence from
your boss, your spouse, yourself?…
Do you think peace will come some other place than here?
Some other time than Now?
In some other heart than yours?
Peace is this moment without judgment.
That is all. This moment in the Heart-space
where everything that is is welcome.
Peace is this moment without thinking
that it should be some other way,
that you should feel some other thing,
that your life should unfold according to your plans.
Peace is this moment without judgment,
this moment in the Heart-space where
everything that is is welcome.
I hope you enjoyed this poem and it resonated with you as much as it did me. If you would like to learn more about mindfulness and how it can help you, please reach out to book a brief conversation.