Body, feeling and mind. http://amzn.to/2iZOLK7
Book: Zen Min, Beginner’s Mind
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Body, feeling and mind as one experience
Shunryu Suzuki lists three simple words in Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: body, feeling and mind. Buddhist teachings often describe these as foundations of mindfulness. Paying attention to each one reveals how experience is built, moment by moment, and how the three constantly influence each other.
The body is the most concrete. Posture, breath and sensation are always present. Feelings sit between body and mind, colouring experience as pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. The mind includes thoughts, intentions and awareness itself. Separating them helps us observe, even though in reality they work together.
Noticing body, feeling and mind in daily life
A simple exercise is a three-step check-in. First, notice the body. Are your shoulders tense? Is your breath shallow? Then notice feelings. Is there irritation, calm or excitement? Finally, notice thoughts. What story is the mind telling right now? This takes less than a minute.
The check-in often reveals hidden connections. Tension in the body may come from a worrying thought. A pleasant feeling may follow good news. As a result, we can respond more wisely. For example, relaxing the shoulders sometimes softens an anxious thought.
Modern psychology supports this integrated view. Research on embodied cognition shows that physical states influence judgement and mood. Moreover, techniques like progressive muscle relaxation reduce anxiety by working through the body.
This awareness improves performance too. Athletes, musicians and speakers who notice early signs of tension can adjust before it affects results.
Regular practice makes the check-in automatic. Over time, awareness of all three dimensions becomes part of everyday attention.
In the end, Suzuki’s three words offer a map of experience. Knowing the map helps us navigate difficult moments with more calm and clarity.
In short, awareness grows with practice. Therefore, try the check-in three times a day. For example, do it before lunch, after work and before sleep. As a result, you will understand your patterns much better within a week.
