Buddha is a Sanskrit word for the one who is awake. 

Anyone can become a Buddha, as Thich Nhat Hanh says:

"When you begin to practice Buddhism you begin as a part-time buddha and slowly you become a full-time buddha. Sometimes you fall back and become a part-time buddha again, but with steady practice you become a full-time buddha again. Buddhahood is within reach because, like the Buddha, you’re a human being. You can become a buddha whenever you like; the Buddha is available in the here and now, anytime, anywhere."

Thich Nhat Hanh speaks of our commitment to mindfulness and acknowledges that we are all in different places in our lives with varying priorities, resources and time restraints. He assures us that these external factors do not hinder our ability to embrace our inner buddha. What we need to do is practice, practice, practice.

We can all be part time buddhas by engaging in simple activities mindfully.

Try one of these mindful practices:

• Take 5 deep breaths.
• Embrace a craving and breathe through it.
• Smell a flower.
• Do the apple meditation. 
• Take a walk, paying attention to each step and each breath.
• Practice yoga.
• Meditate for 10 minutes (or more if you have time).
• Buy local food today. Unsure where to find locally grown food? Local Harvest can direct you.
• Savor a new healthy dish
• Read the 5 contemplations before dinner this evening.
• Breathe in love and peace.
• Choose an alternative activity instead of watching television
• Smile.

Now thank yourself. You are already a part time buddha!

How were you a part time buddha today? Did you engage in one of the practices mentioned above, or something different?

You can share here on the blog, or in our Savor community, where mindfulness practitioners blog about their experiences, share favorite recipes and work together to achieve mindful living goals such as weight loss and stress reduction.