SEARCH: Mindfulness and Gratitude

Mindfulness and Gratitude

by Lillian Csernica

In the movie Kung Fu Panda, Master Shifu, the world’s greatest kung fu teacher, refuses to believe when his own teacher, Master Oogway, declares Po—a cuddly giant panda—will become the legendary Dragon Warrior.

Master Shifu is a control freak. This attitude problem stems from a serious lack of inner peace. He made one big mistake twenty years ago and now he cannot get past it. Even though Master Shifu trained the Furious Five—heroes who protect ordinary people from bad guys—Master Shifu cannot forgive himself. His life is all about righting his big mistake. That prevents him from believing Master Oogway’s plan and finding inner peace.

Living in the moment is difficult for many people. All too often we’re dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. “Making memories” is a phrase I hear quite often in advertising. It strikes me as odd. Are we supposed to go on a trip to some resort and…