Buddhism as a Way of Life: Practical Steps for Mindfulness and Balance

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Buddhism is a philosophy and practice that began over 2,500 years ago in northern India. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, later called the Buddha or “Enlightened One.” Unlike religions focused on one deity, Buddhism does not center on worshipping a god. Instead, it offers a path to inner peace through mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion. Without my traveling experiences, I may never have understood its depth. But I do now more than ever. For me, Buddhism’s appeal lies in its daily practice—a way of life that blends spirituality seamlessly into everyday actions.

Table of Contents

• Buddhism: A Way of Life Beyond Belief
• A Humbling Lesson at the Cafe
• The Story of Buddha: From Prince to Enlightened Teacher
• A Philosophy That Stands Apart
• A Holistic Path: Bringing Mind, Body, and Spirit Together
• The Temple Experience: A Place of Peace and Renewal
• Buddhism as a Way of Life
• Why Buddhism Resonates With Me

A Humbling Lesson at the Cafe

One afternoon, I went to a cafe, craving some quiet time. A group of ladies nearby filled the room with loud laughter and chatter. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I grabbed my drone and headed outside for peace. But they followed me out, sitting close by even with plenty of other spots available. Anyone who has been in a popular cafe in South Korea understands what I was feeling.

Determined to ignore them, I took off with my drone—only to have it crash into a tree and plummet into a pool of murky water. Frustrated, I knelt by the water, trying to fish it out without actually stepping in. That’s when one of the ladies appeared, handing me a long branch to help pull it closer. Then, before I knew it, another rolled up her pant legs, waded right into the muddy water, and pulled out my drone herself.

The drone was done, but my pride took the real hit. Their kindness, even after my irritation, was humbling. It’s a reminder I carry with me, especially when frustration starts to rise: sometimes the most unexpected people show us the greatest grace.

Buddhism: A Way of Life Beyond Belief

Buddhism encourages followers to focus on personal growth without worshipping a deity. It empowers practitioners to develop a connected mind, body, and spirit. Meditation, mindfulness, and healthy living are foundational to this practice. This holistic approach brings together thoughts, actions, and health into a steady, natural flow. Balance and simplicity become accessible in everyday life.

Monk Chat

Noy, a former monk who dedicated nine years of his youth to Buddhist monastic life, ultimately chose a different path, one that allowed him to explore the world outside the monastery. As soon as we began talking, he assured me that no topic was off-limits. I felt a wave of relief and dove right in, asking him everything I’d wondered about monastic life, meditation, and his journey after leaving. Our conversation flowed easily, stretching for a couple of hours as he shared insights and experiences, each answer offering me a new perspective.

Afterward, he invited me to a small, serene temple nearby, Wat Pa Phai, and unlocked its doors, revealing a quiet sanctuary. Inside, the soft light filtered through intricately carved windows, casting gentle shadows across the floor. He guided me into a yoga session, moving through each pose with a calm, meditative grace that seemed to mirror his life as a monk. It was surreal practicing yoga steps away from the Mekong River, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the temple’s courtyard. The air was fragrant with the scents of lavender and frangipani blossoms, adding to the tranquil atmosphere of our time together.

That afternoon, tucked away in a hidden corner of Laos, I experienced a profound connection, learning from Noy’s wisdom and his path beyond the monastery. The memory of that monk chat, in the peace of Wat Pa Phai, stays with me as a reminder of how spirituality and inner peace can be cultivated in many ways and places.

Are you interested in exploring Buddhist teachings further? Then, consider scheduling an Orange Robe Tour . I spent a few hours speaking with a former monk in Luang Prabang. The monk chat costs $20 USD for an hour-long session and an additional $10 USD for a one-hour guided meditation.

The Story of Buddha: From Prince to Enlightened Teacher

The Buddha’s story starts with Siddhartha Gautama, a prince who was raised in luxury and shielded from the harshness of life. At 29, he left his palace and, for the first time, saw aging, illness, and death. This had a profound impact on him, and he gave up his royal life to find a way to end human suffering.

Siddhartha searched for 6 years, exploring philosophies and extreme ascetic practices. Through meditation, he found that enlightenment wasn’t in deprivation or indulgence but in balance, a mindful way of living called the Middle Way. While meditating under the Bodhi tree, he had a deep understanding of life, suffering, and liberation. From that moment on, he became the Buddha and spent the rest of his life teaching others the path to inner peace.

A Philosophy That Stands Apart

Buddhism’s focus on a continual journey rather than a destination offers a unique path to spiritual growth. Enlightenment is an ongoing process—a path of self-improvement that feels freeing and empowering. Instead of seeking an ultimate reward or afterlife, Buddhism encourages finding purpose in each moment and action. It invites followers to live with intention and compassion, creating meaning in everyday life. For instance, using noise-canceling headphones can help you block out distractions while traveling; it also blocks sounds connecting you to your travels.

A Holistic Path: Bringing Mind, Body, and Spirit Together

In Buddhism, meditation and mindful eating are life-affirming— more than exercises or rituals. They transform daily life by merging beliefs with actions. This approach grounds each moment in mindfulness, bringing purpose and awareness to everyday actions. For me, this approach provides an anchor, helping me turn to reflection and self-awareness in times of stress or distraction, giving everyday balance and intention.

Buddhism has transformed how I look at each day. It helps me stay grounded and at peace with myself. Self-reflection has become a way to pause and contemplate my actions, cultivating freedom from external pressures and fear of judgment that feels rare and refreshing.

The Temple Experience: A Place of Peace and Renewal

Buddhist temples are always on my travel itinerary, and each visit offers a grounding and inspiring experience. Stepping into a temple fills me with an overwhelming sense of peace and clarity. The gentle hum of chants, the aroma of burning incense, and the vibrant explosion of color in painted murals and ornate statues create a serene space.

This atmosphere allows me to pause, reconnect with myself, and let go of everyday stresses. Each temple feels like a refuge, and no matter where I travel, visiting these temples reminds me of Buddhism’s timeless call for mindfulness and compassion. They are places that seem to hold the very essence of the path to inner peace.

Buddhism as a Way of Life

1. Patience: Buddhism helps me stay calm through travel delays, daily frustrations, and unexpected changes. My responses are not instantaneous.
2. Connection: It encourages me to build meaningful relationships with people across cultures and in everyday life. I smile and speak to strangers, not caring who they are or what they believe themselves.
3. Presence: Buddhism guides me to enjoy each moment deeply, whether traveling or listening to the water while I wash my hands.
4. Inner Peace: It supports me in managing stress and challenges with resilience, both on the road and at home– which is a safe place for all that enter it.
5. Respect: Buddhism reminds me to approach new cultures and everyday interactions with openness and empathy. I am not the subject of every story.

Why Buddhism Resonates With Me

Buddhism is more than a set of beliefs—it’s a way of living with intention, balance, and kindness. In a world where many belief systems place spirituality outside daily life, Buddhism offers a holistic path, uniting mind and body, thought and action. This journey turns focus inward, guiding followers through personal struggles and self-improvement rather than external goals or comparisons. It encourages internal harmony, where self-reflection measures growth, not competition or external success.

I am not going to lie. I feel all the anxiety and mistrust this latest election has made so palpable. Unfortunately, I also know it was already here, simmering just beneath the surface, a mix of fear and frustration that seems to have finally broken open. Buddhism helps me manage these feelings in a way that keeps me grounded, focusing on the internal instead of the noise outside. It reminds me that peace comes from within, not from the world around us.

For me, Buddhism’s appeal lies in its focus on self-awareness and mindful growth—a way of life that feels freeing and deeply empowering. The Buddha taught that enlightenment is not a moment but a constant struggle, a journey toward understanding that we may never complete—and I’m okay with that. Each step, each mindful breath, helps me find purpose and peace even when the world feels chaotic. So, am I a Buddhist? Maybe. Perhaps it’s not the label that matters but the path itself. Being present and looking inward offers me a way to cope and face uncertainty with openness instead of fear.

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