We consider Santa to be the greatest mindfulness practitioner, given his powers of awareness: He makes us to do good and feel good. Now that’s a big one, as many of us are often selfish and bad. He gives to everyone, all over the world, all at pretty much the same time. This indicates a […]
Given the state of the world today it’d be totally understandable if we were dreading the holidays, the new year, or whatever might happen next, instead of feeling joyful and full of anticipation. Yet this new year has a very special effect: it makes us believe we have the chance to start over, to do […]
We’re all dealing with fear right now: Fear of catching or dying from covid, fear of what will happen next, of maybe losing your job, of loneliness, loss, depression, the list goes on. We’re also dealing with political lies and conspiracy theories, let alone environmental disasters. That’s a lot to cope with and fear really […]
It is one of life’s greatest ironies that no matter how much we want to be different, wherever we go there we are. There’s just no getting away from ourselves. Go on holiday – there we are. Win the lottery – there we are. Move overseas – there we are. Wherever we look, we are […]
Are You Happier Today Than You Were Yesterday? We were in Thailand, attending a ten-day silent meditation retreat in the middle of a coconut grove. Every day Ajahn Maha Dharma Tan, a Thai monk, would come to teach, and he would ask us the same question: “Are you happier today than you were yesterday?” As […]
Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. John Lennon Who said life would be like walking the yellow brick road, or that the human condition would be easy? And why is it so important to be here? What’s the big deal? It appears that the reason we’re generally not happy […]
Where mindfulness is all about being aware, being present in the moment, noticing and paying attention to thoughts, feelings, behavior, and everything else, mindlessness is anything but, dominating all those moments when you are least aware. As such, mindlessness is the most amazing teacher ever: become aware of when you are unaware and hey presto, […]
The future is a concept—it doesn’t exist! There is no such thing as tomorrow! There never will be because time is always now. Alan Watts When Deb was a teenager in London, her mother was editor of The Middle Way, the journal of the British Buddhist Society. As a result, Deb met some fascinating people, […]
What is it about something as simple as sitting still and watching our breath that evokes panic or even fear? No matter how much information there is proving the mental, emotional and physical value of meditation, there seems to be as many people who resist giving it a try. No doubt meditation can be challenging, […]
It’s really happening! Mindfulness and meditation are infiltrating our lives like old friends. But this poses a conundrum. With health reports saying we would all benefit practicing mindfulness and meditation, and with classes easily available, why do many of us ignore this or find excuses not to try? How ironic that the best things for […]
