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 […]
If You’re Not Here Then Where Are You?
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 […]
The Amazing Wisdom of Mindlessness
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, […]
If There Is No Solid Me, Then Who Am I?
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, […]
Why Meditation Can Appear So Challenging
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, […]
What’s The Big Fuss About Mindfulness & Meditation?
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 […]
Is There A Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation?
Nowadays, mindfulness and meditation are often used to mean the same thing, which can be confusing, while not many of us are clear on what ‘mindfulness meditation’ is and how it differs from either of the above. So here’s our version: Mindfulness is being aware. It’s noticing and paying attention to thoughts, feelings, behavior, and […]
If Nothing Ever Changed There Would Be No Cherry Blossom
There is nothing more certain and unchanging than uncertainty and change. — John Fitzgerald Kennedy Do you notice how one moment you can be ecstatically happy and then, just as easily, you can be depressed or sad? Or how something is good and then turns sour, like a delicious mango that becomes rotten? The world […]
Mindfulness Stops Negativity from Sticking Like Glue
Did you ever get into a heated argument with someone over a meaningless issue, only to find it constantly replaying itself in your head, as if it’s stuck to you like glue? You don’t want to think of the other person yet now you’re attached to them; despite the situation or encounter being over, it […]
A Letter From Santa: Oh Yes We Can!
We consider Santa to be the greatest mindfulness practitioner, given his powers of awareness. We have said before how Santa is multi-talented: He makes us to do good and feel good. Now that’s a big one, as many of us often act selfishly and badly. He gives to everyone, all over the world, all at […]
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