It's not what you look at that matter. It's what you see. (H.D. Thoreau)
Where will the continuous fuelling of the divisive view of 'us' and 'them' lead to? Do you believe that hatred and violence on the side of those you are fighting will disappear by inflicting hatred and violence on them? What else could be the outcome of this? By saying 'We need this war in order …
Continue reading "Questions to Reflect Upon for Those Justifying Aggression, Violence and War"
In the six meetings we will look at different 'nourishing' qualities / concepts and explore ways of cultivating them in formal meditation and in daily life. Over the 6 week period we will explore such questions as: What are ways of grounding oneself when feeling overwhelmed? What might be a fresh perspective of looking at …
Continue reading "Soul Food – 6 Week Online Course. Starting Wednesday 21/02/24."
Our eyes are a wonderful resource for mindfulness practice. Every moment of the day we have the possibility to use them for practicing. This morning I took a train from Glasgow Central Station to Edinburgh Haymarket. I wrote down examples of what my eyes could pick up on the journey. If you would like to …
Continue reading "Using Our Eyes Mindfully in Daily Life Situations"
The world is in crisis. No question about it. The question is: How do we respond? We could become cynical. We could choose to 'opt out', to not get emotionally involved in any of it anyore, out of a feeling of helplessness, despair or overwhelm. Because, at the end of the day, 'What does it …
Have you heard much about the positive impacts of mindfulness and meditation but never quite understood how to practice it? Do you like the idea of meditation in theory, but find it hard to sit on a cushion by yourself? Are you curious about meditation but never really found it very enjoyable when trying it? …
Continue reading "6 Week Online Course. Starting 4th of October 2023."
Transcription of part of a talk given in Iona Village Hall, 16/08 I live on a small island which has been and still is an important place of pilgrimage for many. But what comes to mind for me, when I hear the word 'pilgrimage' is the pilgrimage of the heart, rather than a physical one. …
Compassion is a beautiful quality of the human heart, to be touched by anothers joy and pain, to wish another person well. At times we might experience a feeling of alienation from others. But we also know what it feels like to be kind, loving, to wish each other well. To be able to forgive. …
Meditation has an important place. For me, so important that I do it daily. However, one of the most important lessons I have learned in the last years is: there are also times when meditation is not the answer. The times when frustration, anger or fear are too present to sit down. There is nothing …
I love the childrens book 'Frederick'. Frederick is part of a family of mice. All the other mice are very busy during the summer, collecting corn, gathering barley, nuts and berries for the winter. Frederick in the meantime sits on a rock with his eyes closed (in a sense, he's a meditator in mouse world). …
Continue reading "Gathering Light – Summer Solstice Reflections"
We live in a time in which rest has become a luxury. Being 'busy' for many of us has become the normal state of being, interrupted by occasional times of rest. The problem often is though, that we have become so used to busyness (either in physically doing things or thinking about things we should …
Spring can be a great inspiration for fresh starts, since we can so clearly see the change in nature surrounding us. Flowers start to come up, lambs are being born, there is a lot more light...This change in the outer world can provide us with some additional energy to – at least think about – …
Dear Intellect, Please help me to understand how Excel works and how much tax I have to pay. Help me to remember my friend's birthday and the bus timetable. But please take a rest when it comes to miracles. Please don't bother explaining to me: The iridescent plumage of a starling. The sound of leaves …
'Decisions' must be one of the most discussed themes amongst friends. I find that 'big decisions' (or at least that's what they often feel like in the moment) are often connected with worries, sleepless nights and ruminating thoughts. I believe that there are certain beliefs connected with decision making that we need to treat with …
Continue reading "Yes eh No, eh Maybe…Or Does It Even Matter? Thoughts About Decision Making"
Today I would like to share one of my favourite poems by Thich Nhat Hanh. The world is in desperate need for dialogue and, most importantly, compassion. There are far too many wars being faught, both with weapons and words. This will not stop until we start listening to those we perceive as opponents. Peace …
Those of us who frequently travel on public transport are experiencing delays and cancellations on a regular basis. As passengers, there's nothing we can do about it whilst we're in the situation. The only thing we can influence is our response. Here are some ideas how to minimise frustration and use waiting times as an …
Continue reading "Ideas for Practicing Mindfulness Whilst Waiting in a Public Space"
SOMETIMES MINDFUL 