It's not what you look at that matter. It's what you see. (H.D. Thoreau)
I have spent the majority of the last 10 years of my life living,working and travelling outside the country I was born and raised in. What was originally planned as a 3-4 month adventure away from my home country has lasted now for almost a decade. As is probably the case for most people, the …
There's an obsession in our society with 'doing', often at the expense of 'being'. The habit of always DOING something carries within itself the risk that we forget how to simply BE with ourselves and our environment. In my perception, the tendency to avoid getting in touch with what IS, gets bigger and bigger in …
I am not a big fan of classic New Year's resolutions Ă la 'From January the 1st I will exercise twice a week.' I don't believe that the calender switch from one year to the other provides enough reason for change. If I want to really begin exercising, I can use every day to start …
Continue reading "How About New Year’s Questions, Instead of Resolutions…?"
No matter what our religious background, Christmas is a time for many in our society when we are especially vulnerable to the exaggeration of pleasure and pain and the effect this has on us. Expectations can build up that things have to be 'extraordinarily pleasurable': a perfectly decorated house, the harmonious getting together of family, …
Continue reading "Pleasure And Pain – A Reflection at Christmas"
I started meditating in my early twenties, so more than 10 years ago. This is what I have learned so far, since I first sat on a cushion and tried to 'not think about anything'. 1. Do it daily. Especially when you start meditating, it is really helpful to create a routine, e.g. sitting every …
Continue reading "10 Points About Meditation I Wish Somebody Had Told Me When I Started Practicing"
I have a great love of hiking. I find that hiking is a great opportunity to be mindful and for reflection. It feels like the regular movement of the body and the precision required in placing your feet creates good conditions for calmness in the mind. These are the lessons I have learned so far …
Continue reading "If Life Was a Hike: An Analogy Between Hiking and Life by a Mountain Enthusiast"
Busy, tired mindCome homeThe door is openI've put the fire on for youRestThe work is done for nowSettle into the cozy homeWhich is this bodyPlenty of spaceFor all the guests knocking on the doorWanting to join usThe loud ones, keen to disturbWill soon enjoy the quiet, tooJust make sureTo keep this fire going
The word 'mindfulness' is used so excessively these days that there might be some confusion as to what it actually means. There are 'mindfulness' calendars,cups,T-Shirts,keyrings. I would like to attempt to give an answer to two frequently asked questions: "What is Mindfulness?" and "Why do you practice it?".Please keep in mind when reading this that …
Continue reading "What is Mindfulness? An Attempt of an Explanation"
Remember the joy of hearing a baby giggle. Remember the sense of connection sitting side by side in meditation. Remember the pain felt at the sight of a human being sleeping rough in a world of abundance. Remember your heart jumping with joy witnessing an act of kindness. Remember the warmth of a friend's embrace. …
In this post, I would like to offer my view on why the act of comparing ourself with others makes us suffer, to a larger or smaller extent. There are two types of harmful comparison in my experience: a) Seeing oneself as superior to anotherb) Seeing oneself as inferior to another Why do both of …
Like most people, I often find myself obsessing about the 'problems' in my life. Yes, they exist, for sure. But how big are they, really...? I might not be 'rich' in the definition of western society. And yet,I am very privileged. I was born as a citizen of a wealthy western country. I have never …
Since spring 2018 I have been living and working on a beautiful, remote island off the Westcoast of Scotland. It is a unique place to live. During the summer, thousands of people come to visit, attracted by the island’s unique history, wildlife and beaches. On a calm summer’s day the scenery is reminiscent of the …
Continue reading "What Spending a Winter During Lockdown on a Remote Scottish Island Has Taught Me"
A good friend has seen all your sides And still chooses to hang out with you A good friend offers you shelter when the storms in your life threaten to knock you off your feet And doesn’t ask when you will leave again A good friend knows when a hug is more needed than a …
SOMETIMES MINDFUL 