It's not what you look at that matter. It's what you see. (H.D. Thoreau)
'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"
What made the news today: Tanks have been sent into a warzone.A corrupt politician's office has been searched.A sex offender has been arrested.A village will be destroyed for a coalmine.Somebody describes how they struggle to give up coffee. What didn't make the news today: The single mother working three jobs, hoping to secure a better …
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 à 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 …
SOMETIMES MINDFUL 