It's not what you look at that matter. It's what you see. (H.D. Thoreau)
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"
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 …
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 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"
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"
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"
SOMETIMES MINDFUL 