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