Just saying the word benevolence makes me smile. In embodied mindfulness, especially in meditation, what we are often practicing is, in fact, the cultivation of benevolence. This week I led a transformative meditation on the benevolent body smile. We know that stilling the body stills the mind so we spend time learning how to beContinue reading “Benevolence and Valentines”
Author Archives: Jane Meryll
Vocabulary 2025
VOCABULARY:Each Day A New BeginningJust For TodayEvery Breath You Take Words matter. For the start of the new year I thought it would be meaningful to reflect on the vocabulary that inspires us to practice both mindfulness and meditation. As you read this, open your mind to taking a pause. Give yourself the gift ofContinue reading “Vocabulary 2025”
Keep It Simple
One of my favorite meditation teachers talks a lot about how to keep the focus on ourselves. She reminds us that simplifying and being mindful in general is good. If we are experiencing strong emotions, difficulties, challenges, repeating this phrase to ourselves is a potent self-compassionate way to keep our tranquility in the foreground andContinue reading “Keep It Simple”
Thanks and Giving
As we enter the season of lights, feasting, and celebrations, I want to say thank you to all of you who keep opening, reading, and passing on Wednesday Wisdom. It has given me so much pleasure to share the teachings of mindfulness, meditation, and self-empowerment tools for less stress, harmony, and health. You have givenContinue reading “Thanks and Giving”
Doing and Being
Pondering how to begin November’s Wednesday Wisdom, I felt hesitant, even a little afraid after events of November 5 in America. An email from a poet friend I deeply admire propitiously appeared in my inbox. At the bottom in tiny print was a Toni Morrison quote. It took my breath away. “This is precisely theContinue reading “Doing and Being”
More About Change
We are ending a gorgeous fall color riot in the northeast. It changes by the day; leaves falling in gobs soon to decay. In my lifetime, I can trust that spring will return with its blaze of color, beauty, and rebirth. The life-cycle described by the Buddha: birth, aging, decay and death. The stress andContinue reading “More About Change”
Courage and Change
Courage is fear that has said its prayers. Attributed to Ann Lamont, American novelist and fiction writer Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear not the absence of fear. Mark Twain, writer, humorist, and essayist It takes courage to change. It takes courage to recognize when change is necessary. It takes courage to recognizeContinue reading “Courage and Change”
Kindness
When times are difficult, I reach for kindness. When life is confusing, I reach for kindness. When all feels uncertain, I reach for kindness. Sharon Salzberg from her new course, Kindness in a Fractured World Kindness has been on my mind. There are many conversations going on about the disappearance of simple civil respect inContinue reading “Kindness”
The Sound of Silence
Silence is essential. We need silence just as much as we need air, just as much as plants need light. If our minds are crowded with words and thoughts, there is no space for us. Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Buddhist monk. teacher and peace activist You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything elseContinue reading “The Sound of Silence”
Reflect, Repurpose, Refresh, and Reset
I’d like to get away from earth awhile And then come back to it and begin again. Robert Frost, poet Don’t just do something. Sit there. Sylvia Boorstein, psychotherapist, Buddhist teacher, author Here we are in the middle of August, which I sometimes refer to as the sacred idleness month. It’s my time to reflect,Continue reading “Reflect, Repurpose, Refresh, and Reset”