In the jazz world musicians use the word riffing to describe a kind of improvising. The technique is also used by poets, dancers, painters, authors, composers, comedians, politicians, actors, and even trial lawyers, in any context when improvising or riffing serves a desired result. I am sure you can think of situations you’ve been inContinue reading “August Riffing”
Category Archives: Mindfulness
Peace Is An Inside Job
If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace. Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Buddhist monk, activist, artist, writer Honoring independence day is an unexpectedly different challenge this year; not so peaceful on the outside. IContinue reading “Peace Is An Inside Job”
Courage
Courage is the price life exacts for granting peace. — Emilia Earhart, American aviator pioneer Each new day is an opportunity to make choices and live courageously. The root of the word courage means heart (Coeur/French, Cor/Latin). A lot of us listen to our hearts with hesitation but I find with daily mindfulness practices, calmContinue reading “Courage”
It’s a beautiful day in my neighborhood.
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. A beautiful day for a neighbor. Could you be mine? Would you be mine? Fred Rogers, TV Host Mr. Rogers Neighborhood Remember Mr. Rogers? I was a big fan often watching his program with my baby son. I think what Fred was teaching children was mindfulness. He wasContinue reading “It’s a beautiful day in my neighborhood.”
Everyday Mindfulness
Freedom is man’s capacity to take a hand in his own development. It is our ability to mold ourselves. Rollo May, psychologist, author As I get deeper into MBSR training, my understanding is that this idea of “molding ourselves” is perhaps at the heart of the mindful awareness required to live intentional thoughtful lives. LearningContinue reading “Everyday Mindfulness”
Determination
. . . (I) passionately believe that paying attention- Mindfulness- shows itself as goodness and kindness, as concern for others, as concern for the whole world. – Sylvia Boorstein, author, Buddhist teacher at Spirit Rock Anything is possible. You just have to believe. – Tao Porchon-Lynch, Yogini Master What if I told you there isContinue reading “Determination”
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”
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”
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”