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.”
Category Archives: Mindfulness
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”
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”
I Am My Own Sanctuary
I am my own sanctuary and I can be reborn as many times as I choose throughout my life. Lady Gaga Sometimes in the deepest mindful moments of stillness, there can be discomfort. Often, it’s fear of the past or the future or the unknown pressing down. Maybe it’s a present pain or sorrow. InsteadContinue reading “I Am My Own Sanctuary”