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”
Category Archives: Mindfulness
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”
Knowing Myself
Knowing MyselfKnowing others is intelligence,Knowing yourself is true wisdom.Mastering others is strength,Mastering yourself is true power. Excerpt from Tao Te Ching, verse 33, translated by Stephen Mitchell There are numerous translations of the Tao. I own several that I’ve been reading daily for years. I love the simplicity of Zen wisdom. Lao Tzu’s principles forContinue reading “Knowing Myself”
Benefits of Smiling
Alice: “There’s no use trying. One can’t believe impossible things.” The Queen: “I dare say you haven’t had much practice. . . . Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland. A close friend shared this, challenging me to start each day with a little moreContinue reading “Benefits of Smiling”
Building New Habits
If you keep doing what you’ve always been doing you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. When I first heard this, my body felt an impact. As a pianist who practiced for perfection, no mistakes, artful execution, it struck me clearly that this could apply to thinking or behavior I want to change. Building new habits,Continue reading “Building New Habits”
Practice
Practice means waiting without anxiety. Patience with all things but first with yourself. Francis de Sales, French Bishop Practice, purposeful repetition, makes what we do feel effortless. One of the root words for practice means “training oneself.” Playing the piano well means daily practice. Feeling less stressed means practicing relaxation, maybe sitting meditation. Eliminating agitationContinue reading “Practice”