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”
Category Archives: Wisdom
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”
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”