Mindfulness and June 14th Protests

Hands and fists raised in the air.

I’ve attended a couple of protests, and I have a variety of reactions, often conflicting.   I’m glad so many people are coming together and speaking out, and at times, there is positive, almost joyful energy. It gives me hope for our country. Sometimes, there are protest signs that bother me…

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Mindfulness, Compassion, and Politics

An open hand. The background is out of focus. Slight wrinkles from age are visible. The gesture is nondistinct but nonthreatening.

How can we maintain wise compassion in the face of the political chaos? Are there limits to compassion?  Compassion or karuna is the second of the Brahma Viharas or Divine Abodes. These are qualities or attitudes that are worthy of being developed. The others are Metta or Loving-kindness, Mudita or appreciative…

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Comforting Ourselves

candles burning in colored containers on small raked shelves.

I know I haven’t written anything here in some time. My only excuse is that I’ve been struggling with the onslaught of news about our political situation and the suffering in the world. To help myself, I’ve used everything I talked about in my two previous blogs and what others…

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Post Election Recovery

No matter where you are on the political spectrum, this has been a bruising year.  The election is over, so now where do we go from here?  There is so much division, anger, and even hate—all of which don’t lead us to happiness, peace, or thriving as human beings.  We’ve…

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Coping with Pain in Our Practice

A stainless steel sculpture depicting a neuron, with branches similar to those of a tree. Blue sky fills the background, and bright sunlight glints off the metal.

Since April of this year, I’ve been the unlucky recipient of pain in various parts of my body, all Musculo-skeletal. This is the 2nd time I’ve had pain for extended periods so I’m hoping this one will resolve too. In the meantime, it’s been a challenge to my meditation practice as…

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Musings on Time and Dukkha

Lately, when I sit in the late afternoon watching the sunset through my family room door wall, I’m aware of the beauty of this time of day. For photographers, this is called the Golden Hour. The slanting of the sun, shining through the trees and shrubs gives a glow you…

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Self Compassion

An open hand. The background is out of focus. Slight wrinkles from age are visible. The gesture is nondistinct but nonthreatening.

What makes it hard to be compassionate to yourself?  What did you learn growing up, from school, work, your family, or community about being compassionate to yourself? Did you hear things like; ‘Get going’, ’you’re just feeling sorry for yourself’ or ‘you’re just having a pity party’. ‘be strong’, ‘be…

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