In many meditation practices there is a misconception that there is a need to “stop thinking” or “clear the mind” - that you will eventually reach a state of thoughtlessness with enough practice. I believe that this is an unrealistic goal and the primary reason why most beginning meditators get frustrated. Clearing the mind is … Continue reading Trying to stop thinking is like telling the ocean to stop making waves
Awareness is painful
Meditation has made me more sensitive - and I can't turn it off “People who are spiritually minded tend to suffer from anxiety and depression more. Why?... Because they literally have an increased ability to feel the emotions of people around them.” - Osho My journey in meditation began 5 years ago when I completed … Continue reading Awareness is painful
Pain brings us back to the present moment
Using discomfort as an opportunity for mindfulness I’ve been meditating for the last 5 years now, but there’s one thing that I have consistently avoided….correcting my posture. I can sit up straight for about 20 minutes or so, but after that, I gradually start to relax, and by the time I’m 30-40 minutes in I’m … Continue reading Pain brings us back to the present moment
Getting Lucky Takes Practice
"Gaining enlightenment is an accident. Spiritual practice simply makes us accident-prone.” - Suzuki Roshi There’s a famous story in the world of Zen Buddhism where the Zen master says to the student “Enlightenment is an accident.” To this the student stands up and yells in frustration, “Accident! You’re telling me that it’s all an accident?! If that’s … Continue reading Getting Lucky Takes Practice
Training the “how to not give a fuck” muscle
I’ve recently come to the conclusion that meditation is actually a giant exercise in not giving a fuck. Instead of trying to clear your mind, meditation is actually all about how to give less fucks about the thoughts going through your head. To watch a thought rise up, and have the ability to say “nah … Continue reading Training the “how to not give a fuck” muscle
The 4 Levels of Non-Reactivity
"Learn to sit with the flies, allow them to land on your arm, walk around, and then fly away." Whether you’re studying Stoicism, Buddhist Meditation, Mindfulness, or simply practicing How to Not Give a Fuck, the underlying principle remains the same - How to become less reactive and more emotionally stable. How to cultivate a … Continue reading The 4 Levels of Non-Reactivity
Bring it back – Building the Present Moment Muscle
Today I want to clarify an important point about meditation. For some reason there is an idea that meditation means to “stop thinking” or to “clear the mind”. I've met many people who try meditation for the first time and have this perception of thoughtlessness…and then when they try and notice their mind racing they … Continue reading Bring it back – Building the Present Moment Muscle
Demystifying the Law of Attraction
The “Law of Attraction” is a concept I have a hard time believing in. It’s one of those mystical, psuedo-scientific, woo-woo hippie concepts I just can’t seem to give credit to. Books like “The Secret” and “The Law of Attraction” and names like Abraham Hicks pop up all over the internet and have a cult-like … Continue reading Demystifying the Law of Attraction
The Lookback Method
I recently went through the 21 day challenge with Jesse Elder, and it inspired a new meditation practice for me. A practice I now refer to as “The Lookback Method”. A common theme throughout his challenge was “looking back” – taking time to reflect on what you have been through in the past and how … Continue reading The Lookback Method
Appreciate when the waves are calm
I like to look at life like an ocean. Some days the waves are calm, some days the waves are choppy, other days the waves are enormous and will wipe you out. For much of my life, I never really appreciated how calm the waves around me were. Life has been very good to me. … Continue reading Appreciate when the waves are calm