Buddhism

The Misuses of Mindfulness

Mindfulness has enjoyed a stellar career in the last 30 years.  Rooted in Buddhist meditation, mindfulness is now widely practiced in schools, hospitals, companies, and therapy offices across North America.  This blooming popularity stems from its reputation as a portal to inner stillness, a balm that soothes the stress of modern life.  Scientists have gathered compelling evidence that […]

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Can’t Sit Still? What To Do With Restlessness in Meditation

Every meditator experiences ebbs and flows in practice. There are times when awareness arrests us, engulfing us in crystalline stillness. Other times we brace against squalls of the anxiety. Sometimes our discipline is sharp and square; we practice without waver. Other times we are reluctant to drag ourselves to the sitting cushion, depleted by the

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Fire-Breathing (For Wildfires)

Inhale acrid smoke flying embers the bodies of trees particles of charred soil manic flames bourne of greed hazy blindness swirling confusion madness driven mad anguish multiplying anguish without beginning without end this searing pain. Exhale great vow immense oceans cool dharma rain showers of beneficence soothing balm poured from brokenness given from poverty unremitting

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Three Analogies for Mindfulness

The mindfulness movement has gained significant momentum in recent decades.  There is now widespread interest in mindfulness techniques and practices in the promotion of mental health.  Many educators and health-care professionals see mindfulness—a suite of techniques that harness attention and awareness—as a way to manage stress and anxiety.  The utilization of this technique as a

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