I have the habit of collecting moments of delight and wonder. These are quiet, unassuming encounters that uplift my soul and reveal the brightness of life. Sometimes I chance upon a small kindness that renews my faith in others; other times I am tickled by amusement. None of these gifts arrive with grand proclamation or […]
Discovering Joy of Every Day Life Read More »
In his autobiography, Speak Memory, Vladimir Nabokov wrote that “life is a slim crack of light between two eternities of darkness.” Take a fraction of that briefest spark, and we arrive at a day like today. Perhaps there is little that marks today as anything extraordinary within the span of our lives, yet within the
This is It! Mindfulness for an Ordinary Day Read More »
Marcus Aurelius (121 CE – 180CE) was a Roman Emperor and follower of the Stoicism, a philosophical tradition that prizes virtue and fortitude amid life’s challenges. Widely considered a wise ruler, Marcus Aurelius leaves behind a precious volume of his own reflections titled “Meditations.” I read this book many years ago while backpacking through Europe.
Wisdom for Difficult Times: Reflections from Marcus Aurelius Read More »
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
The Misuses of Mindfulness Read More »
There was a time when birthdays were about cakes, balloons, grainy photographs of toothless children. A while later, birthdays were about friends, campfires, beer-soaked nights at bars. With the passing years, birthdays become more subdued, more in keeping with the mundane circuit of life. Youthful celebration gives way to pensive reflection. Birthdays are signposts on
Each Day I Begin Again Read More »
Hirayama is not a hero. He is not an allegorical figure who represents the plight of everyman. He is a plain individual, singular in his simplicity, ordinary by all measures. Yet in living his mundane life, we see the quiet dignity of someone who marvels at the splendour of each day. Wim Wenders, (Paris, Texas
Living Our Perfect Days Read More »
Thomas Merton once wrote: “I love beer, and, by that very fact, the world.” This statement is at once whimsical and puzzling. How does a fondness for pale ale stray into a confession of love for the world? Perhaps Merton suggests a fundamental relationship between the mundane and the sublime, the miniscule and the cosmical. Ask a brewer
I Love Coffee, and By That Very Fact, The World Read More »
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
Fire-Breathing (For Wildfires) Read More »
Today, my doctoral supervisor asked me: “what is the purpose of contemplative practice in the midst of this pandemic?” I answered: “To help us remain upright amidst great disruption.” Later, I reviewed this extemporaneous reply and decided that it could use some elaboration. In this blog post, I consider what contemplative practice offers in trying times, how awareness
Contemplation. . . Tonic or Placebo? Read More »
David Chang Counselling is gratefully located on the territories of the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. David supports and celebrates diversity in race, gender, sexual orientation, language, culture, and neurological composition.
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