It was late enough that I should have been asleep when I opened the conversation again. Earlier that day, a friend and I had been making plans to see “Citizen Kane” at a local theater during a weekend retro screening. It was one of those repertory events that made the ordinary theater feel slightly different: … Read more
The subway car was unusually empty for a Sunday morning, bathed in that pale, underground light as we rattled toward the museum to see the new Van Gogh exhibit. Jane sat next to me, her coat neatly buttoned, her eyes tracking the digital stop announcements with perfect regularity. When the train lurched, she adjusted her … Read more
Although I own both devices, I prefer a dumbphone to a smartphone. It sounds counterintuitive, but that’s how I’m able to conserve one of the most scarce mental resources: my attention. Instead of scrolling through social media feeds, I spend my time reading, writing, and living in the present moment. It’s a powerful way to … Read more
From mindful eating to mindful leadership, the Buddhist concept of mindfulness is omnipresent in today’s culture. But what do we know about the term itself? Does it have alternative translations? These are some of the questions Jeff Wilson explores in his book Mindful America: The Mutual Transformation of Buddhist Meditation and American Culture. He writes: … Read more
Sometimes, you might need a personal consultation on how to meditate or overcome specific obstacles that hinder your practice. I believe my advice will be useful to those who consider meditation a part of their spiritual journey. As a lay follower, I do my best to embody the Buddha’s teachings in my daily life, no matter … Read more
Over the past few days, I’ve been reading The Analects by Confucius. The reason I love this book is its ability to constantly remind us how to live a good life. In particular, I would like to share one key principle that has the power to improve our personal and professional relationships. But to … Read more