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
“I will fail this test.” “I will be uncomfortable at the party.” “I think she’ll hate me for saying this.” Worrying about future events makes you self-critical. The ability to consider possible outcomes is not always bad: it can help you face any possible threats with clarity and confidence. However, prolonged anxiety can take a … Read more
“Happiness slips from our grasp as we chase other things.” I was sitting at my kitchen table, holding a cup of coffee, when those words from Thich Nhat Hanh’s book “Transformation and Healing” stopped me cold. At the time, my evenings followed a familiar ritual: sitting in the glow of my laptop screen, clicking “add … Read more
“Every twenty-four-hour day is a tremendous gift to us,” writes Thich Nhat Hanh (October 11, 1926-January 22, 2022) in the opening chapter of his book You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment. “Breathe in and tell yourself that a new day has been offered to you, and you have to be here … 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