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Gavril Nikolaev

I'm a freelance writer and mindfulness advocate behind this blog. I started my meditation practice in 2014, and in 2017 I launched this website to share what I learn with others.

The Five Invitations to Live with Maximum Aliveness

May 2, 2026January 4, 2021 by Gavril Nikolaev

What is the most powerful force that can help us live with maximum aliveness? Frank Ostaseski found an answer to this question through his work at Zen Hospice Project, a safe haven for those not long for this world. Listening to the last words of the dying gave him a unique perspective on what truly … Read more

Categories Mindfulness Leave a comment

What Is the Purpose of Meditation in Buddhism?

May 2, 2026December 21, 2020 by Gavril Nikolaev
What Is the Purpose of Meditation in Buddhism?

What is the purpose of meditation? Have nothing on our mind? Think of something specific? Find a pleasant feeling to hold on to? Be blank and see what comes next? We can’t help but feel utterly lost in all these questions at the very start of our meditation practice. If we’re to make progress and … Read more

Categories Meditation Leave a comment

What Is Brahmavihara in Buddhism?

May 2, 2026December 14, 2020 by Gavril Nikolaev
What Is Brahmavihara in Buddhism?

  Just as Christians believe in life after death, Buddhists believe in reincarnation as an intermediary step on the path to Nirvana. It might take several lifetimes to reach enlightenment, and where you spend your time before another rebirth is based on the accumulation of merit. To end up in the brahma world, one of … Read more

Categories Mindfulness Tags Bhikkhu Bodhi, Brahmavihara Leave a comment

Listen to One of the Greatest Buddhist Songs of All Time

May 2, 2026December 9, 2020 by Gavril Nikolaev

  This classic hit may be considered the greatest Buddhist song of all time, but in my music collection the accolade belongs to “Dust in the Wind.” Because to contemplate its meaning is to realize the impermanent nature of things, to see life through the lens of death and by doing so approach the condition … Read more

Categories Buddhism Leave a comment
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Latest Comments

  1. Jan on 3 Best Budget Yoga Mats Under $25 (2024 Top Picks)June 1, 2026

    Thank you for this review. My friend has been asking me to go to this yoga class and I'm gonna…

  2. 7 moments when saying nothing at all is the most self-respecting thing you can do - The Expert Editor on What Is Mindful Sense-Restraint in Buddhism?October 16, 2025

    […] philosophy calls this mindful restraint. It’s not repression—it’s awareness. It’s noticing that you’re triggered and giving […]

  3. Gavril Nikolaev on Mary Oliver Reads Her Dog Poem Percy, Wisest of Little DogsMarch 29, 2024

    Hi Joy, I'm so sorry for your loss, and I hope these Mary Oliver poems brought some comfort. Feel free…

  4. The Dharma by any other name: fun - Shambhala Meditation Center of Portland on What a Paragon of Earthly Detachment: Billy Collins Reads His Poem DharmaMarch 29, 2024

    […] an animated video with voice over of former u.s. poet laureate, billy collins, reading the poem “dharma” about his…

  5. Gavril Nikolaev on How to Practice Tea Meditation for Calm and RelaxationDecember 14, 2023

    Hi Cynthia, thank you for stopping by and your kind words. I'm glad you liked reading the article. Tea meditation…

  6. Cynthia on How to Practice Tea Meditation for Calm and RelaxationDecember 14, 2023

    Your mindfulness journey is a source of inspiration for those around you.

  7. Meditation for Beginners: Guided Meditation and Tips on 3 Relaxing Meditation Postures for BeginnersNovember 25, 2023

    […] Shambhala-style seated meditation posture on meditation cushions. Chair meditation posture (source) Lying down meditation posture (source) […]

  8. Joy on Mary Oliver Reads Her Dog Poem Percy, Wisest of Little DogsMay 11, 2023

    Thank you for posting these. I'm sending the link to a friend who's beloved dog just died, and my husband…

  9. Gavril Nikolaev on Ryokan on How to Maximize Our AlivenessJune 29, 2022

    Hey Joe, I'm glad you liked the poem. It's one of my all-time favorites.

  10. Joe on Ryokan on How to Maximize Our AlivenessJune 28, 2022

    Just what I needed for my mid-day break.

  11. Gavril Nikolaev on How to Practice Walking Meditation in Everyday LifeMay 8, 2022

    Hey Rahul, walking meditation is one of my favorite ways of bringing more mindfulness and presence into everyday life. Thank…

  12. Rahul Dubey on How to Practice Walking Meditation in Everyday LifeMay 7, 2022

    I too love love walking in the morning and putting headphones to listen devotional songs. I listen to it in…

  13. Gavril Nikolaev on 3 Relaxing Meditation Postures for BeginnersMay 8, 2021

    Hi Atheeth, I'm glad you liked the article. Thank you for stopping by :)

  14. Atheeth Belagode on 3 Relaxing Meditation Postures for BeginnersMay 7, 2021

    A lovely, inspiring article. I could read it again and again.

  15. Gavril Nikolaev on A Zen Story About Subjugating Negative Thoughts That Are Haunting Your MindNovember 22, 2020

    Hi Bret, thank you for your kind words. Whenever worry and fear try to enter my mind, I take a…

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