Mindfulness of the four elements in Buddhism is designed to remind us that our existence is entirely dependent on the outside world. The division we tend to create between the elements within this body, which we perceive as something ‘I am,’ and the manifestations of the elements outside this body, which we view as … Read more
Everyone, especially in the beginning, has doubts about their meditation practice. You keep hearing that you need to observe your thoughts, but you may not be sure exactly how that feels. You sit down to meditate only to find yourself lost in a long train of thoughts. You turn to guided meditation apps but then … Read more
If you’ve been practicing breathing meditation, you know how annoying distracting thoughts can be. They shatter your concentration and make you doubt whether you’re meditating correctly. This is a common problem that everyone struggles with at the beginning of their meditation journey. So, what can you do about it? While reading Pema Chödrön‘s magnificent … Read more
It’s hard to be human and be unmoved by tragedies reported in international news. But they’re not confined to faraway countries afflicted by poverty, disease, and military conflict. Today, many people are wading through vast, unseen fields of mental suffering caused by a lack of values and meaning in their lives. How do we … Read more
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