The societal backdrop for the 2016 Election can be described from many vantage points, and most of these are better explained by other writers. One observation I will declare, however, is that the dialog permeating Decision ’16 is anything but a manifestation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of “The Beloved Community.” We are, […]
Neutralize Your Hindrances
What potential hindrances might get in the way of accomplishing what matters the most to you? It can feel very motivating and encouraging to clarify what you want the most, think through the most valued roles that you play during this season, and establish some meaningful, high-level goals or mission statements for each of these […]
Goals for Your Roles
As I continue this series on “Doing What Matters the Most,” let’s explore how to create meaningful and achievable goals within the various roles that we play in each season of life. Think of a high-level goal for a specific role as a “mission or vision statement” for that role. If you’ve been professionally involved […]
Doing What Matters Most
Amid the onslaught of choices and information we face each day, the act of actually doing what matters the most to us is sometimes lost in the noise. This new blog series tackles specific action steps you can take to not just dream but accomplish what your heart desires. These steps are based on years […]
The Crescendo of Practice: Mindful Relationships
Steady, consistent mindfulness practice truly is progressive. It can take the receptive practitioner on a continuous, non-linear journey from a deeply felt connection to the body and the present moment, through emotional peace that facilitates diminished attachments to outcomes, all the way to discovering profound joy in three key dimensions of relationship: solitude, community, and […]
Acknowledging Our Attachments to Outcomes
A steady mindfulness practice of “Visceral Awareness,” “Present Living,” and “Emotional Peace” sets the stage for practicing “Diminished Attachments to Outcomes,” the fourth of five main areas I’m exploring in this blog series. “Attachment” is a dynamic that I’ve wrestled with for a few years. Friends and great writers have helped me to understand what […]
Simplicity: It’s Not Complicated
I’m not sure if “simplicity” is so important to me because I’ve never really had the ability to buy a lot of stuff, or if it’s just the way I’m wired. Either way, it’s clear to me that practicing simplicity is another mindful pathway to sustainable “Emotional Peace.” I view simplicity as “practicing contentment with […]
Transcending Disappointment
Today, as I continue to reflect upon and write about “Present Living” in this series on progressive mindfulness, I embrace and acknowledge the disappointment that exists for me right now. I’m sure that a blog on “thankfulness” would be much more fun to read! Unfortunately, the transforming power of authentic gratitude is obscured by the […]
Engaging Our Intentions
In addition to being fully engaged with the people and activities before us (see previous entry), another indicator of progress in mindful, “Present Living” is noticing and exploring our lingering intentions. We intend something in every moment, whether or not we’re cognizant of such interior designs. We intend certain outcomes, usually related to specific personal […]
The Power of a “Half-Smile”
As part of ongoing efforts toward more “Visceral Awareness” (see my first blog in this series on mindfulness), I’ve been practicing wearing what Buddhists call the “Buddha half-smile.” When I was a much younger nerd and quite bereft of self-confidence, I often would not look people in the eye. I pushed myself to become better […]
