Mindfulness is the practice of giving full attention to what’s happening within and around you, without judging yourself or others. It’s both a key component of Buddhist teaching and a unifying thread throughout Buddhism itself, and helps foster concentration, focus, and objective thinking. On a deeper level, extensive mindfulness practice culminates in a gradual awakening […]
As I’ve continued to grow and learn, as I’ve thrived and stumbled through various experiences and seasons of life, I’ve noticed that three practices in particular are the most powerful, transformative, and relevant for meaningful living and careers, in the face of both possibilities and threats. Mindfulness is the practice of giving full attention to […]
Buddhism is a natural foundation for racial justice activism. In fact, the Buddha was quoted as saying, “I teach only two things: suffering and the end of suffering.” As I continue to learn more about the pervasive racial suffering in the United States, and slowly embrace some crucial, ongoing steps toward its potential end, I’m […]
“Mindful Activism” seeks to influence the adoption of policies that reduce the suffering caused by various injustices–and to do so in a compassionate, skillful manner. Such activism, in order to be successful, must first be about “being” before moving into “doing.” The “being” has to be continuously nourished, lest the “doing” lead to burnout, discouragement, […]
The ongoing impact of the systemic racism that has plagued our country since 1619 (long before we were even the “United States”) can be reduced through new laws, policies, and changes at every level of government. It can be lessened through criminal justice reforms, and the reversal of mass incarceration along with the cessation of […]
20 years ago today I graduated with a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, en route to just under four years of pastoral ministry in The United Methodist Church of Florida. I’m very grateful for my three years at Asbury. I had brilliant, dedicated professors, several close friends, loving mentors, and […]
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is the study of excellent communication and is often described as a “user manual for your conscious and unconscious mind.” It was developed by modeling strong communicators and therapists who got results with their clients. The authors of NLP: The Essential Guide to Neuro-Linguistic Programming write that NLP is “a revolutionary study […]
Buddhism is a practical, non-religious framework of practices that helps individuals increase happiness and decrease suffering. It’s more than 2,500 years old, is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, and its mindfulness meditation practices have been proven by modern neuroscience to transform our elastic brains in positive, sustainable ways that align with high levels […]
I turned 52 today. It’s kind of a strange, surreal number. Like many of you I feel “younger” inside. I’m not sure how much younger in particular, but I recognize familiar perspectives and instincts that have been with me for as long as I can remember. My ongoing personal growth and healing work is showing […]
Dr. Michael Greger’s new 575-page, evidence-based book, How Not to Diet, is incredibly well-done and useful, especially amid the confluence of noise, contradictions, and biases generated by health and fitness mass marketing and “Big Food” in particular.