Mindfulness is the continuous observation of moment by moment internal and external experience, culminating in awakening to one’s true nature of pure awareness and happiness (also known as “Nirvana”) and elimination of dissatisfaction or suffering. It is the unifying thread of Buddhist teachings, which are a set of pragmatic, proven practices and not a specific […]
I’ve been guilty on several occasions of adding more noise, confusion, or division to an important political topic on social media, rather than contributing genuine value. This might be true for many of you as well. First, Full Disclosure I do believe that it’s important to discuss politics, whether online or in day-to-day life, because […]
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 […]
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 […]
By Alexandra DeMarco, Guest Writer As a busy college student, I often find that it can be difficult to live and act mindfully. With ever-decreasing acceptance rates, the academic environment in collegiate America has gradually grown more and more competitive. This academically exclusive society often fosters a culture of increased stress over grades, internships, future […]
After completing a walking session with a client who was ashamed of being estranged from her brother, Baris reflected on his own lingering shame as he headed back toward the office complex. Baris’s daughter Esma, 23, hadn’t gotten along with her father for a few years before her parents divorced. The divorce amplified their tension, […]
Across 2019 I’ve been peeling back the many layers of Buddhist teaching that support mindfulness practices, and attempting to apply them to my self-care, relationships, and work. I’d been studying and trying to practice mindfulness for several years; but it was only when I took this deeper dive into Buddhism, in which mindfulness finds its […]
I’m at a Starbucks, thinking about loving-kindness. My Saturday began early, journaling about loving-kindness while my youngest daughter, Olivia, got ready for us to drive to her high school. There, Olivia and the other freshmen are cheering on people of all ages with disabilities as they participate in the Achilles Nashville 6th Annual Hope and […]