Even before Joely or JJ, my daughter, was born nearly two years ago, I struggled with prioritising making two hours available for meditation every day. But most days, first thing before the day had begun, I would make sure I got onto my mat for an hour. In addition, blessed to be living in a …
Category: Observations
Blowing the mind with dangerous fire
I was once addicted to marijuana. It started as a recreational activity which I did with friends. It inspired me with visions that I could use in my art and ideas that I thought were very unique and astounding while I was high. Sometimes these ideas helped me when I sobered up to have a …
What Has Helped Me
Ryan Shelton, creator of this blog, wrote in a most recent post, "I want people to feel encouraged and supported in practicing however they can within the limitations of the rest of their lives. I don’t know exactly how to help..." That struck me. I too, as a writer for this blog, feel the same …
Safe
I find it unspeakable to speak the truth. I find all shallow thoughts of men are my own. I find wholeness lights every way I can see. Now, moving in truth, I see no other way. I find myself feeling for sensation, when my heart is weary and tender. I find the cries of old …
Be Quiet and Listen
This is a discussion that I have listened to multiple times and continue to get more out of it. I've posted it on this blog before, because it is a truly marvelous and very Dhamma-like conversation. http://www.jkrishnamurti.org/krishnamurti-teachings/view-video/knowledge-and-the-transformation-of-man-part-1-of-18.php The discussion is about as close to 'what is' as you can get, aside from meditating. It's the …
Start Again
At one of the courses I sat, there was an assistant teacher who had one more thing to say before the course was over. It was the last sit of the morning before everyone went for breakfast and left the center. The last thing he said was, "Take a short break..." People laughed and were …
Ways to See Equanimity
There are many different ways to speak of equanimity and awareness. Most of the spiritual speakers and writers of the world will point to these two principles in some way. They may only point to things that point to these things, but still, they are on the same track to seeing it. They may also …
Simplicity
What amazes me again and again about Vipassana is its simplicity. I've started to get my daily sits in without having to think about TRYING to do so. They are a natural part of my life now. I think this is ideal with any form of art. For it to really be something you're involved …
Doubt vs. Confidence vs. Over-Confidence
While doing mathematical problems in school days, I remember feeling over-confident in my abilities after correctly solving a few problems. This over-confidence lead to less alertness, and falling prey to making mistakes problem-after-problem. When starting new projects, doubt steals part of my presence. "Am I good enough?" "Will I ever get this done?" "What if my …
A Candle Sits
It is so nice to sit here writing by the fire on a little candle stick lighting up the room. The only light except my clock and the computer screens and the desktop, or whatever you call it. The core of the root of the computer, that makes all this happen, that makes my creativity …
Living Vipassana 