What we feed the mind, affects the health of the mind. So it is important to boost ourselves up with people who make us feel good, who bring out the best in us, not drag us down. Indulge in activities are constructive and uplifting. Do things that make you happy, peaceful, content, in a healthy way.
Making Peace With Grief Fall 2017: Part 2
"To love means to open ourselves to grief, sorrow, and disappointment as well as to joy, fulfillment, and thus an intensity of consciousness that before we did not know was possible." This quote from the American psychologist Rollo May spoke to many in this room.
Making Peace With Grief Fall 2017: Part 1
If we are deeply aware of what we feel, grief has the potential to dramatically change our old habitual thinking. We can be transformed by it and find an enduring sense of peace. It may force a re-examination of everything.
Happy Circle, April 13, 2018: Looking Through The Window Of The Mind
The clouds that wander through the sky Have no roots, no home; Nor do the distinctive thoughts that float through the mind.
Happy Circle April 3, 2018: Spring Meditation Journey To The Summit
In this meditation there is contemplation on some of the conditioned habitual thinking. What excess baggage is weighing us down, preventing us from getting where we need to go.
Happy Circle March 16, 2018: Rippling Thought Modifications
Last time we discussed the second of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. Yoga is stopping the thought formations or modifications (vritti) in the mind space (chitta). There are residual waves as that is the nature of the mind space—like an ocean or lake. Yoga is the liberation from the push and pull of all the waves, not being... Continue Reading →
Happy Circle February 20, 2018: Push and Pull Lake
We are all under the sway of four pairs of opposites: pulled by pleasure, perceived material or mental gain, fame, and praise; and the push away from displeasure, perceived loss, notoriety, and blame. There is constant tension between getting what we want and avoiding what we do not want. This is the root cause for discontent, scattered minds, and the shadow of unhappiness.
Happy Circle February 9, 2018: Chariot of Yoga Meditation
Learning to rein in, train the unruly horses, and keeping the chariot on track through all the rough and smooth patches is the process of yoga. The word "yoga" has multiple meanings--it is used as a term to describe the training process, the path, as well as the goal which is a particular state of being.
Happy Circle January 23, 2018–Chariots and Mountains
Welcome to our circle! We have two analogies today--chariots and mountains. One is active and the other is passive. My purpose is to broaden our perspective on awareness, meditation, yoga, and to cultivate objective curiosity (sakshi bhav/witness). Links to meditation using the allegory of a mountain are posted below. Imagine yourself riding in a glorious... Continue Reading →
