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Zen for the Holidays - 10 Tips
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“How often I found where I should be going only by setting out for somewhere else.” ~ R. Buckminster Fuller Nothing ups the ante for family drama better than ‘going Home for the Holidays.’ (You really need to see the movie…) Typically, past dramas are minimized as people play the ‘this year it will be different’ game. People expect Normal Rockwell gatherings, when “those gathered ’round” more closely resemble the Bunkers. There are ways to change the game, but only if you decide to end the old game, AND replace it with something Zen. Continue Reading…
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The Courage to be Happy
Given society’s propensity to think that ‘love’ should automatically equal happiness, it’s a brave thing indeed to suggest that the real source of happiness is courage. Why is this so? Well, there’s a progression of silliness that is common to most relationships. It begins at the ‘falling in love’ stage, when everything seems so perfect. The biological imperative sets in, and the quirks in each others’ behaviour are painted over. As time goes by, (six months is usually about the standard time) a bit more ‘reality’ sets in. The things not noticed in the romance of falling in love begin to emerge. What’s really happening is that a certain level of comfort has been reached, and the parties are more willing to be who they really are. Continue Reading…If you found this article helpful, consider donating, and experience the blessing of giving.
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Pathways to Transcendence
Many moons ago, I wrote two articles about transcendence. I re-wrote them today, as I was posting a reply on Bill Harris’ blog. You might find the re-write interesting, so here’s a teaser. The link to the whole thing is at the end. The Prevalence of Spiritual Crisis in Modern Day Society The idea of a spiritual crisis, which is expounded especially by Stan & Christina Grof, is crucial for the kind of development we assist in bringing forth. To put this in context, here’s quote from a longer, excellent article by Conny Jasper: In such a crisis, the person is barraged with many inner changes. Their old beliefs and behaviors are challenged, as their relationship with reality rapidly shifts. They suddenly do not feel comfortable in the once familiar world, and may have problems meeting the demands of daily life. They may find it difficult to distinguish between Continue Reading…If you found this article helpful, consider donating, and experience the blessing of giving.
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Zen Timer Program
On needing a reminder A couple of days ago, I wrote 10 suggestions for Zen Living. This was one of the points: 7. pay attention Be Here Now. It’s the only way to actually have a life. Mooning over the past or living in the future "…then I’ll be happy…" is a sure fire way to get into trouble. You snooze, you lose. Experiment: In Zen monasteries, a bell is rung at irregular intervals. The monks stop, and contemplate their level of ‘presence’ when the bell rang. Find a way to do the same - perhaps set a timer, and see where your attention was when it goes off. Zen living: Pay attention. As you find yourself drifting off into thoughts and plans, plots and dreams, have a breath and bring yourself back to now. Interesting, real stuff is happening, Continue Reading…If you found this article helpful, consider donating, and experience the blessing of giving.
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It’s All / It’s Not About You
Many are the people who think that the world isn’t treating them right. I hear this one especially as I counsel couples. There they sit, balefully glaring at each other, vainly hoping I’ll declare a winner. Each rattles off a litany of what the other is doing wrong. Sometimes, one or the other will tell me, with great righteousness, “Everyone knows that relationships should be easy. When you find the right person, (s)he will meet all your needs, without asking, and everything will be perfect.” This is egotism. Continue Reading…If you found this article helpful, consider donating, and experience the blessing of giving.
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10 Quick Examples of Zen Living
10 simple ideas for active Zen Living. Being present takes force of will and determination. Here are a few suggestions to make the process clearer. Continue Reading…If you found this article helpful, consider donating, and experience the blessing of giving.
Zen Based, Present Living
