The Path of Least Resistance

In a recent meeting with regional mindfulness practitioners, we were invited to reflect on different elements of time. As part of that discussion, the facilitator talked about desire paths, also known as cow paths or social trails. We have all seen these- places where enough people have walked a different way than either the urban or hiking trail planners intended, often a shortcut or a faster and easier route.

The Sound of Silence

Recently, I took a fantastic vacation in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Utah. During one of our hikes, we climbed up some very tall (and slightly scary) ladders bolted into the side of canyon rocks and suddenly we were on top of the canyon, with 360-degree views for miles and miles all around. Not only was the view incredible, but it was quiet. Eerily, intensely quiet.

The Hope-Mindfulness Paradox: When focusing on the present feels stressful

Many of us who practice mindfulness meditation or try to live more present-centered lives eventually bump into an interesting philosophical tension: How do we reconcile the future-oriented nature of hope with the practice of staying grounded in the present moment, especially when we are going through stressful times in the present moment?

You’re Already New

The turn of a calendar year often brings with it an avalanche of “new year, new you” messages. We are bombarded with ads for products and services to help us be “new”-usually focused on our physical appearance (diet and exercise rule supreme). These slogans encourage us to chase transformation, promising that with enough effort, we can somehow leave behind who we were and step into an entirely new version of ourselves. But here’s the truth: you’re already new, every single day.

When Life Feels Heavy, Lighten the Load

There are a lot of reasons to feel heavy these days. The news pounds us every day with stories of wars, school shootings, natural disasters, and political strife. Many of our family, friends, and former coworkers are struggling to find jobs or make their new businesses successful. Some of our necessities have gotten expensive. Add to that smaller things, like our favorite football team having a bad season, an illness or injury, or an argument with a loved one and the heaviness grows.

There is no one in the other boat

In the Taoist parable, “The Empty Boat,” a man is floating down a river when he sees another boat heading towards him. He gets frantic and starts yelling for the other boat to change course. He curses at the competence of the other fisherman. Then as the boat approaches, he sees the boat is empty, having come untied from its dock.

Like many, I struggle with grudges and slights. Sometimes I lie awake thinking about what the person said and how angry it made me feel. Yet what are the chances they are lying awake, thinking about what they said to me? Slim to none!

Not all who wander are lost

J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous quote has inspired many columns about the potential meaning here. Is he for wandering aimlessly? Or rather, does he deliberately write quests for each character as a way to imbue a goal or purpose for the wandering?

Learning To Surf

I remember the first time I went into the Pacific Ocean. I was a teenager and had only ever been in the Atlantic Ocean. I was surprised by the strength of the waves and was dragged under and back to the shore several times, along with clumps of kelp. The water was much colder than I was used to and the waves would hit with force each time. Finally, I started diving into and through the waves as they came as was able to navigate the waves as they came.

As Jon Kabat-Zinn says, you can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.

A Matter of Trust

Everyone loves to give advice. Our media feed is full of articles on what to eat, wear, prevent disease, how to decorate our house, and more. Just today in my news feed I saw articles about how I am holding my phone wrong, how to be a better tourist, how to keep my energy up as I age, choosing the right carbs, and believe it or not, the definite guide to pool chair etiquette.

How, when we are inundated with so much advice, do we decide what to believe?

The Joy of Not Knowing

There was a time when a group of people at my old job used to meet and watch different recorded talks and discuss the ideas shared there. It was a group interested in innovation, especially related to science and technology.

One week we viewed a talk about the rise of citizen science and how it might contribute to scientific innovation. As soon as it was over, someone in the group stood up and said the talk was ridiculous. No citizen scientist could figure out anything that they, a 25-year professional, hadn’t already figured out, they said.

Hmm.