In this final episode of season one, I talk about mantras or sound tools that are a common adjunct in the practice of meditation. There will be an opportunity to practice meditation with the Buddhist (although secular wording) mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' that translates to 'Praise to the jewel in the lotus.'
This episode was originally broadcast the day after the death of friend and work colleague Mo Dibba from Covid-19. May he rest in peace.There is a story about an infamous diamond thief who sought to steal only the most exquisite and precious of gems. This thief would hang around the diamond district of the city…
"The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.” - This is Warren Buffet quoting the English philosopher Bertrand Russell. These words so aptly describe the insidious nature of bad business habits that don't become apparent until it is too late. Meditation creates space allowing you…
We can probably spend the whole day without checking in with ourselves, distracted by the comings and goings of the world, events in your life and in your mind. Just one conscious breath can make all the difference, two even better. The more often that you can return to the present moment, the more at…
“Drop the idea of becoming someone, because you are already a masterpiece. You cannot be improved. You have only to come to it, to know it, to realize it.” ~ OshoWise words indeed from the controversial spiritual teacher Osho. Note how in this vast universe of ours, there is no one quite like you. Why…
Notice the irritation you feel when you are talking to someone and they don't make eye contact or when you are trying to have a conversation with someone who is distracted by other things. Presence, or giving someone our undivided attention is perhaps the greatest gift that we can give another. Lack of attention to…
“Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slave to your emotions.” ~ Elizabeth GilbertIt's important to recognise that emotions, no matter how powerful they are, are just thought forms that have recruited internal body sensations to amplify their effect. Unfortunately the thoughts often go unrecognised, the mind made story often…
Gandhi famously said "Be the change you wish to see in the world". We can have a tendency to judge, be irritated by or complain about things we don't like in the world. Try instead to embody the change that you want in the world. Lead by example. Peace and happiness are contagious!
"Paradise is not a place; it's a state of consciousness." ~ Sri ChinmoyOur natural state is one of peace, happiness, fulfilment but it is the thinking mind and the clamour of the outside world that prevent us from returning there (whenever we want to). Finding paradise is about turning within.
"Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life" ~ RumiThis episode is about gratitude - the ultimate game changer :)
Previously I was a big proponent of 'positive thinking'; yes, it may be useful, like an elastoplast, covering over any sadness or suffering. But by definition, it takes you away from the present moment into the realm of imagination where anything goes...
What if you were told that peace was always available. At every moment. In every circumstance. Well the good news is that it is. The bad news is that due to our conditioning, this peace is constantly being veiled. It is obvious to us at moments when mind activity stops (for example in total presence…
"I don’t envision a single thing that, when unguarded, leads to such great harm as the mind. The mind, when unguarded leads to great harm."This quote from the Buddha, taken from the Aṅguttara Nikāya is the central topic for this mornings podcast.
Present moment awareness is the only reality. I could stop right there.Have you noticed that now, the present moment is the only thing there is. The past no longer exists except in imagination. The future no longer exists except in imagination. Stepping out of present moment awareness is one of the factors for psychological suffering,…
"Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor." ~ Thich Nhat HanhWe are breathing every moment of our lives but how often are we conscious or aware of it. In Vedic philosophy, the breath is said to be the link between the body, the mind and soul.Note how…