We all experience reoccurring negative thoughts at some point in our lives. It might be when we replay an argument we have had with someone, or relive some past abuse which haunts us. When these negative thoughts arise, we are not living in the present moment any longer, but the past. How does this help … Continue reading Negativity
Tag: ego
I think, therefore the universe is.
As I entered the forest this morning, a myriad of experiences assaulted my senses. The bird song was prolific, the burbling chatter of the song thrush, the rich tones of the blackbirds, the rapid hurry of chaffinch notes and tweeting of the blue tits. The wind rushed through the swaying tree tops, roaring like a … Continue reading I think, therefore the universe is.
Negativity
We all experience reoccurring negative thoughts at some point in our lives. It might be when we replay an argument we have had with someone, or relive some past abuse which haunts us. When these negative thoughts arise, we are not living in the present moment any longer, but the past. How does this help … Continue reading Negativity
Peace of mind
When I went for my early morning walk this morning, my head was filled with the chatter of my thoughts. Half the time I wasn’t even fully conscious of it but knew the buzzing was incessant. Then, as I turned the corner, two hares leapt out onto the path in front of me. They didn’t … Continue reading Peace of mind
Ego of the I
The moon is 384,400 km from the Earth. This is a scientific fact and if I were to tell you this, it would be a true fact, but it would not be I that was right, rather it would be the fact that was right. The ego likes to be involved in everything we do. It … Continue reading Ego of the I
Self Love
We are told that we cannot truly love others until we learn to love ourselves. What does it mean to love oneself? Does it mean we should be vain and preen ourselves until we look as physically attractive to others as possible? Does it mean we should be proud of our achievements and boast about … Continue reading Self Love
Atman
In Zen there is no self. When we sit, we are concentrating on the self that doesn't exist, devoting ourselves instead to the everything. We all exist as part of the whole, as part of the oneness, and in sitting we are letting go of our ego, of our self and realising our part in … Continue reading Atman
Power
Imagine something which makes you feel angry. Perhaps it's a memory of an argument you've had, or some injustice done to you or someone close to you. The more strongly you imagine it the angrier you feel. Your muscles start to tense and you feel your mind become clouded with negative emotions. This is both … Continue reading Power
Shielding
Buddhism talks about 'emptiness' and for many this can be a difficult concept to accept. The idea that everything leads to suffering and that ultimately everything is empty can appear nihilistic and fairly depressing, but this 'emptiness' does not mean worthless, or devoid of meaning. It is a common human condition that we attach personal … Continue reading Shielding
New beginnings
At the start of a New Year, many people think of resolutions, often which pertain to themselves; drink less, exercise more, stop smoking, lose weight, take up a new hobby… Three important questions we should ask ourselves, however, if we are to reflect on the year just past include; how well did we love? How … Continue reading New beginnings
Zen musings 