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: Thoughts
Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone
Whether you class yourself as religious or not, whether you believe in sin or not, this quote from the Book of John holds an important message for all of us. Who are we to judge what another does, and what right does society have to decide what is good or bad? There do have to … Continue reading Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone
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
Certainty
Human beings are very good at analysing and labelling, at categorising and filing things into manageable boxes. But what can we really know for certain? We know without a doubt that the sun rises and sets every day, without exception. We know now that we don’t have to perform sacrifices or rituals for this to … Continue reading Certainty
Judgement
Imagine if we were so clumsy one day that after spilling our morning coffee, dropping our keys down a drain then breaking a delicate ornament with our heavy touch, we were so cross with ourselves we decided to do something drastic...we decided to cut off the offending hand. How likely is it that we would … Continue reading Judgement
Imagination
What greater gift has been bestowed on humans than imagination? We have health, legs to walk, hands to hold, ears to hear, eyes to behold, but any of that can be taken away, at any time, and for some, we never have that. But imagination...even if we have no legs, we can travel anywhere in … Continue reading Imagination
Why do you sit?
This is a question many non-sitting people ask and a question difficult to answer. When sitting, no words are required, no explanation, no thinking, so to have to articulate why makes matters hard. When speaking to people who have never sat zazen, my answer varies, but the core is always the same. When I take … Continue reading Why do you sit?
Stardust
How are we connected? It is said that the human body consists of 60% water. As for the rest of it, almost 99% is made up of six elements; oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. Over 70% of the earth's surface is made up of water. The earth's crust is over 46% oxygen. Most … Continue reading Stardust
Sea of Consciousness
The mind is like the sea. Sometimes it is still and serene, at other times turbulent, troubled. It's depths are unfathomable and we do not know all that lurks there. It is made up of millions of tiny droplets, just like our minds have countless thoughts and processes, yet it is all connected together, the … Continue reading Sea of Consciousness
Zen musings 