‘Prove it to the people who live in your home that you are master of yourself. This is a very good practice.’ Thich Nhat Hanh
Spirituality
Liza’s Gratitude Story: Cultivating a Life of Peace
If you were to visit Liza Hopkins today in the quiet country town of Murtoa, you’d likely find her with her hands in the soil. Surrounded by tree lined paddocks, six free ranging chickens, and a new greenhouse built by her husband, Liza has crafted a life of...
Morning meditation — Mastering the essence of the profound scriptures Numerous beyond count.
‘Mastering the essence of the profound scriptures Numerous beyond count, and accomplishing the Ocean of practices, like the six perfections, Place all sentient beings, blind as cattle, on the Path leading to knowledge, freedom, and joy.’ Yangchen Shepai Dorje
Morning meditation — If my heart is tormented by hatred.
‘If my heart is tormented by hatred, my mind will never be at peace. I will find neither joy nor wellbeing, neither sleep nor repose.’ Acharya Shantideva
Walking for Peace, Marching Together from Love
Sometimes an event that begins in an inconspicuous way suddenly gains momentum and delivers a colossal impact no one could have foreseen. A random spark spreads through dry brush and sets off a forest fire. A gust of wind on a mountaintop starts an avalanche....
We Are Allowed to Age: Why I Don’t Care That I Look Old
“When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” ~African Proverb It is just past ten in the morning on a Tuesday. My wet boardshorts and blue tank top are drying at lightning speed in the sweltering South Indian sun. I am feeling alive and...
Morning meditation — When you awaken to the unique and wonderful dharma.
‘Those who seek the Buddha and dharma outside of mind are all children of rich men who have forgotten where their homes are. When you awaken to the unique and wonderful dharma of your true nature, it is as if the lost child had come home.’ Bassui Tokushō
How Slow Can You Go?
Experts of many varieties seem to agree: we’re moving way too fast, and we need to slow down—not just for our relaxation, but for our survival. Can a personal mindfulness practice have any meaningful effect on our individual and collective addiction to constant...
How Dry January Improved My Brain Health and My Life
“You are not stuck with the brain you have. You can make it better.” ~Dr. Daniel Amen At the beginning of the year, I had this whole list in my head about the benefits of dry January: drop a few pounds, sleep better, get those bright white eyes everyone raves about....
Morning meditation — It is simply that when ordinary people hear a true discourse.
‘It is simply that when ordinary people hear a true discourse, because of their ignorance, there are a thousand variations and ten thousand distinctions. It’s like squinting your eyes to make one moon appear as two.’ Bassui Tokushō
