veganuary

Veganuary

I guess you knew it would come at some time. My obligatory January blog advocating the advantages of adopting a more vegan lifestyle. Well here it is – Veganuary! I’ve not been watching much TV or listening to much radio, but vegan friends who have been tell me they are despairing over the mis-information that…

a-mindful-Christmas-Story

A Mindful Christmas Story

A boy of 5 was taken to see Father Christmas.  Father Christmas was in a grotto in a wood, accessed by a short train journey through woodland. Father Christmas asked the boy what he would like for Christmas.  The boy was a little phased by this question.  He paused.  He almost seemed embarrassed – then…

Mistletoe – Walter De La Mare

Mistletoe – Walter de La Mare

Sitting under the mistletoe (Pale-green, fairy mistletoe), One last candle burning low, All the sleepy dancers gone, Just one candle burning on, Shadows lurking everywhere: Some one came, and kissed me there. Tired I was; my head would go Nodding under the mistletoe (Pale-green, fairy mistletoe), No footsteps came, no voice, but only, Just as…

retreat-time

Retreat Time

I am away now to a bungalow by the sea for four weeks. I am treating myself to some solitary retreat time with two of my dogs, Holly and Nutmeg. Then I have some holiday time at Christmas and New Year with family. After the new year I have some more solitary retreat time. Then…

mindful-tears

Mindful Tears

At the end of November I was out for an impromptu dinner in a local restaurant.  An elderly couple on another table caught my eye. I noticed them because they were wearing party hats.  You know, the coloured paper ones you get in Christmas crackers. For some reason I couldn’t explain, it brought tears to…

telling-lies

Telling Lies

I have had the great good fortune this week to be teaching at Samye Ling with Choden on the new Access to Insight retreat. During the retreat, it was a great chance for me to practice along with the participants. We practiced acceptance, self-compassion, the four immeasurable qualities of loving kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity…

Online Retreat Days

NEW Online Retreat Days

We have 2 NEW opportunities to join our Online Mindfulness Retreat Days! Midwinter Practice  In the lull between Christmas and New Year, there is the opportunity to rest and replenish with mindful practice days, to return to our internal heart space that is always ready to welcome us home with open arms. Together, in these…