It’s not easy to ignore the news. It’s in every newspaper. Even if you don’t buy a newspaper, you get a glimpse of the headlines on newsstands and in shops. Every time you switch on the television – it’s there. Overheard conversations amongst family, friends and strangers – opinions are shared about what’s happening in…
A fruition of my compassion practice over the years is an increased ability to care for my physical and mental wellbeing. While I was away on holiday, I recognised – again – that the physical and mental stress of working too hard is damaging my health. My husband has been telling me this for years…
Recently I became acutely aware that I have been dwelling on some words that have been spoken to me. Words that seemed to cut like a knife. But they only hurt because I have been letting them hurt. There they were wrapped up in the constant stream of my autonomous thought patterns. They kept popping…
I am a week into a two week winter sun getaway to Cyprus. Away from the busyness of work I am noticing a lot of inner-critic dialogue along with an underlying feeling of being a failure. I am aware of a constant vigilance for instances where I might be subject to humiliation. Moreover I appear…
I have noticed that spending time with a 4-year-old teaches me to be mindful, present and curious. My grandson makes me realise the preciousness and gift of the present moment. He has also taught me to be more curious. Each time I see him, he has changed and grown. He does things slightly differently and…
Oh, to meet the Joy and Pain of Christmas with Compassion by Bill Paterson Suddenly Christmas is on the horizon again! Is it really a year since the last one? Interestingly, I’ve noticed a pattern of contrasting thoughts and emotions wrapped in this winter celebration. Yes, the darkness of winter will be punctured with light,…
I did it again. I just fell into the stress and striving trap. Having read Heather’s recent blogs Mindfulness Meditation in the Face of Stress and Mindfulness at Christmas, it made me realise how vulnerable we are to the constant onslaught of life’s ‘stuff’ that can make us react. Since beginning the new role of Communications…
How can our Mindfulness meditation practice support strong connections with those around us over the Christmas period? My mindfulness practice comes in very handy at Christmas time. From helping me to appreciate all the good fortune in my life to enabling me to navigate difficult relationships and circumstances, it is always there to help…
Following on from our blog Be Mindful of the Extraordinary, one of our members responded to the Weekly Challenge and contributed this blog. A Mindful Wish “WELL THE PHONE RANG JUST TOO OFTEN as I curled up for some me time, exhausted after decoration and getting the flat back to ‘normal’: moving bags, books, pictures…