Meditation

The creation of a space in which we are able to expose and undo our neurotic games, our self-deceptions, our hidden fears and hopes, we provide space through the simple discipline of doing nothing. In meditation practice, we neither hold the mind very tightly, nor let it go completely.  We let the mind go, but at the same time there is some discipline involved. Develop awareness of bodily movement, breath and one’s...

Prayers

You say a prayer in your religion, and I will say a prayer as I know it.  Together we will say this prayer, and it will be something beautiful to God. - Mother Theresa Simone Weil says that prayer is undivided attention. St. Paul advised us to make every breath a prayer. Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. - Jesus Prayer is the common language of the soul. - Lama Surya...

Awareness Exercise

I took a class at the School of Practical Philsophy entitled “Philosophy Works”.  I loved the class and highly recommend it for everyone.  If you want to learn more, check out the following u.r.l. www.practicalphilosophy.org We learned an awareness exercise that has been extremely beneficial.  The Exercise helps you to be in the present moment, to live life fully awake, and strive for a higher level of...

Virtues

13 Virtues to aim for according to Benjamin Franklin Temperance Silence Order Resolution Frugality Industry Sincerity Justice Moderation Cleanliness Tranquility Chastity Humility Benjamin Franklin stated of his failure to achieve the moral perfection he sought, “but on the whole, tho’ I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavor, a better...

Discriminating Wisdom

Every spiritual journey requires taking an inventory of our own and others failings; however, we must be careful when taking this inventory.  It should be done with an open heart and not in a spirit of anger, comparison, or self-justification.  This is what Jack Kornfield refers to as the spirit of discriminating wisdom. Every spiritual tradition and every teacher has strengths and weaknesses.  Discriminating wisdom allows...

Nonsense / Truth

Believe nothing, O monks, merely because you have been told it.  Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher.  But, whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings – that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide. - Buddha The more clearly we experience something as “nonsense”, the...

Beginner’s Mind

– Shunryu Suzuki from Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the experts there are few.” “If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything.” “The most difficult thing is to keep your beginner’s mind.  This is the real secret of the arts; always be a beginner”. “All self-centered thoughts limit our vast mind”. “If you find...

Treat your Body as a Temple

As a chiropractor, I realize the importance of finding balance in our lives. I stress the mind-body connection and the importance of physical as well as mental health. One of the DaVincian principles I previously alluded to was Corporalita – the cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness, and poise. DaVinci understood the necessity of exercising both the body and the mind. Chinese sage, Lau Tsue Tao Te Ching -...

DaVincian Principles

The Seven DaVincian Principles Curiosita – An insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for continuous learning. Dimistrazione – A committment to test knowledge through experience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Sensazione – The continual refinement of the senses, especially sight, as the means to enliven experience. Sfumato (literally “going up in...

Daily Necessities

Tips and Pointers for Building a Spiritual Life from Scratch Lama Surya Das Pray Meditate Be aware / Stay awake Bow Practice yoga Feel Chant and sing Breathe and smile Relax / Enjoy / Laugh / Play Create / Envision Let go / Forgive / Accept Walk / Exercise / Move Work / Serve / Contribute Listen / Learn / Inquire Consider / Reflect Cultivate oneself / Enhance competencies Cultivate contentment Cultivate flexibility Cultivate...