Why You Don’t Believe You’re Bigger Than Your Thoughts

I know, for most of us the idea that we’re not our thoughts, emotions and sensations sounds ludicrous at best.

Someone telling you that is either insane or trying to sell you something. Or maybe trying to get you to join something (which is the same thing really).

I mean, for most of us we are our thoughts! That is completely our experience. And saying it’s not is irrational – it’s denying reality!
It’s nuts!

Except that it’s crazy-making, all this stuff in your head, and you want out. Maybe they know something you don’t?

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How Long Should I Practice?

What’s Your Goal?

I recommend short practices for all beginners. Short meaning 2-5 minutes per practice. And the inevitable question is, is that effective? Should I practice longer?

The real question here is how long should I practice in order to get the best results?

My answer is, as always, it depends. As soon as you know why you’re practicing, what result you want, then you can answer that question yourself. The tricky bit is getting clear about why you’re practicing…

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How Friends Help You Grow

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Lately, I’ve been noticing how helpful it is to be traveling this path of self-development with other people!

Practice In A Group

Today, I had a powerful practice with another person. It’s the kind of practice I do daily, and I had forgotten how powerful it is to practice together… When we’re moving in the same direction together, magic happens. Synergy is a real thing… one plus one is four. :)

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Fueling Your Inner Fire

This is a practice I’m sharing in my Mindful Movement classes this winter.

Winter is a time of year to go in… to hibernate a bit, to focus in. A time to evolve, cultivate and fuel your inner fire.

Your inner fire is your inner power, your unique essence, that part of you that burns bright and strong and makes you uniquely you. Taoists refer to it as your Tian Tien, a place just below and behind your navel.

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Here’s a Moving Mindfulness Practice

…that clears your energetic and lymphatic systems – both of which need an extra boost in winter!

What are moving mindfulness practices? They’re mindfulness practices that are a bit different from the sitting ones in that, instead of sitting to do them, you stand up and move! You can stand, walk, dance, kneel, bend, spin, jump, etc. The whole time, you’re doing your best to stay aware of yourself, just like a sitting practice.

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Don’t Want to Sit to Practice Mindfulness?

I didn’t either when I first started meditating! Sitting still was torture! So, I started a moving practice, which lasted for years! That’s what I’m sharing with you in my weekly Mindful Movement classes.

They are perfect for those of you who want to practice mindfulness and don’t want to sit still! Yay!

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Want to Enjoy Mindfulness?

Think it’s boring or too tough to fit in regularly?

Here’s a fun way to play with mindfulness: simply bring all of your senses into really enjoying something you like to do.

Like walking your dog? Next time, play with noticing as much as you can on your walk….
What does your dog’s coat look like? The trees or buildings? What else can you see?
What can you smell? (What is your dog smelling?!)
What’s the temperature? Is there a breeze? Can you feel the sun or the chill in the air?
Is there a scent in the wind of the sea or grass or rain or wet pavment?
How many birds can you hear? Cars? What funny noises does your dog make as she’s sniffing around?

Bring all of your senses into whatever you like doing and let yourself be there more fully… You’ll enjoy it even more.

And how lovely that this is a great way to practice mindfulness!

Enjoy!