The wisdom of not knowing
The wisdom of not knowing lies in the humility of accepting that we don’t have all the answers and can’t single-handedly solve complex problems.
Wise hope
‘Everywhere I looked, hope existed – but only as some kind of green shoot in the midst of struggle.’
Magnanimous mind
The magnanimous mind invites us to take a wider perspective rather than getting constantly bogged down in the minutiae of everyday life.
Nurturing mind
‘Watching over water and over grain, shouldn’t everyone maintain the affection and kindness of nourishing children?’ Dogen Zenji, in his ‘Instructions to the Cook’ Last month we looked at joyful mind, the first of the ‘three minds’ which were recommended by the famous Zen master Dogen Zenji for the monks in his monastery. The second […]
Being engaged in life
‘Who or what we are is defined by the quality of our engagement with this moment, whatever its content.’
Obstacle as path
‘The obstacle is the path.’ Zen saying
Mottainai
The Japanese word ‘Mottainai’ is one of those expressions which can convey a whole range of meanings, and which has been associated with daily life, environmental philosophy, Zen Buddhism, and a general sense of increased appreciation.
Holiday favourites – the upside of stress
There are times when a more positive attitude to stress might help us ride its waves with a more joyful attitude.
Holiday favourites – precious moments
One of the gifts of a regular mindfulness practice is to transform how we live the so-called ‘ordinary’ moments of our lives.
Mindful eating
‘When walking, walk. When eating, eat.’ Zen proverb