This is a very special guest post, a poem written by my friend, Ella, who just turned 10. That’s Ella and me in the photo.
Ella is an amazing spirit. I was sitting with a few friends at the beach bar one early evening recently, and she came rushing over, excited to share her new poem with us.
It blew us all away.
Happily, she agreed to have me publish it here. ... Read entire article
“My daily affairs are quite ordinary; but I’m in total harmony with them. I don’t hold on to anything, don’t reject anything; nowhere an obstacle or conflict. Who cares about wealth and honor? Even the poorest thing shines. My miraculous power and spiritual activity: drawing water and carrying wood.”
Layman P’ang
These are the words of an ancient Zen master ... Read entire article
The letter below and my response are compiled from a correspondence of several emails with a lovely woman, Charlotte, who was asking for help with social anxiety. The suggestions I offer here would apply to anyone who experiences fear and self-judgment. Note: model in the photo is not Charlotte.
Dear Gail,
Since the age of 16 (I am 29 now) I have had a very long and I have to say ... Read entire article
This audio is a companion to the post entitled, Will These Memories Ever Go Away? It is a guided exploration to support you in letting go of challenging memories.
Play it as often as you need to as you investigate different memories that have been holding you back. You will be invited to bring your loving attention into your emotions. Every time you stop telling yourself the story of what happened and you experience the ... Read entire article
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” Maya Angelou
Will these memories ever go away? This question came from a friend who recently learned that her father was dying. The news led her to reminisce about her childhood – and she was caught off guard when long-gone memories reappeared with unexpected emotional force.
She wrote, ... Read entire article
Happy New Year, Everyone! I love this time of year. Optimism is in the air! There is a shedding of the past, inner reflection about what we want for our lives, and an openness to the unknown of the future.
If we want to live our lives in alignment with what is true and real, this is a cusp point, an auspicious time that ... Read entire article
Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! May 2010 be a banner year for you in every way.
You may not realize it, but there is a very connected community developing here at A Flourishing Life. Every reader of this blog has a compelling interest in knowing themselves so deeply that reality cannot be denied. We are joined in discovering wonder in the ordinary moment and a heart overflowing with gratitude for ... Read entire article
“When I hear somebody sigh, ‘Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’” Sydney J. Harris
I know, it’s a dramatic title, but it’s been an interesting few days. From nowhere, a cloud has appeared, and I find myself stuck – imprisoned by my habits. Old mental tendencies have surfaced, and I am moody and negative.
Enduring happiness? Absolutely possible, I know, but right now it ... Read entire article
This audio accompanies the 5-part series of posts called, Freedom from the Prison of Your Habits. It guides you through the deep investigation of a habit. It doesn’t matter how many times you play this recording or precisely explore your habits that don’t serve you. Each time, you are here, alive to what is real. Awareness is the key to the prison door. Be as you are, and you are free.
“Few of us have lost our minds, but most of us have long ago lost our bodies.”
Ken Wilbur
This post marks the fifth and last in the series Freedom from the Prison of Your Habits. The previous posts are:
Part 1: How Habits Develop Part 2: Identifying Habits Part 3: Examining Thoughts Part 4: ... Read entire article
I welcome your feedback and questions, so please feel free to keep in touch by email or comments on blog posts.
