Monkey Mind

The term monkey mind originates from the Buddhist tradition to describe a mind when it is unsettled, easily distracted, uncontrolled and/or jumping from one thing to the next. Over 2,500 years ago, the Buddha (a person who has attained full enlightenment) story says...

Interbeing…

In reading a number of books written by Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh (affectionately called Thay), I was introduced to the perspective of interbeing. This view is based upon the understanding we are inter-connected to all and everything and our existence is...

Judgemental mind…

One of my observations this week has been around judgemental minds. I noticed myself commenting or criticizing myself in my thoughts and words. I have observed that this habit can be particularly dominant during difficult times, which is when our personal demons seem...

Happiness is the way…

“There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way”. I was reminded of this quote while listening to a talk given by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in August 2013. All beings are looking to be happy regardless of their circumstances. I often hear people talk about how...

Rushing a moment…

How precious is a single moment? Sitting still in my morning meditation watching myself breath, I observed within myself the desire to be finished so I can move onto the next thing. It occurred to me how much we look for the next moment instead of being fully present....

Non-violence…

Today’s world is filled with a great deal of violence. One can’t turn on the news or read a newspaper without learning about violent acts being perpetrated around the world. Whether it is in conflicts between nations or violence within our own community, the news is...