. Living in the present moment doesn’t impair your ability to plan for the future. “Clock time” is always there when you need it for practical purposes. Use it to map out your next steps but immediately return to the present moment awareness once you’ve accomplished your desired task. This is will prevent the buildup … Read more
. As self-imposed period of solitude comes to an end, you’re ready to open your heart. This is what Buddhist brahmavihara helps you to do by showing you how to practice metta, karuna, and mudita — three ancient meditation techniques that amplify your compassion in ever-widening circles. As you sit with your eyes closed and … Read more
. “Forgive them; for they know not what they do,” Jesus is said to have said. In other words, they’re unconscious. But should you always forgive unconscious behavior of other people? I’m an optimist, but I don’t believe in blind optimism. I’m very much interested in optimism that is hard won. As a consequence, I … Read more
. I start every morning with lovingkindness meditation, a Buddhist practice aimed at countering negative thoughts about yourself and others. The first step is to concentrate on your own happiness: “May I be well, may I be happy.” Next, you do the same for a good friend, a neutral person, a difficult person, and, finally, … Read more