Bob McMahon - Introductions to Mindfulness Meditation

03/28/2022

Even a short period of retreat is a benevolent rest, a stepping outside of busy daily rounds, and our ordinary identity. Released from the tyranny of time, we are invited into the reality of the present, to see the mystery of life anew.

03/28/2022

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation - free course starting in just over one week! April 7th to May 12th.

https://www.facebook.com/events/998180004459971?ref=newsfeed

02/02/2022

When we're not fully present, we tend to react to stuff that comes across the bow. But when we're more fully present, we can see more clearly see what we're dealing with and respond more wisely and compassionately. Reacting is closing down; responding is opening up.

01/31/2022

Our days are usually hectic - family, work, community, politics, the whole bit. Captured in this busyness, our minds are constantly searching the past and future for things to make it better. In the meantime, the day gets by us, and we wonder where we were for all of it. Take a moment to pause today and bring yourself back to just here, just now, and reconnect with what's actually happening.

01/26/2022

It's still early. Give yourself a chance to really experience today. All the big stuff, all the little stuff, and everything in between. Today won't come again.

01/24/2022

When we're not paying attention mindfully in the moment, it's hard to realize how much of our days we're missing by being lost in thought. Whether it's a family member or loved one that needs us, a great thing happening in our community or spending time with a friend, it can all slip by us before we even realize it if we're not careful.

01/23/2022

Sometimes when I let somebody know that I meditate, I hear some version of "...oh that's great, but I could never do that, I can't get my head to stop thinking." But that's true for all of us - our minds are built to think. In mindfulness meditation, the practice is not to stop thinking but simply recognize that you're having thoughts and be aware of them without constant judging. It may seem like a small difference, but if you give it a go, you might find that it makes all the difference in the world.

01/22/2022

I'm certainly not qualified to talk about the global contributions that this teacher has made to mindfulness, but luckily there are lots of great people who are. Amazing history, and amazing life.

Thich Nhat Hanh, beloved teacher and friend, monk and visionary died today at 95.
He was and is one of the greatest teachers of our age.
Though he endured both suffering and exile, he continuously
gave his wisdom and heart fully to this world.

As a Zen master, one of his special gifts was to offer the deepest realizations and profound essence of Dharma in exquisitely simple and immediate ways, clear and sublime teachings that awakened all who listened or read.

His encouraging words often included this story……
“When the crowded Vietnamese refugee boats met with storms or pirates, if everyone panicked all would be lost. But if even one person on the boat stayed calm and centered it was enough. It shows a way for everyone to survive. “
In a magnificent way, Thich Nhat Hanh became that steady and wise one, showing the way for us all, crossing the seas of this world.
Even now he reminds us that he did not die, he is not gone…….
“I am life without boundaries. I have never been born and I have never died.”

All that he touched is still alive in us, infinitely tender and wise.

May we forever carry his spirit and blessings.
May we become that steady, loving, wise one on the
ever-changing seas of this world.

Blessings and love,
Jack

01/22/2022