For three years in a row I have raised funds for the Centre for Mindfulness Studies in Toronto in support of their Community Programs. The main event is the Mindfulness Challenge, a gathering of hundreds of meditators, in multiple locations, to be contemplative for four hours. Here is an interview from last year about my …
Several years ago when I was busy with work, a whole season had gone by and I barely noticed. Being in nature has always been fundamental to my happiness and I wasn’t paying attention. From then on I made a point to be present to my outdoor environment. Autumn is my favourite time of year. …
There is a certain thrill when noticing that although it is dark out, it is actually only 9pm. The pleasure of losing light in late August!
Sea turtle rescues on video, lengthy political rants and daily selfies. Multiple captures of tasty food and romantic moments. 25 versions of outrage about an appalling news item. It is time to turn down the volume. For a couple of months I have rehearsed the idea of stepping away from Facebook. After seven years …
I take one week holidays in the country during Winter, Summer and Fall. Each sojourn is an opportunity for my busy brain to slow down. Although it can take up to three days for my spirit to recognize the reduction in auditory and visual noise, I eventually start to relax.
Say that title out loud and it sounds like a country dance. Yet the mood of this post is decidedly quieter with a lower heart rate! My regular readers know that I practice mindfulness in the form of meditation and walking around my neighbourhood. Even when running (walking?) an errand, I gently notice my surroundings …
by Karl Pruner What is meditation? There may be as many answers as there are meditators. As a practitioner for forty four years, I can only say for sure what it means to me. Meditation means rest. In meditation, my mind rests in the awareness of the present moment. Noises come and go. Thoughts come …
Are you a minimalist? For over 15 years I have been shedding whatever I perceive to be in my way of living a satisfying life. I don’t remember exactly how this transformation started but I suspect I have been conditioned for it: years ago, living an artist’s life required moving from place to place, transferring …
As Earth Day approaches, (April 22nd) I have been receiving reports about the challenge I put to my readers to try a No Gadget Night (NGN). With lights off and all electronics put away, what happened? Finding activities to keep occupied did not seem to be a problem. What I find fascinating is the variety of thoughts and feelings …