How Do I Work with Thoughts?

Thoughts are always coming and going. Thoughts in our mind are like clouds that appear and disappear. Our mind’s true nature is like a mountain that never moves, as countless clouds appear and disapplear around it, pass by, and perhaps even bring rain and snow. The mountain never rejects any cloud or tries to hangContinue reading “How Do I Work with Thoughts?”

How Do I Declutter My Mind?

We have all seen cluttered spaces. Sometimes maybe our own spaces. A cluttered room, a cluttered office, a cluttered garage, a cluttered desk. Cluttered spaces don’t necessarily inspire a sense of calm and peace. What’s it like when our mind is cluttered? When our mind is cluttered with thoughts, fears, and anxieties? How do weContinue reading “How Do I Declutter My Mind?”

How Do I Find Peace?

I’ve heard many people say that they want to learn mindfulness meditation because they want to have some peace in their lives. How do we find peace, and what does mindfulness have to do with peace? Peace comes from the Latin word “pax” which means “tranquility, absence of war.” Our lives can be very busyContinue reading “How Do I Find Peace?”

What is the Difference Between Formal and Informal Mindfulness Practice?

Formal practice is the soil, and informal practice is the harvest that comes out of the soil. Formal mindfulness practice is the time we set aside each day to practice the formal mindfulness technique – bringing our attention to the present moment, bringing our attention to the breath. When our mind wanders, we notice theContinue reading “What is the Difference Between Formal and Informal Mindfulness Practice?”

How Do I Calm Down My Wandering Mind?

Being distracted and unfocused during meditation is very common. Having a wandering mind during meditation is very common. It doesn’t mean that you are doing it wrong, or that you are “not cut out for mindfulness meditation.” It’s OK that many thoughts come up and distract us during meditation. The mindfulness technique is to noticeContinue reading “How Do I Calm Down My Wandering Mind?”

How Do I Let Go of Thoughts?

First step in letting go of thoughts is to notice them. Being aware that we are wrapped up in thoughts instead of being in the present. Thoughts include all mental constructs/activities: Concepts Imagery Stories Fantasies Ongoing commentary Planning Worrying Memories Judgment Thoughts about thoughts In summary, thoughts are anything the mind does that pulls usContinue reading “How Do I Let Go of Thoughts?”