Meditation: It's Not What You Think

Meditation is an ancient practice that is becoming increasingly popular.

 

Here I answer the “Who, What, Why’s” of meditating for those who may be considering beginning a practice, and those who simply want a reminder as to the value of their existing meditation practice.

My Happiness

In the aftermath of Nick Kyrgios winning his fourth round match at Wimbledon all eyes were on the teenager.  He carries the sporting hopes of the nation now, and I love the fact that he's as much the medias darling for appearing "normal" as actually winning.  But while all the hype and hyberbole was being heaped on him something else was happening. A champion had lost, in an upset, to a newcomer.  

Pleasure Vs Happiness - Is Discomfort The Key?

So a while ago at meditation we discussed happiness on a few different levels.  Like, what is happiness?  How does it differ from pleasure and enjoyment?  What makes us happy?  Should we pursue happiness and if so, how do we do that?

Wheel of Life

So reincarnation has always been a bit of a sticking point between me and Buddhism.

Not that I know that much about it, but whenever it comes up I've always felt a bit...skeptical?

So mostly I've just kind of ignored it.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet

This week I was at the Melbourne Convention Centre to hear the Dalai Lama speak on Compassion The Foundation of Well Being.

The Tethered Elephant

Tuesday nights I go to a local Buddhist Institute for meditation and teachings.  Well, that is I try to when life is on the straight and narrow.  

Retreat into Silence

Towards the end of last year I went on retreat.  A silent meditation retreat.

Now I have friends who find the very thought of this abhorrent.  Who would rather stick pins in their eyes than embark on something like this.

Gratitude Revolution

For not the first time in my exploration of Buddhist philosophy I was presented with the phrase "This does not mean being a doormat".

I'm not really sure what this means.

Buddhism calls for compassion and gratitude above all else.  This seems a worthy goal.  

But sometimes in practice it can lead to a feeling of self deprecation.

Can we cultivate compassion for a person or situation in which we are being treated badly?  Is that even appropriate?

Blue Skies

Life is suffering.

And sometimes it feels like there's a lot to complain about.  

And it's wonderful how much support there is out there now if you're going through a rough patch.  

With parenting especially.  There's no shortage of places to vent.