Mindfulness is an approach to living that involves an open, active attention to the present moment in a non-judgemental fashion. In this way, we can observe our thoughts and feelings without becoming swept away by them. We can experience various thoughts and emotions, but they are not who we are. By being able to observe our thoughts …Read More
“Peace Is Every Step” By Thich Nhat Hanh (Book Recommendation)
Jun 30, 2011
This book is a classic that I wanted to bring to people’s attention again today, because it contains a wealth of wisdom that is written specifically to increase peace and happiness in our daily lives. Thich Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist teacher and peace activist, who was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by …Read More
“The Roots of Buddhist Psychology” by Jack Kornfield (Audiobook Recommendation)
May 2, 2011
I recently completed that audiobook The Roots of Buddhist Psychology by Dr. Jack Kornfield, who is a Buddhist psychologist. Dr. Kornfield is highly regarded author and lecturer who has been a Buddhist practioner since the late 1960s. He has lived and studied in Thailand, Burma, and India throughout various times of his life, so you …Read More
“Living Without Stress or Fear” by Thich Nhat Hanh- Audiobook Recommendation
Nov 29, 2010
I recently enjoyed listening to the audiobook Living Without Stress or Fear by renowned Buddhist monk, teacher, author, and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh. I’ve read several of his books and listened to some podcast interviews, but this was the first audiobook that I’ve listened to of his. First, this isn’t really an audio “book” …Read More
Working With Anger
Nov 14, 2010
A few weeks ago, Dr. Brooks posted a blog about love, and the importance on keeping love alive by working on it and cultivating it. This blog was based on teachings by the Vietnamese Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. It so happens that I was also listening to these same teachings, presented in the audio …Read More
“Ruling Your World” – Book Recommendation
Oct 16, 2010
In the book “Ruling Your World” Sakyong Mipham describes ancient strategies to help the reader achieve mastery over their mind and over their life. Although the strategies and metaphors he describes are very old, they are surprisingly relevant and useful in today’s society. The author of the book is Buddhist, and many of the metaphors …Read More
Turning the Mind Into an Ally – Book Recommendation
Aug 27, 2010
This is a book about the “nuts and bolts” of meditation. Meditation has been a hot topic for the last decade or so in neuropsychological research. Scientific studies of the brains of experienced and novice meditators show that practicing meditation on a regular basis produces changes in the brain’s activity and even in the structure …Read More
"A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle (book recommendation)
Jan 16, 2010
Eckhart Tolle is a spiritual teacher and author of the bestseller The Power of Now, which I read after one of my clients highly encouraged me to do so. I’ve read A New Earth twice now (well, read once then listened to the unabridged audiobook) and prefer it to The Power of Now. Perhaps I’ll …Read More
The Way of Zen – by Alan Watts (book recommendation)
Dec 23, 2009
I have almost completed The Way of Zen by Alan Watts for the second time (in audiobook format – I’m a big fan of them). Alan Watts was a British philosopher, writer, and speaker. He was an expert on comparative religions and was perhaps most famous for making Eastern religions and philosophies (e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism, …Read More
On the "Noble Truth" and Suffering
Dec 1, 2009
The first of the “Four Noble Truths” of Buddhism is that “Life is Suffering.” I always thought that “life is suffering” sounded so pessimistic. Sure, part of life is suffering but part of life is joyful too. Couldn’t the Noble Truth instead be “Life is Joyful”? Although I’m not a Buddhist, I really like what …Read More