Right Mindfulness & Right Concentration Of The Eightfold Path
If I were to define Zen Buddhism, I would do so in two four-word sentences: Absolute attention is prayer. Compassion for all beings. “Zen teaches nothing. It merely enables us to wake up and become aware. It does not teach; it points. The truth of Zen is...
Indifferents In Stoicism Explained Through Gain, Loss, Pleasure & Pain
In the pivotal Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan battled a severe flu, yet soared to iconic heights. Against the surging Utah Jazz, he defied physical limits, sinking clutch shots and leading the Chicago Bulls to a crucial victory. His resilience showcased...
The Three Jewels Of The Tao: Embracing The Way Of Water
Well, the first challenge in understanding the Tao is its definition. Translated literally, 'The Tao' means 'The Way'. The very first verse of this ancient teaching warns that it’s useless to try to define or name The Tao: The Tao that can be toldIs not the eternal...
21 Human Performance Tips For Busy People
To say my life is busy is an understatement. Writing this blog is my passion. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. But writing the blog, two weekly newsletters, and a book is a tall order. There is no team, there are no editors, web developers, graphic designers, or...
Memento Mori: Embracing Life’s Impermanence In The Digital Age
In the age of smartphones, social media, and endless distractions, the ancient Stoic concept of Memento Mori has never been more relevant. Loosely translated as "Remember that you must die," Memento Mori serves as a powerful reminder of our mortality and the fleeting...
Thich Nhat Hanh & The Zen Practice Of Stopping
Thich Nhat Hanh was a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific author, poet and teacher, historically known as the ‘father of mindfulness’. Nhat Hanh was a major influence on Western practices of Buddhism. He was exiled from South Vietnam in 1966 after...
The Stoic Concept Of Summum Bonum: The Stoic North Star
There can only be one priority. If you think about it, the plural of the word priority is nonsensical. Priority means the most important thing. There can’t be two most important things. Having a sole priority is useful in business, but it’s also indispensable for...
How To Stay In The Present Moment
I’ve never met anyone who was trained in mindfulness at an early age. Have you? I wonder if they have to try as hard as those of us who were introduced to mindfulness in adulthood. I wonder if they struggle with distractions or if they have emotional outbursts. For...
Amor Fati Explained: Turning Life’s Trials Into Triumphs
The meaning of amor fati is nestled inside this short story: There was an old farmer who had a herd of horses. One day, the horses broke through the fence and the whole herd ran off into the wild. On hearing the unfortunate news, the old farmer’s neighbor came over...
How To Stop Being Too Nice
How do we reconcile wanting to be compassionate and being too nice? By too nice, I mean placing the needs of others above your own to the point that your own are not met. Too nice also means getting taken advantage of. Being too nice opens the door to repeated insult,...
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