-
Finding Stillness In The Storms Of Life. Lokavipatti Sutta: Buddha’s Teachings on the Eight Worldly Winds
A couple of months ago, I made the bold decision to pack my bags and leave London, my home city, family, friends and all that was familiar to move to the beautiful Moorish frontier town of Vejer De La Frontera, upon the simple suggestion of a fellow yogi whom I love and trust, “This is where you should be” she said, and I followed. The town is famous for many reasons; as a pitch-perfect example of Southern Spain’s Pueblos Blancos (or white towns) its rich history, it’s outstanding beauty, the impenetrable walls that kept it safe from invaders, it’s culture, warm-hearted people and amazing food but also for The Levante,…
-
Letting The Light Shine Through The Broken Places – Healing Trauma Through Meditation
“Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack, a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in.” – Leonard Cohen. Over the years I have often been asked “but how do I deal with my feelings when they become too much, too painful, too overwhelming? I feel so broken, how will I ever heal?” These questions always call to mind for me the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi “to repair with gold”. Since the late 15thC broken pottery has been painstakingly restored using gold, silver or platinum lacquer, with the underlying philosophy being that the piece is to be especially cherished, and…
-
Finding Balance In Turbulent Times – Equanimity & Joy – A Buddhist Perspective
“So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing.” – T.S.Eliot We live in strange times. Not exactly a newsflash. The reality of suffering (or ‘Dukkha’ in Pali) is the very first of the Four Noble Truths of the Buddhas Dharma teachings. Both externally in our world, in our lives, for those we love, and within our own hearts. These are of course matched with great joy and beauty, or as the Buddha put it, “The ocean of tears, and almost unbearable beauty” that makes up our human realm. But what to do? How to live in balance, and peace and joy? Thankfully, in the next…
