by Frank | Mar 3, 2025 | Awareness, Daily Practice, Meditation, Mindless
While I often talk about mindlessness, I want to acknowledge that there are also deeply mindful moments woven into our everyday lives—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
Every morning, I rise early for my daily practice, accompanied by a warm cup of tea. Without fail, my sleepy beagle puppy eventually drags herself into the room, eyes half-closed, and with an endearing determination, she hops up to join me. She expects a big, heartfelt hug before curling up beside me, resting her head gently on my lap, and drifting back into her dreams.
My favorite moments are when she enters the dream world so vividly that her little feet twitch as if she’s chasing something, accompanied by a soft, whisper-like baying sound woven into her snores.
This morning, I paused and truly noticed how much joy her simple presence brings me. On days when she sleeps in and doesn’t join me, I genuinely miss her company. Yet my heart can’t help but smile when she interrupts my routine—leaping onto my right side, casually strolling over my books and papers, and finally settling contentedly on my left.
Her companionship is a lesson in mindfulness. She doesn’t just sit quietly beside me; she anchors me in the present moment. Even when I’m deep in thought, her gentle presence pulls me back to the now, wrapped in warmth and love.
She has an uncanny ability to sense when I need comfort. Without hesitation, she jumps up beside me, leans her small body into my chest, and patiently waits for a hug. What makes me chuckle is that she often lets out a little grumble as I embrace her—a sound that’s part protest, part affection—but she never pulls away. It’s as if she instinctively knows that, grumbles aside, that hug is exactly what I need.
Puppy joy is the best. It’s pure, unfiltered, and a beautiful reminder that mindfulness isn’t always about silence or solitude. Sometimes, it’s found in the soft sigh of a sleeping puppy, the warmth of an unexpected cuddle, or the simple act of being fully present with a friend—even if that friend has floppy ears and a wagging tail.
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by Frank | Feb 27, 2025 | Awareness, Daily Practice, Journey, Mindful
Home Again
Home has changed for me,
it was a place, a house, and a town;
it was Mom and Dad and friends;
then it wasn’t, it changed,
and I changed;
now it is a place with you, and friends,
and sometimes coffee shops;
I realize I couldn’t go back, those days were gone;
bittersweet at best,
and then came a freedom where home could be everywhere and anywhere;
and I was good alone with myself;
then I realize just those chats were home too,
so are ours over coffee, it’s a kind of home too;
and I didn’t miss my early home so much,
because it was a special memory and beautiful part of my life;
and now I see beauty,
and feel home in far more places,
and it’s lovely.
by Sensei | Feb 24, 2025 | Awareness, Daily Practice, Journey, Mindful, Mindless
In a world dominated by smartphones and endless content, it’s easy to get trapped in the cycle of mindless scrolling. One minute you’re checking a notification, and the next you’ve lost an hour to negative news, social media feeds, and the overwhelming noise of the digital world. This isn’t accidental—it’s designed that way.
The Hidden Cost of Distraction
Every swipe and click is engineered to capture your attention, pulling you away from the present moment. This constant stimulation fragments your focus, increases anxiety, and numbs your connection to real life. Doom scrolling, in particular, feeds on fear, amplifying negativity and leaving you feeling drained and powerless.
Why It Matters
Your attention is your most valuable resource. When you give it away freely to endless feeds and sensational headlines, you sacrifice your ability to be present—to truly live. Life isn’t happening on your screen; it’s happening around you, in the quiet moments, the simple joys, and the connections you build with others.
Steps to Reclaim Your Awareness
- Set Boundaries: Designate specific times to check your phone, and stick to them. Avoid starting or ending your day with screens.
- Create Tech-Free Zones: Keep your phone out of spaces meant for rest, reflection, or connection—like the bedroom, dining table, or during walks.
- Practice Mindful Consumption: Before opening an app, ask yourself: Why am I doing this? If it’s out of boredom or habit, redirect your attention to something intentional.
- Curate Your Feed: Unfollow accounts that drain your energy. Choose content that inspires, educates, or uplifts.
- Embrace Boredom: Let your mind wander without reaching for your phone. Boredom can spark creativity and deeper self-awareness.
The Power of Presence
Limiting distractions isn’t about rejecting technology—it’s about reclaiming your attention. It’s about choosing to engage with life fully, rather than passively observing it through a screen. When you break free from the scroll, you open the door to clarity, connection, and a deeper sense of peace.
Final Thoughts
Your awareness is precious. Don’t let it be stolen by algorithms designed to keep you hooked. Take back control. Be present. Live fully.
by Frank | Feb 18, 2025 | Awareness, Book, Daily Practice, Journey
Introduction:
Every day, we make countless decisions—some big, most small. But what if the smallest choices held the most power? What if they were the key to creating a life aligned with your true self? This post explores the transformative power of conscious decision-making.
Body:
- The Frustration of Feeling Stuck: When life feels overwhelming, it’s often because we underestimate the power of small shifts. One mindful decision can create a ripple effect, leading to profound changes.
- The Anatomy of a Decision: Explore how your beliefs, values, and emotions influence your choices, and learn strategies to make decisions that align with your authentic self.
- Empowered Living: Practical exercises like decision journaling, mindfulness practices, and self-reflection can help you build confidence in your choices and live with intention.
Conclusion:
Your life is the sum of your choices. What will you choose today to shape the life you desire tomorrow? Embrace the courage to choose, and watch how your world transforms.
Read the full story, from The Gifts of Wisdom, Chapter 17, Starting Again: A Spiritual Practice for Moving from Collapse to Hope
by Frank | Feb 14, 2025 | Awareness, Book, Daily Practice, Journey, Mindful
1 Corinthians 13 is one of the most profound passages about love ever written. Often read at weddings, its words have a timeless beauty that speaks to the heart of what love truly is. But what if we could make it even more personal, more immediate?
Instead of reading, “Love is patient, love is kind,” imagine rephrasing it like this:
- “Frank is patient with Maria.”
- “Frank is kind to Maria.”
- “Frank does not envy Maria.”
- “Frank does not boast, and he is not proud with Maria.”
When we insert our own names and the names of those we love, these words shift from abstract ideals to tangible, daily practices. It becomes less about a lofty definition and more about how we show up for the people in our lives.
Bringing Love to Life
Here’s how you can personalize this powerful passage:
- Patience: “[Your Name] is patient with [Their Name].” Notice how this phrase invites you to reflect on moments when patience is needed, especially when emotions run high.
- Kindness: “[Your Name] is kind to [Their Name].” Kindness isn’t just grand gestures; it’s the small, thoughtful acts that build trust and connection.
- Letting Go of Ego: “[Your Name] does not envy, does not boast, and is not proud with [Their Name].” This challenges us to celebrate others’ successes without comparison or competition.
- Forgiveness: “[Your Name] keeps no record of wrongs with [Their Name].” Holding onto past hurts can poison relationships. This phrase reminds us of the freedom that comes with forgiveness.
- Consistency: “[Your Name] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres with [Their Name].” Love isn’t fleeting; it endures through ups and downs.
The Power of Personalization
When you read 1 Corinthians 13 with your name and a loved one’s, it becomes more than scripture—it becomes a mirror. It reflects both who you are and who you aspire to be. It’s a daily practice, a reminder that love isn’t just a feeling but a series of choices we make every day.
Final Thoughts
Try this exercise today. Write down the passage with your name and someone you love. Reflect on what comes easily and where you might grow. In doing so, you’ll find that love is not just something you have—it’s something you do.
by Frank | Feb 8, 2025 | Awareness, Book, Daily Practice, Journey, Mindless
Introduction:
Life’s journey often presents us with unexpected detours—loss, heartbreak, or personal failures. These moments can feel like the end, but what if they were actually the beginning? Starting over isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about embracing the lessons and using them to build a future grounded in authenticity and hope.
Body:
- The Hero’s Journey of Everyday Life: From Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey to the parable of the Prodigal Son, our lives mirror these age-old stories. Each fall, each rise, and every moment in between is part of a sacred rite of passage, preparing us to step into our fullest potential.
- The Frustration of Failure: Failure often feels final, triggering feelings of shame, regret, and hopelessness. But failure is not a destination—it’s a signpost, guiding us toward deeper self-awareness and growth.
- Tools for Rebuilding: Practical strategies like breathwork, mindfulness, and reflective journaling aren’t just self-care trends; they are vital tools to process grief, regain clarity, and reconnect with your purpose.
Conclusion:
When life knocks you down, it’s not about bouncing back to who you were. It’s about rising into who you’re meant to become. Embrace the journey, honor your growth, and remember: every ending holds the seed of a new beginning.
Read the full story, from The Gifts of Wisdom, Chapter 17, Starting Again: A Spiritual Practice for Moving from Collapse to Hope
