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.
Read more in the following Books
by Frank | Mar 1, 2025 | Book, Daily Practice, Journey, Mindful, Mindless
Introduction:
In a world obsessed with productivity, it’s easy to lose touch with the present moment. But what if the key to fulfillment isn’t doing more but being more? This guide offers simple, effective practices to help you reconnect with yourself through the art of mindfulness.
Body:
- The Pain of Disconnection: Constant distractions from technology and societal pressures lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of emptiness. Recognizing this disconnection is the first step towards healing.
- The Power of Daily Rituals: Simple practices like mindful breathing, tea rituals, and reflective journaling can ground you in the present moment, fostering clarity and peace.
- Creating Your Own Practice: Learn how to build a sustainable mindfulness routine tailored to your lifestyle, whether you have five minutes or an hour a day.
Conclusion:
Presence is the greatest gift you can give yourself. It’s not about escaping life’s chaos but finding peace within it. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your inner world transform.
Read the full story, from The Gifts of Wisdom, Chapter 17, Starting Again: A Spiritual Practice for Moving from Collapse to Hope
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 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
by Frank | Feb 25, 2024 | Daily Practice, Meditation, Mindless
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose touch with my own mindfulness practice. I also find myself going through the motions, rather than truly engaging with my practice. If you’re feeling this way, it might be time to take a pause.
The Need for a Break
Taking a break from your daily practice is not a sign of failure or a lack of commitment. On the contrary, it’s an opportunity to renew and deepen your practice. Just as we need to rest our bodies to maintain physical health, we need to give our minds a chance to rest and rejuvenate.
Grounding Your Practice
During your break, take the time to ground your practice. This means reconnecting with the fundamental principles of mindfulness. Remind yourself of why you started this journey and what you hope to achieve. This grounding process can provide a fresh perspective and inspire you to pursue deeper insights.
Pursuing Deeper Insights
When you return to your practice, you may find that you’re able to delve deeper into your journey of discovery. With renewed energy and a grounded perspective, you’re better equipped to explore the intricacies of your mind and cultivate a deeper understanding of your experiences.
Conclusion
Remember, mindfulness is not a destination, but a journey. It’s okay to take a pause, ground your practice, and then continue on your path with renewed vigor. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination.
So, if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed – like I have recently, consider taking a break. You might be surprised at the depth and richness that awaits you when you return to your practice.
by Frank | Apr 14, 2022 | Awareness, Mindful, Mindless
“It’s only a small part of me.”
“I never really understood why they focus on such a small part of me; such a small part of my life.”
These words rang in my brain all day and still linger in my thoughts this morning. Now as I sit in a local coffee shop, the simplicity and profoundness of her statement still rings.
How this small part of her angers so many…
How it isolates her and most, if not all, the LGBT+ community…
How it has been used to shame and blame and despise…
And how it’s only a small part of the person, the wonderful amazing human, she really is.
