Gratitude has a way of bringing clarity to the present moment, anchoring us in what is here, right now. It’s like lifting a veil that insecurity often pulls over our eyes, obscuring the richness and fullness of what we already have. When we pause to appreciate what’s here, we reclaim our perspective and create space for peace to emerge. Practicing gratitude doesn't ignore challenges but rather lets us see beyond them, reminding us of the beauty and stability that exist amid uncertainty.
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Dig A Little Deeper
Dig a little deeper
Beyond the everyday.
Where life's routines and habits prevail.
Where others see you in that certain way.
Dig a little deeper
To those spots that only you really know.
The thoughts, the beliefs.
Many of them rusted with time.
Do they still serve you?
Or do they hold you back?
With their worries and fears.
Let their impact in the moment be your guide.
Do they fulfill you right now?
Do they serve you well?
Do they guide you to a fulfilled life?
If not, thank them and let them go.
They belong to another time and place.
Let them go.
Let them go.
Increasingly I trust that I know that I don’t know and most things I do not know. How is this beneficial?
Increasingly I trust that I know that I don't know and most things I do not know. How is this beneficial?
Trusting that you "know that you don’t know" can be profoundly beneficial, as it fosters humility, openness, and a willingness to learn. This mindset aligns with the right hemisphere’s ability to remain receptive to new perspectives, complexity, and ambiguity—qualities that are crucial for personal growth and wisdom.
Here are some ways this approach benefits you:
Encourages Curiosity and Learning: Accepting that there is much you don’t know keeps curiosity alive, making you more receptive to learning and exploring new ideas. This openness helps you stay adaptive, flexible, and engaged with the world.
Fosters Humility and Empathy: Recognizing your limits makes it easier to listen to others, appreciate different perspectives, and avoid the pitfalls of rigid thinking. This humility deepens relationships and fosters empathy, as you become more attuned to others' experiences.
Reduces Stress and Pressure: Releasing the need to "know everything" can be freeing, reducing the pressure to have all the answers. It allows you to engage with life in a more relaxed and balanced way, where questions are valued as much as answers.
Supports Right-Hemisphere Balance: This approach aligns with Iain McGilchrist’s insights into the importance of the right hemisphere’s openness to the unknown. By honoring what you don’t know, you keep the mind balanced between the analytical certainty of the left hemisphere and the exploratory, connected nature of the right hemisphere.
Enriches Meaning and Creativity: Embracing the unknown invites mystery and wonder into your life, which can deepen your experience of meaning and fuel creativity. It encourages a view of life as an ongoing exploration, where each new experience or realization adds layers to your understanding. In essence, trusting in "not knowing" allows you to engage with life in a fuller, richer, and more adaptable way, fostering personal growth, meaningful relationships, and a resilient, open-minded approach to life.
The Stoic tradition, I believe, would agree with this approach?
Yes, the Stoic tradition aligns well with the approach of embracing "not knowing" and recognizing the limits of one’s knowledge. Stoic philosophers like Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius emphasized humility, acceptance, and the understanding that there are many things beyond our control—including the full scope of knowledge.
In Stoicism, this acknowledgment of “not knowing” is tied to wisdom, as the Stoics saw wisdom not as possessing all answers but as recognizing one’s limitations and the unpredictability of life. Here’s how this Stoic mindset supports the concept:
Acceptance of Limits: The Stoics taught that we should focus on what we can control—our actions, judgments, and responses—while accepting what we cannot control, which includes the entirety of knowledge. By admitting that we "do not know," we free ourselves from the need to control or anticipate every outcome.
Openness to Learning: Stoicism values continuous self-improvement and growth, recognizing that one should always be learning and adapting. This humility, a key Stoic principle, mirrors the value of acknowledging "I don’t know," as it keeps us open to learning and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
Cultivation of Wisdom and Perspective: For the Stoics, wisdom comes from observing life with a calm, balanced perspective, knowing that our views may be limited. Marcus Aurelius often reminded himself to see the bigger picture and acknowledge the mystery of existence, which is akin to embracing "not knowing."
Inner Peace and Resilience: By accepting that we don’t know and can’t know everything, we cultivate an inner peace and release the anxiety that comes from trying to grasp and control the unknown. Stoicism teaches us to remain grounded, focusing on virtue and what we can understand in the present moment.
In these ways, Stoicism indeed shares a deep affinity with the approach of "knowing that you don’t know." Both perspectives encourage humility, growth, and a calm acceptance of life’s mysteries, fostering a balanced and resilient mindset.
What I’ve Discovered About Life: Thoughts, Awareness, and Mindfulness for Balance
What I’ve discovered about life that helps me make sense of
the World.
1.
THINKING. We are not our thoughts. Though every
moment of the day we have thoughts but we are not our thoughts despite what
they might say, especially if life events have led us to be anxious or
depressed. You see thoughts emanate from the problem solving, rational brain.
It’s just doing its job in trying to keep us safe, so it is always problem
solving, trying to find solutions, often trying to control life events. This is
fine if there are solutions but often with life events there aren’t immediate
solutions but that won’t stop that thinking brain from trying to figure it out,
even at 2am in the morning when you’re trying sleep! So don’t believe
everything your thinking brain is trying to say. It’s just doing its job. Hold
on lightly to your thoughts.
2.
AWARENESS. Develop awareness. Often we are
tightly attached to our thoughts. But there is another side of our
consciousness that can ‘notice’ or be ‘aware’ of what is going on. That side of
us can hold on less tightly to our thoughts which is especially good if those
thoughts are worrying, stressful, anxious thoughts. Any negative emotion you
might feel attached to those thoughts is your body trying to keep you safe,
trying to figure things out. We can develop this awareness, noticing side of
ourselves through processes such as ‘mindfulness’ which really is just having
the ability to come back to the present moment and step out of those future
based or past regrets, worrying thoughts. It’s a great place to be, here in the
present moment!
3.
LEFT BRAIN RIGHT BRAIN. There is the theory that
the left side of our brain is typically associated with analytical, logical,
and detail-focused tasks, like language, categorization, and sequential
thinking. It sees parts rather than wholes. The right hemisphere, by contrast,
is holistic, relational, and context-oriented, helping us understand meaning,
connect with others, and appreciate the "big picture." It perceives
patterns and emotional nuances, fostering empathy and creativity. In essence,
the left hemisphere focuses on precision and order, while the right hemisphere
allows for broader, interconnected understanding. It’s argued that we live, in
Westernised countries, with a strong focus on using the left brain – problem
solving, analytical, reducing things down to smaller parts. This is very
different to the right brain which is more holistic focused so it looks at the
big picture, relationships, compassion, empathy. If we could learn to tap into
the right brain more there would be less focus on achievement, more is better,
perfectionism, striving – a lot of things associated with supposed success in a
capitalist World. We are seeing the results of this – more stress, anxiety,
less community, less compassion. It is said the right brain should be the
master and left brain the servant. But it seems the opposite in capitalist
countries. So get out of your left brain and get into nature more, develop
compassion, community, serve others. Get a different perspective on life. More
of a life balance. It might just save the World!
4.
ABSURDISM. The World really is Absurd. Good
things happen to bad people, bad things happen to good people. Don’t try to
work out. Instead put your energy into being present, and being of service to
others. Have gratitude for right here, right now, no matter what is happening for
you. Argue with a lamp post!
5.
EVOLUTION. Our problem solving brain and body
reactions (fight, flight, freeze) have been designed to help us survive. The
‘fight, flight, freeze’ response kicks in automatically when we sense danger.
It gets us ready to run or fight or play dead if we sense danger. If we had to
rely on our rational brain to figure out if there was a real a danger, it might
be too late! The things is, in the Western world physical dangers are less (as
a generalisation), so the Sabre Tooth Tiger has been replaced by work place
stress, financial pressures etc. It’s as though our body reacting to stress has
not caught up to modern day living. So anxiety and depression symptoms are the body’s
way of responding to danger. The problem solving brain kicks in and constantly
tries to fix, solve or control the danger but often there isn’t an immediate
solution to the perceived danger (a job loss, financial stress etc). But it
doesn’t give up. It often will constantly try to ‘fix’ things to keep us safe. So
feel free to thank your brain. It’s just doing what is what designed to do.
Hold on lightly to those worries, fears, stress, anxieties, and depressions.
Tap into that right side of the brain more and look at life more holistically,
the bigger picture.
Exploring Left-Brain and Right-Brain Hemispheres: A Call for Balance in Western Society
For decades, the left-brain/right-brain theory has captured public interest, suggesting that the left hemisphere handles logic and detail-oriented tasks, while the right hemisphere governs creativity and holistic understanding. Though modern neuroscience emphasizes that the two hemispheres work together seamlessly, there is a growing argument that Western cultures, particularly in highly industrialized countries, emphasize left-brain characteristics—logical, analytical, and reductionist thinking—more than right-brain qualities such as creativity, intuition, and connectedness.
The Left Brain’s Dominance in Western Society
The left hemisphere, often associated with logical and analytical thinking, is adept at categorization, linear processes, and details. This has proven advantageous in building technological and industrialized societies that rely on structure, efficiency, and predictability. In countries such as the United States, Canada, and much of Western Europe, the cultural emphasis on productivity, precision, and measurable success aligns closely with left-brain characteristics. Many of these societies value careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—fields requiring strong analytical skills and a structured approach to problem-solving.
Why Left-Brain Dominance?
The dominance of left-brain qualities in Western society likely evolved due to historical and economic factors. The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment shifted societal values toward empirical evidence, rational thought, and scientific progress. Industrialization further amplified these values, prioritizing productivity, structure, and control—hallmarks of left-brain functions. Today’s digital age, with its data-driven decision-making and quantitative analysis, continues to support left-hemispheric modes of thinking. This has influenced everything from educational systems to workplace environments, reinforcing an approach that leans heavily on analysis, categorization, and goal-oriented behavior.
However, while this left-brain orientation has driven technological and economic advances, it has limitations. Excessive reliance on the left hemisphere can narrow our perception, reducing complex situations to data points and diminishing our sensitivity to nuance and interpersonal connections. Overemphasis on left-brain qualities can create a society that values results over process, efficiency over empathy, and individual gain over collective well-being.
The Importance of Engaging the Right Hemisphere
The right hemisphere of the brain, often associated with creativity, holistic perception, and relational awareness, offers valuable perspectives that balance the precision of the left brain. The right hemisphere excels in seeing the “big picture,” making it essential for fields that require empathy, creativity, and interconnected thinking, such as art, psychology, and social work. It is the side that perceives context, embraces ambiguity, and appreciates the beauty of diversity—a counterbalance to the left hemisphere’s propensity for control and certainty.
When we engage the right hemisphere more fully, we become better at connecting with others and the world around us, fostering qualities such as compassion, imagination, and flexibility. Incorporating right-brain qualities can help mitigate stress, increase resilience, and improve interpersonal relationships, all of which are critical for mental health and social harmony. This holistic approach can make us more adaptive in complex, rapidly changing environments where rigid, left-brain logic falls short.
The Role of Mindfulness in Balancing Left and Right Brain Function
Mindfulness, the practice of cultivating present-moment awareness, is a powerful tool for integrating right-brain perspectives into daily life. This practice encourages us to step back from the analytical, task-oriented focus of the left brain and instead observe our experiences in a non-judgmental, open-minded way—a fundamentally right-brain activity.
Through mindfulness, we learn to tune into our bodies, our emotions, and the world around us, fostering a state of awareness that is less about control and more about acceptance. This shift supports the right hemisphere’s strengths, encouraging a balanced mental state that reduces stress, enhances creativity, and improves emotional intelligence. Studies show that mindfulness practices like meditation activate the right hemisphere, helping practitioners become more receptive, compassionate, and connected to others.
In practical terms, incorporating mindfulness into Western society could provide a counterbalance to the productivity-focused mindset that often prevails. Educational systems, workplaces, and healthcare institutions that integrate mindfulness training may find benefits not only in individual well-being but in fostering environments that value connection, innovation, and resilience.
Conclusion
While the left-brain/right-brain dichotomy oversimplifies the complexity of the human brain, it highlights an important insight: a balanced approach that values both analytical and holistic thinking is essential for a well-rounded life. Western society’s tendency toward left-brain dominance, while beneficial for economic and technological advancement, could be balanced by practices that engage the right brain. By fostering qualities of empathy, creativity, and openness through mindfulness, we can cultivate a more balanced and compassionate society—one that values productivity but also cherishes the deeper, interconnected aspects of human experience.
Embrace each new day with the courage to feel and the strength to let go
Today, I want to share a message
about embracing each new day with courage and an open heart. It’s something
that sounds simple but can be a real challenge when life feels heavy, when
things are uncertain, or when we’re just feeling stuck.
We often wake up carrying the weight of yesterday’s worries or the
anticipation of what lies ahead. But the truth is, every new day gives us an
opportunity—a chance to reset, to choose a lighter step. In the midst of
uncertainty, there’s always one thing we have control over: how we show up,
even if it's just for ourselves.
So, let’s start today with a simple practice. As you take your next breath,
feel it in your body. Feel it expand in your chest, fill your lungs, and then
release it slowly. Let that breath be a reminder that you have the power to let
go, even if it’s just for a moment.
When you step outside and feel the sunlight on your face, or even if it’s a
cloudy day, know that the light is still there, waiting to break through.
That’s a lot like us. We all have that light inside of us—no matter how buried
it feels—waiting to shine when we’re ready to let it out.
Life doesn’t always have to be about pushing forward with force or
struggling against what’s happening. Sometimes, it’s about finding the strength
to pause, to breathe, and to choose a lighter, gentler way to move through the
day.
And if you’re facing something tough right now—maybe it’s uncertainty about
the future, or maybe it’s just that feeling of heaviness—you don’t have to have
it all figured out. It’s okay to just be present with what is. Embrace that
space and allow yourself to let go of the pressure to be anything other than
who you are, right here, right now.
So, as you move through today, let the courage to feel guide you. Let the
strength to let go be your anchor. Life’s not about having all the answers but
learning to embrace the moments, one breath at a time.
I hope this message resonates with you. If it does, remember to give this video a thumbs up and subscribe for more reminders like this. Let’s all take a step toward living a life that honors our truth—one mindful moment at a time.
Peaceful Sunrise Escape 🌅 | Calm Your Mind | 1.5 Hour Journey Into Relaxation
Immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of a countryside sunrise, accompanied by soothing and calming background music designed to help you relax, focus, or drift into restful sleep. This 1.5-hour video offers a serene escape, perfect for meditation, study, work, or simply unwinding after a long day. Let the soft hues of dawn and gentle melodies create a tranquil atmosphere wherever you are. Ideal for reducing stress, enhancing focus, and bringing a sense of calm to your day. 
Keywords: calming music, background video, relaxation music, study music, sleep music, meditation video, peaceful scene, sunrise, countryside."
The Benefits of Really Deep Breathing
I do find deep breathing beneficial. If I do a deep breath in, starting from belly and into my diaphragm, and then when normally I would start breathing out at the end of this, I like to take an extra breath in, forcing the last bit of air into my lungs. When I do this type of breathing I find I start yawning and it is a very deep yawn, almost to the point of sometimes thinking I won't be able to finish the yawn as the breath in through my mouth is so great. Why is this happening?
Yawning during deep breathing, especially with the technique you're using, is a normal response and can occur for a few reasons:
1. Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Regulation
- When you take a deep breath, especially with the extra inhale at the end, you are increasing the amount of oxygen in your blood and reducing carbon dioxide levels. Yawning is a natural response that the body uses to regulate these gases, ensuring that the brain receives sufficient oxygen. It’s your body’s way of balancing these levels.
2. Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System
- Deep breathing, particularly when it involves the diaphragm and belly, activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" system). This activation promotes relaxation and can trigger yawning as your body transitions to a calmer state.
- Yawning in this context may signal that your body is relaxing deeply, which is a positive response indicating that the breathing technique is effectively calming your nervous system.
3. Stretch Reflex in the Diaphragm and Respiratory Muscles
- When you force that last bit of air into your lungs, you’re stretching the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles further than usual. This deep stretch can trigger yawning as a reflex, helping your body maximize lung capacity and fully engage those muscles.
- Yawning in this way allows the lungs to expand more fully, ensuring the respiratory muscles are engaged and helping to relieve tension.
4. Resetting Breathing Patterns
- Yawning can also serve as a reset for your breathing rhythm. The deep breath and the yawn allow your body to recalibrate your respiratory system, especially if it’s used to shallower breathing patterns. The yawning might be an indication that your body is adjusting and transitioning to a deeper, more optimal breathing pattern.
5. Neurological and Emotional Release
- Yawning is sometimes associated with the release of built-up emotional or physical tension. The deep yawns you experience may be your body’s way of letting go of stress or tightness that you’re carrying. This is especially likely when engaging in intentional, deep breathing exercises that target the diaphragm, which is closely linked to the nervous system and emotional regulation.
The yawning response you’re experiencing is generally a sign that the breathing technique is having a relaxing, balancing effect on your body. It’s your body’s natural way of expanding lung capacity, recalibrating your breathing, and releasing tension.
Freedom Beyond Attachment: Exploring a Pathless Philosophy
In a
world that constantly demands our attention, tells us what to value, and pushes
us to chase after endless outcomes, a question arises:
What does it truly
mean to live freely?
Jiddu Krishnamurti, a profound thinker and spiritual
teacher, once shocked his audiences by declaring, “I don’t mind what
happens.”
This simple yet powerful statement challenged the very foundation
of our societal norms and expectations. But what does it mean to live without
attachment, and how can this philosophy lead to true freedom?
1. Krishnamurti’s Call for Radical Clarity
Krishnamurti’s
philosophy centers on a deep self-inquiry that urges us to look beyond the
illusions of society. He encourages us to observe our thoughts and emotions
without judgment and detach from our conditioned responses. In his last speech,
he asked, “What is life? What gives life to that blade of grass in the
cement?” His words remind us that the essence of life goes beyond our daily
routines, power, and status. Life is not found in the attachments and desires
we pursue but in our ability to see clearly, free from the conditioning that
society imposes upon us.
2. Finding Freedom: The Art of Non-Attachment
What does
it mean to find clarity within ourselves? According to Krishnamurti, clarity
arises when we shed the conditioning of our environment, traditions, and
beliefs. By questioning everything we think we know, we begin to understand the
nature of desire and how it shapes our reality. In observing our thoughts without
judgment and letting go of attachment to outcomes, we access a state of mind
that is quiet, unconditioned, and free.
This
echoes the wisdom of other philosophical traditions:
- Stoicism teaches us that true
freedom is found within. It isn’t about controlling external events but
controlling how we perceive and respond to them. “Freedom comes from
within, by controlling our perceptions and actions,” the Stoics would
say.
- Existentialism aligns with Krishnamurti’s
views by advocating for personal responsibility and authenticity. It
acknowledges that life is inherently indifferent but emphasizes that we
have the freedom to create meaning through our choices.
- Taoism, too, suggests that freedom
lies in harmonizing with life’s flow, embracing simplicity, and detaching
from rigid goals or desires.
3. Absurdism and Embracing the Unknown
How does
this philosophy tie into the concept of absurdism? Absurdism, particularly in
the works of Albert Camus, highlights the tension between humanity’s search for
meaning and the universe’s indifference. Camus teaches that while the universe
may not provide inherent meaning, we can find freedom in embracing this absurd
condition, living passionately and authentically.
Krishnamurti’s
teachings intersect with this view by advocating for a life free from
attachment and external influences. Yet, unlike absurdism, which emphasizes
embracing life’s contradictions, Krishnamurti offers a pathway to transcend
them. By remaining present, observing life without expectation, and detaching
from the ‘what should be,’ he shows us that clarity and liberation are
possible.
4. A Philosophy for Our Times: Embracing Freedom
Over Attachment
So where
does this leave us? If you find yourself tired of the constant demands of
society, the pursuit of validation, and the pressure to conform to a particular
path, Krishnamurti’s message offers an alternative: Don’t be attached to
anything other than freedom itself.
This
philosophy is not about withdrawing from life; it’s about engaging with it
fully, but from a place of detachment. When we act without the need for
outcomes, we access a deeper well of energy and presence. Whether it's the
Stoic discipline of focusing on what’s within our control or the existentialist
act of living authentically despite life’s uncertainties, the essence remains
the same—freedom is found when we let go of attachments and align with our
truest selves.
5. Living a Life of Freedom: Practical Insights
- Observe Without Judgment: Practice observing your
thoughts and emotions as they arise. See them as passing clouds, neither
good nor bad.
- Question Everything: Challenge your beliefs,
assumptions, and societal conditioning. What is influencing your thoughts
and actions?
- Detach From Outcomes: Focus on the action
itself, not its result. As Krishnamurti and Stoic philosophers alike
suggest, the act of doing without attachment brings freedom.
- Embrace Silence: Find moments to sit
quietly, allowing thoughts to settle. In this stillness, you may find
clarity beyond the noise of daily life.
- Live Authentically: In a world that demands
conformity, dare to live by your own values. Absurdism, Stoicism, and
Krishnamurti all point to the power of choosing your path, free from the
expectations of others.
6. Final Reflections: Becoming Free
In his
final speech, Krishnamurti urged his audience to confront the truth of their
lives and to change immediately if things were not right. “Change it today,
not tomorrow,” he said. This urgency reminds us that freedom and clarity
are not abstract concepts; they are practical, immediate, and deeply personal.
So, what
will you choose? Will you
continue to be bound by the demands of a world that seeks to attach you to its
outcomes, or will you find the courage to walk the pathless land of freedom,
unburdened by the illusions of security?
The choice is yours.
Book Review: The Mindful Body by Ellen Langer
Introduction
In The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Lasting Health, Ellen Langer presents a compelling exploration of how our thoughts, perceptions, and awareness can dramatically impact our physical health. Known for her pioneering work in mindfulness and psychology, Langer brings decades of research and personal experience to this book, offering readers a fresh perspective on the often overlooked but powerful connection between mind and body.
Overview
The book opens with a deeply personal story: Langer’s mother’s battle with cancer. Through this lens, Langer highlights how conventional medical approaches can neglect the psychological dimensions of illness, often reducing patients to their diagnoses. It’s a moving introduction that sets the stage for the book’s central argument: by understanding and embracing the connection between our mind and body, we can reclaim control over our health.
Langer challenges the reader to move beyond the traditional view of mindfulness as a purely meditative practice. Instead, she suggests a broader, more active approach—one where being mindful means noticing the subtleties in how our thoughts, feelings, and bodily states interact. This “mind-body unity” approach, as Langer calls it, has the potential to transform our health outcomes.
Key Takeaways
Mindfulness Redefined
Langer redefines mindfulness as an active and engaged awareness that is not limited to meditation. She encourages readers to notice the small ways our thoughts influence our physical state and suggests that this awareness is fundamental to healing and health.The Power of Perception
One of the book's most fascinating sections delves into Langer’s “counterclockwise study,” where elderly men lived in an environment designed to replicate their youth. The results were astonishing—participants exhibited improvements in physical health simply by shifting their perception of age. This experiment is used to demonstrate the power of perception and its tangible effects on the body.Mind-Body Unity
The crux of Langer’s argument is that the mind and body are not separate entities; they are deeply interconnected. The book presents compelling evidence on how changing our mental approach—whether through attention, perception, or beliefs—can influence conditions like chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and even cancer recovery.
Critique
The Mindful Body is a well-researched and thought-provoking book, offering a unique perspective that challenges conventional medical thinking. Langer’s storytelling and use of personal experiences make her arguments relatable and engaging. However, some readers might find her ideas challenging if they are more aligned with the traditional biomedical model.
Additionally, while Langer presents compelling case studies and anecdotes, some may wish for more concrete steps on how to apply these concepts in daily life. A deeper dive into practical exercises could enhance the book’s impact for those new to mindfulness or mind-body practices.
But don't despair! That's where I can help with my focus on practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into every aspect of your life.
Conclusion
The Mindful Body is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the profound impact of the mind on physical health. Langer’s decades of research and pioneering approach provide a new lens through which to view well-being. This book will leave you questioning long-held beliefs about health and inspire you to cultivate a mindful body—one where thought and physicality coexist in harmony.
Whether you are a health professional, a mindfulness enthusiast, or simply curious about the potential of psychological practices to influence well-being, this book offers invaluable insights. It’s an empowering read that reminds us that our health is, indeed, often just a thought away.
Final Rating: ★★★★☆
Have you read The Mindful Body? What were your thoughts? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below!