Tag: mindfulness
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Finding God: A Story of Hope
When we look for happiness, peace or strength, we often turn to people, places or practices. Sometimes we find what we are looking for; at other times, doubts and anxieties linger for days. When we feel overwhelmed, we may find ourselves wondering: Where can I find peace? A children’s book takes us on a journey…
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Life: Shuttlecock or Fountain?
Think of a recent instance when someone’s words or actions disturbed your peace of mind. How do you deal with such moments? What helps you regain your balance? We revisit a letter written in 1912 by Bhai Vir Singh Ji, a Sikh scholar and writer, to explore the wisdom it holds for our lives today.…
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The Visitor at the Door
In our search for meaning and peace, we may turn to God in different ways. We may follow a ritual, practise meditation or have an object of worship. Across traditions and forms of worship, seekers have long grappled with a common conundrum. At times, we feel deeply connected. At other times, that connection seems elusive.…
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The Priest’s Goat: When We Fear What Others Think
Have you ever felt upset by something someone said about you? It could be criticism at work, a casual remark by a friend, or repeated complaints from someone close to you. How do you usually react? Take a moment to notice which of these reactions you relate to. We revisit a story we may have…
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The Ocean People
What do you do when you feel anxious about something? Perhaps there is something you want to happen, or something you hope will not happen. Or perhaps you are simply uncertain about the future. Here is a story about a warrior couple. It carries a simple truth—one that can take a lifetime to practise. The…
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A Painting of Heaven
We all want to live in ways that reflect what we value — with kindness, integrity and compassion. But living by our values is not always easy. There are the pressures of daily life. We encounter people and situations that are far from ideal, where kindness and forgiveness may be seen as a weakness. How…
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Don’t lose your qualities
Can you think of a time when someone’s behaviour disappointed you? Perhaps you expected them to be considerate, grateful or supportive. When they weren’t, you felt hurt or angry. Much of the pain in relationships comes from the expectations we carry. We assume others will think, behave or respond the way we would. When they…
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Looking the Other Way
What do we do when someone we love repeatedly behaves in ways that harm others? It may be a lack of accountability, a lack of empathy, harshness towards family members, gossip, or a biased view of someone. At first, we gently point it out. We hope they will reflect and change. But when the behaviour…
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The Scorpion and the Sage
We all meet people whose behaviour hurts us. They may lie, gossip, manipulate, or speak harshly. We may try to reason with them, confront them, or simply keep our distance. But sometimes their behaviour begins to affect us. Their anger becomes our anger. Their bitterness becomes our bitterness. Without realizing it, we begin to change…