Mindfulness
- Have you ever felt completely lost, even though deep down you knew you weren’t? We all experience moments when we need to return to basics, to find solid ground beneath our feet. Today, I’d like to share a fundamental concept from Buddhist philosophy that has helped countless individuals find their way: The Three Jewels. Why Learn About the Three Jewels? I often encounter friends and colleagues who approach me with questions about meditation, typically when they’re already stressed or overwhelmed.
- Throughout my years of practice, I’ve encountered numerous meditation techniques, each designed for various purposes - from stress relief to inner peace, psychic self-defence to financial well-being. However, among the myriad of methods I’ve learned, only a few have become part of my daily routine, yielding the most significant benefits. While reciting the Great Invocation remains my primary practice for personal well-being and service to humanity, the second most impactful technique in my daily arsenal is undoubtedly “energetic rooting” or “grounding”.
- Some texts seem to never cease to amaze, and every page you turn unveils a new treasure. This is the case with “The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching”, a masterpiece written by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and a true Master of contemporary Buddhism who has devoted his life to teaching mindfulness and compassion as tools for personal transformation and social peace. I should mention that I’m not a Buddhist, but I maintain an eclectic approach and am more interested in spirituality than in religions, although I understand how it was necessary to formalize certain teachings to preserve them and to reach a greater number of people.
- In the quiet wake of Christmas festivities 🎄, I found a moment of solace on the morning of Santo Stefano, turning to my yoga mat for a focused Ashtanga Vinyasa flow. This session was more than a physical exercise; it was a deliberate step towards recentering and shedding the weight of festive overindulgence. Repeating this mindful flow four times, I embraced each round as an opportunity for deeper purification and balance.
- “The ocean of suffering is immense, but if you turn around, you can see the land. The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy. When one tree in the garden is sick, you have to care for it. But don’t overlook all the healthy trees. Even while you have pain in your heart, you can enjoy the many wonders of life — the beautiful sunset, the smile of a child, the many flowers and trees.
- “There is a story in Zen circles about a man and a horse. The horse is galloping quickly, and it appears that the man on the horse is going somewhere important. Another man, standing alongside the road, shouts, “Where are you going?” and the first man replies, “I don’t know! Ask the horse!” This is also our story.” (Thich Nhat Hanh, The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching) Riding through life without knowing where you’re going?