The Mellow Mind

27/12/2020

14/12/2020

"Everything arises at the tip of intention."

Being clear on our intention can deepen our mindfulness practice and bring clarity to how we choose to relate to the moment. Here is a simple 4-step practice to support working with intention.

An intention is like a rudder to navigate through stormy seas. Wendy O’Leary offers a practice to return to our personal intention, no matter the weather.

10/12/2020

Such gratitude for this teaching opportunity, and for the lovely Dharma friends at the Buddhist Library. Thank you, with Metta 🥰🙏🏼

We have 2 more sessions of Lunchtime Meditation left before we close for the holiday break.
You can join us in person at the Library or via Zoom, on Thursdays 3rd and 10th December 12:15pm – 1:00pm.

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, it will support you in establishing and strengthening your practice.

If you are going to join us via Zoom, please be sure to register so we can email you the Zoom link before the class. To register use this link:
https://buddhistlibrary.org.au/events/weekly-thursday-mindfulness-meditation-practice/

Our Guest Teacher for December is Danyah Preston.
Classes are offered by donation

29/11/2020

So this happened today!

Not generally one to boast, but this one feels special.
Heart is full. The ground has been laid for important work.

30/09/2020

MINDFULNESS OF THE BODY Ⲵ

The ability to be mindful of the body is fundamental to liberating the mind.

In mindfulness meditation we cultivate body awareness by paying attention to the arising and passing of sensation in our physical experience, with an attitude of curiosity, acceptance and kindness.

Practising in this way we learn to distinguish between the direct experience of sensation and our habituated reactions to sensation, in turn opening up new possibilities and ways of responding.

Mindful Body Scans, Breath Awareness meditation and Mindful Walking or Movement practices are wonderful methods for exploring sensation in this way and for cultivating mindfulness.

When we establish strong mindfulness of the body, we are then better able to work skilfully with emotions and mind states.

23/09/2020

Contemplation ✨

20/09/2020

Joy unfolding on my dining room table ♥️

04/09/2020

Contemplation ~

24/08/2020

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

― Thich Nhat Hanh

🧡🧡🧡

19/08/2020

One of my absolute favourite quotes, a real gem 💛

It can be challenging to offer ourselves kindness at times. When we practice sending it to ourselves in the Metta Bhavana, we can start here ... recognising that the actual act of meditation itself is "an act of love, of deep warm friendship to yourself."

Boundless Metta to you! 💛

04/06/2020

Yes ❤️

03/06/2020

Initially when first introduced to the Mettā bhāvanā I had so much resistance to the practice. It seemed impossibly idyllic and inaccessible to me. Fortunately though I stuck with it, thanks largely to Coogee Meditation Group sangha, and ended up exploring it further with various Insight Meditation teachers, and through formal teacher training with Insight Meditation Institute.

In hindsight, I see how my initial judgements were so very misguided, and can honestly say that the Mettā bhāvanā is now a deeply valued part of my practice — one that I turn to often, and for which I am truly grateful for in troubled times like these.

I recently led a group through the practice for the first time, something I would never have had the confidence to do without personal conviction. I really believe this practice has so much to offer. If you can, if you feel inclined, do explore it. Find a teacher, find a group and bring an open-mind — even if your heart feels closed. You may find in time that you experience something beyond anything you ever thought possible.

"It’s a pretty tall order—although possible for some people—to feel loving and kind toward those who are perpetrators of violence and oppression. Even to feel good will toward them might be difficult. So we can frame this meditation as the cultivation of nonhatred and nonfear in order to become stronger, more stable, and more centered. Then we can move forward in a positive fashion to battle oppression and create some improvement for our communities and the United States overall."

Mushim Patricia Ikeda teaches us how to generate loving-kindness and good will as an antidote to hatred and fear.