I’m really late with my blog today. I caused a flood in my upstairs bathroom and was sent a very disreputable plumber who broke two more things. I actually had a geyser in my side yard when he started using a shovel.

Oh Lord, it’s hard to be mindful when stuff goes sideways.  So no laundry done and no haus cleaning done. All my day off plans went awry. Something about mercury retrograde, for those who follow that.

Nevertheless, I have something really special to share today.  I was listening to the Army band tribute arrangement of “Time Stand Still” by Rush. Neil Peart recently passed away. The guy went through a lot in life and the last several years had a glioblastoma.

I remember how he dealt with tragedy when he lost his 19-year-old daughter in a car accident, and then 10 months later his wife died. He took off on his motorcycle and drove all the way from Canada to South America. (55,000 miles!) I’ve had my share of losses and my...

If you like the truly American spectacle known as the SuperBowl, yesterday did not disappoint. Congratulations to Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs. Well done.

I personally watch the Superbowl for the commercials and this year did not disappoint. I was blown away by the New York Life Commercial #LoveTakesAction Click here to watch. This short commercial shows love in action, which is the definition of Lovingkindness.

I'm writing a presentation on Lovingkindness for my Mindfulness Meditation Teacher's Certification Program that I have to give in two weeks. The fourth type of love described in the commercial, Agape love, is the unconditional love for all living things. Lovingkindness is a feeling and an action. It's moving through life with love.

To practice Lovingkindness is typically done by entering a quiet state and repeating  phrases such as "May I be healthy, May I be healthy, May all living beings be healthy, May all living beings be healthy." It comes out of an...

One of my meditation colleagues sent me an article on listening that was published in the New York Times this week. The link is below and well worth the read. As I read it, I thought about the discussion I had with my son (33- a nursing executive) explaining personal presence. He said, “Mom is that even a thing?” I google personal presence and sent him a definition. (Old Mawm can still teach you something.)

 My definition of personal presence is how you show up in the world. Someone can tell if you aren’t paying attention to them or are distracted. Personal presence is a state of mindful awareness of everything that is important and allows you to focus on what matters. 

Most meditators have a crisis of confidence and lament, “Am I even doing this right or am I wasting my time?” It’s easy to understand that feeling. If you can concentrate you can meditate and with practice, selective attention begins insidiously to creep into your...