We all must breathe in order to live, but not many of us know how to really breathe. It’s a bit of a conundrum. Breathing is an automatic bodily process, so most people naturally believe it should be left alone to take care of itself. It seems counterintuitive and even ludicrous to think that something as [...]
Habits
For many years, I rarely exercised. Working out was something I was forced to do in gym class. I viewed it as uncomfortable and time-consuming, low on my priority list. It’s not like I was completely sedentary, but I sure as heck didn’t go out of my way to hit the gym. When I arrived [...]
Kick, push, kick, push, coast. Kick, push, kick, push, coast. I reach the crest of a hill on my longboard and pause. The wind is a gentle hand at my back, an encouraging friend. The sun gleams in the sky, imbuing my spring-green surroundings with a delicate sparkle. I breathe deeply through my nose and smile. [...]
Meditation is like a radiant, technicolor, winged steed soaring gloriously through the cosmos. Basically, it’s awesome-miraculous. Although my opening metaphor may be a bit grandiose, I used it to emphasize the most important point in this article: Meditation is a practice of extraordinary value that is literally accessible to everyone on the planet. Most people don’t [...]
I don’t know about you, but I love reading quotations. I recognize that often times quotes can become over-used and platitudinous, but that’s why I’m constantly looking for fresh ones. A great quotation, for me, can be a bite-size chunk of wisdom, the breeze of an unknown wind, a glimpse into a mind of genius, [...]
Despite predictions of apocalyptic events in 2012, planet Earth shows every sign of arriving in 2013, intact. It’s hard to believe we’re nearly 13 years into the new millenium. Time just keeps on rolling. The impending New Year, for many people, means it’s time for a bit of lifestyle re-imagining. Under the guise of ‘New Year’s [...]
Words are the building blocks of the world. Words are powerful beyond measure. This is why Fascist regimes burn books and why corporations pollute mass media with subliminal promotions of popular ideology. Words make us who we are, and if you aren’t conscientious of how words are directing your life, you’re likely a slave to [...]
Lies are all around us. No, I’m not some paranoid conspiracy theorist. I am, however, addicted to knowing the truth. And guess what? People are lying to you. All day, every day. TV shows are lying to you. Politicians are lying to you. Music artists are lying to you. Advertisements are lying to you. You’re lying [...]
I used to be jealous. Back in high school, I wasn’t the most “popular” kid. I wasn’t hated by all or anything, but I hovered around the bubble between being “cool” or not. I let it bother me. I wanted to be taller, more athletic, and better-looking. I never despised myself, but I often let jealousy [...]
Last week, I was crippled by pointless worry. Little stresses here and there snowballed into serious anxiety. I began imagining worst case scenarios about the future, my hectic schedule, and my relationship. I allowed myself to be consumed by needless fretting. Instead of being swept up in these negative thoughts, I should’ve focused on being [...]