A still mind manifests pure subjectivity. — Alan Watts, in a lecture from the deepest audio archives, reported on the wisdom of a spiritual master. The master instructed: a still mind reflects the world. Let the mind be still, and become the world. Still the mind, and note the barriers between you and the world break down. …

Ride those alpha waves. — While he was experimentally tripping on Mescalin, Aldous Huxley’s observer asked him how he experienced time at that moment. Huxley had only this to say: “There’s plenty of it.” Huxley’s impression mirrors my own conclusions from psychedelic trips. When you’re in the state of awareness brought on by ingesting magic…

In response to a reader. — If I had to consolidate everything I’ve learned over the past year about the Path, mindfulness, and living a good life, I’d state it thus: The act of surrender is the spiritual act, and is the path to freedom and happiness in this life. To surrender is to let go…

If there’s a goal of mindfulness, this is it. — To live spontaneously is to be in the present, beyond the past, and free of the future. It is to respond to what arises now, without hesitation, without self-doubt, without conflict. To live spontaneously is not to be free of thought, but to be at peace with it. It is…

In your firm grasp is only your own throat. — Work hard. Earn money. Buy things to justify the work. Need more money. Work harder. Set goals. Work towards goals. Achieve goals. New goals spawn. Work towards goals. This is the human condition. An eternal quest to quench an eternal thirst, with only saltwater available for the quenching. …

The Zone of Proximal Development — When children are growing and learning, their skills and knowledge fall into one of three categories: Mastery: what they know and can do on their own. These abilities seep into the unconscious. Inability: what they do not know and cannot do, at all. These abilities are entirely outside of the…

Are we in for a renaissance in mental training? — Despite the fact that, on average, we burn fewer calories each day than 100 years ago, the science, methods, and effectiveness of physical exercise have drastically improved in that time. We now understand the conclusive link between exercise and health. According to the WHO, regular exercise prevents chronic disease, reduces…

The Subtle Art Of Non-Reactivity — Sometimes your mind feels not your own. Instead of a source of directed focus that absorbs what you need and helps you move forward, it can be like an unstimulated child, throwing the unwanted your way when you’re just trying to live life. I’ve struggled with this somewhat the last…

Emotional awareness can be the difference between joy and sorrow — just consider Love Island. — I bet you didn’t expect this disclaimer in this piece: [WARNING: SPOILERS FOR LOVE ISLAND SEASON 3 AHEAD] For the last month or so, my roommate and I — both of whom generally disparaged reality TV — started watching Love Island. At his boyfriend's suggestion, we went with season 3…