“I’d really like to do _________ but I never seem to find the time.” How often do we say that? And what’s in that blank? Starting meditation, writing a book, working on a creative hobby? Why is it so hard to get to those things we wish we could? …
If we don’t have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made, then how many other things are we missing? A sad and telling story of …
Sunada reviews 29 Gifts, the remarkable true story of how one woman rose above her debilitating illness — and started a worldwide movement that has inspired thousands to work toward reviving the spirit of giving in the world.
Cami Walker seemed to have everything going for her when …
Sunada sometimes hears skepticism about the idea of being “in the moment.” Does it really mean we should cut ourselves off from our past and future? Are we to drop all our cherished memories? Should we naively stop planning for our future? No, she’s quite certain this isn’t what …
This is a fun and funny video of Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) sharing her ideas on creativity. She says that that instead of the rare person “being” a genuis, all of us “have” a genius. And she shares how we might be in relationship with that part …
Fearlessness isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability stay with one’s fear and use its energy wisely. In Sunada’s monthly post on Wildmind’s blog, she explains how welcoming our fears can point us toward our own place of freedom.
I’ve been talking with some clients recently about anger. We all know what it’s like. It feels like an alien takes control of us. When in its grip, we can’t seem to stop ourselves from saying or doing things we regret later. Or it silently boils inside, leaving us simmering …
This excellent article by David Rock explains mindfulness by way of two key neural networks: the “default” network, which thinks about ourselves and our world, and “direct experience”, which takes in information through our senses in real time. People who practice mindfulness are better at using both and switching between …
In The Mindful Leader, author Michael Carroll’s premise is that the best leaders aren’t those who take charge and make things happen. They’re the ones who are willing to be fully human and inspire the best in others. Sunada reviews this book that shows us how to …
I read a really interesting article in Ode Magazine yesterday. There’s now scientific research showing that happiness is contagious! This study suggests that if I’m feeling happy, there’s a good chance that my friends and neighbors will be happier, too. The analysis is distilled down to pretty significant numeric probabilities, …
Every time I watch Bobby McFerrin or Yo-Yo Ma perform, I’m left in awe. It’s not just their amazing musicianship. What uniquely comes through in their music is their generosity of spirit and totally engaging way of expressing their individuality. As a musician myself, I muse in …
Does the Buddhist idea of “no self” strike you as bizarre or outrageous? I’ve been reflecting on this difficult concept and, in my monthly post in Wildmind’s blog, share my thoughts on it so far. It isn’t just an obscure philosophical point for mental gymnasts. Paradoxically, I think …
The vast majority of the people with whom we interact on a daily basis are people we don’t know. This sobering little experiment shown on YouTube shows that most of us view each other in as personal a manner as we do mere machines! It makes me think about acting more kindly …