Last time we looked at an overview of the phases of the mystical life using extracts from Evelyn Underhill’s Mysticism. Here we continue the extracts with an exploration of the first phase on the path: the awakening of the transcendental consciousness: “This awakening…is a disturbance of the equilibrium of the self, which results in the… Continue reading The Mystic Way 2: Awakening of the Self
Last time we looked at expanding the self and how we’re all connected in a vast web of life. Unfortunately, many people don’t feel that connection because they’re locked inside their own little ego bubble. This has dire consequences for society and creates a lot of conflict. When you feel like you’re alone against the… Continue reading Active Hope and a New Kind of Power
Don’t Wait in Ambush is about not holding a grudge or seeking revenge when somebody has hurt you. When you hold a grudge others have more control over your own mind than you do. The original lojong slogan is the same and is related to the previous one: Don’t be mean. When you wait in… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Wait in Ambush
In this series we’ll explore ‘The Mystic Way’ as outlined by Evelyn Underhill in her classic text Mysticism: A Study of the Nature and Development of Man’s Spiritual Consciousness. This is her attempt to describe the general process involved in practising mysticism and the contemplative life. There are many different types of personalities found among… Continue reading The Mystic Way 1: Phases of the Mystical Life
Last time we looked at the transformation of pain into healing and how it reminds us that we need each other. One of the problems with pain is that it can make you withdraw into yourself. But this just makes the pain worse because now you feel isolated too, and that messes with your head… Continue reading Active Hope and Expanding the Sense of Self
Don’t Be Mean is about not being nasty about other people, either to their face or behind their back. Words can hurt just as much as sticks and stones. The original lojong slogan is: Don’t malign others, which is a noble idea, but not easy to live up to. It’s no good pretending to be… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Be Mean
Last time we looked at the benefits of gratitude, and if you’ve been practising you should be feeling warm and fuzzy by now. Which is a good thing because in this post we delve into the realm of pain. Nobody likes it. Everybody experiences it. So it’s about time we got to grips with it.… Continue reading Active Hope and the Healing Power of Transforming Pain
Don’t Be Predictable is about breaking out of your bad habits so you don’t react automatically in the same way all the time. The original lojong slogan is more or less the same: Don’t be so predictable. Some of our habits are helpful, but others can become straightjackets. When you do things the same way,… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Be Predictable
Last time we looked at the spiral of transformation and how we can become more resilient during a crisis. It may be surprising, but this process always begins with gratitude. In fact, if the news and miscellaneous madness of the world is getting you down, this is one guaranteed way to cheer yourself up. Gratitude… Continue reading Active Hope and the Benefits of Gratitude
Don’t Poison Yourself is about not feeding your ego with negative or positive reinforcement, because it will feast on whatever you focus your mind on. The original lojong slogan is: Abandon poisonous food, which means looking at how you nourish yourself, not just in terms of the food you eat, but on every level: physical,… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Poison Yourself
Last time we introduced the idea of Active Hope and the stories that shape our society. The old myths are failing and the new ones are still being shaped, so we find ourselves poised between worlds – lost, confused, and a little freaked out. It’s hard to keep up with the pace of change or… Continue reading Active Hope and the Spiral of Transformation
Abandon Hope is about not being attached to the outcome of whatever you’re doing. You might succeed or fail but focusing on either possibility takes you out of the present moment which is the only time in which you can act. The original lojong slogan is: Abandon any hope of fruition, which means letting go… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Abandon Hope
Jessica Davidson 