Mindfulness Archives - Finding Swamy

#66 Thermostat or Thermometer?

A thermometer measures temperature. It can measure the temperature of your body, meat on a BBQ, and even the weather.

A thermostat on the other hand regulates temperature. If it’s too hot in your home, you can use this device to cool your dwelling. If it’s too cold, then you can use it to warm your home.

#65 Don’t Skip a Beat

I love iHeartRadio. Who doesn’t, right? Similar to Pandora, it’s a music and podcast application that allows you to create playlists from your favorite genre of music.

I had a habit of listening only to the songs I was familiar with. If a song came on that I never heard before, I would skip it immediately. I did this for years.

#64 Beginnings Don’t Have to End

First kiss, first day on the job, and first trips abroad to name a few firsts are when hopes are high. It’s when we are most present, alert, attentive, and receptive to the moment.

Beginnings are exhilarating. They inspire curiosity, bravery, and vigorous action. Everything is much more visceral. Opinions are slightly subdued and embracing the now is much more accepted, appreciated, and necessary. However, every exciting new beginning comes to end. But does it have to?

#58 How to Forgive Yourself

““Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.’” – Mark Twain

When I first heard this beautiful quote my heart skipped a beat, goosebumps arose throughout my body, and my eyes began to tear up. Twain tells us that even when the heel of a foot crushes the violet flower, it still permeates its sweet fragrance.

#57 – 6 Ways to Cleanse the Mind, Body, & Soul

5:45 am and I am up as the alarm sings tunes from the king of pop (aka Michael Jackson). I grew up during a time where his music prowess was unprecedented, flawless, and life giving. I decided to stay in bed for another 5–10 minutes and opened the window next to me. The sun comes out earlier in the months of April so it doesn’t seem like I’m up that early, but the beautiful chirping melodies from the many birds accompanied with the silence of the city, is a reminder that I am. After a few minutes of being utterly transfixed and inspired by the new day, I started my daily routine of rituals.

#55 Trust in the Hard Places

The sun was setting as I sat on my usual rock in the sand. Baker Beach in San Francisco, CA has become a spiritual respite for when the traffic and noise of the city become overwhelming.

#54 Gratitude Is All We Need

I was one of the lucky ones. I had two loving parents that gave me more than one could ask for in a thousand lifetimes.

We had some tough times, but what family doesn’t? Even when those tough times were happening, I was never worried. I always had a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food on my plate. In a society where seeking more is the norm, it’s easy to take these simple blessings for granted.

#53 – 9 Ways to Stop Being a Fucking Douche

I’m a saint and I’m a hell-bent heathen. I’m Dr. Jekyll and Mr. fucking Hyde. A few of my favorite books include Walden by T-Dub, the Upanishads, Freedom from the Known by Jkish, and Meditations by Marcus A.

#52 How to Find the Path to Joy

We may travel to far places
We may acquire opulence through the material
We may have many lovers, friendships, and a great social life
We may find love in another being to pass our time with
We may have beautiful children that we care for deeply
We may carry deep and strong belief structures about creation, the government, and mankind
We may have dreams, aspirations, and passions

#50 Assertive Spirituality

There is a misconception that when one starts to engage in spiritual practices such as meditation and mindfulness, that it’s necessary to lay a red carpet of passivity.

Since becoming more spiritual and aware of the material world around me, I’ve been able to navigate through the world of 10,000 things, as Lao Tzu would say, with much ease, vigor, and confidence.