Monday, February 19, 2024

I Started a NON-Gratitude Journal. It's Changed My Life

Non-gratitude journal
Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash
I know, everybody recommends having some form of gratitude practice like for instance a gratitude journal.  There are countless videos and blogs talking about it. There is even scientific research proving the mental and physical benefits of having a gratitude practice.  

Yet, instead of writing a gratitude journal, I've decided to keep a non-gratitude journal. Instead of focusing on what I feel grateful about I've decided to focus on what I don't feel grateful about.  
Sunday, November 12, 2023

Is Journaling More Powerful Than Meditation?


In 2016 I published this blog post: 10 Reasons Why You Should Start a Spiritual Journal Today.  With time I have become even more convinced about the benefits of journaling, or rather the Morning Pages.  But are they more powerful than meditation? 
Sunday, May 7, 2023

My 5-day Stay at a Buddhist Forest Monastery in Sri Lanka

Buddhist Forest Monastery Sri Lanka

After five months in a popular surf destination in Sri Lanka, I decided to move into a remote Buddhist forest monastery to practice meditation.  I had been dreaming about meditating in a cave for months, but I wasn't sure if the forest-dwelling monks would allow me to stay.
Monday, July 4, 2022

STOP Delaying Happiness: You can choose to be Happy TODAY

Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi on Unsplash

A couple of years ago my friend Sophie, who is now a Buddhist nun, asked me in a text message, "How is your happiness going, Marco?"

I didn't answer anything because the truth is that at that moment I wasn't feeling very happy. As a matter of fact, I had not been feeling happy for a very long time. And the pandemic had made matters even worst, as you can imagine.
Sunday, April 3, 2022

The Actual Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation

difference between mindfulness and meditation
Photo by Hans Vivek on Unsplash

What is the difference between mindfulness and meditation, you may ask?

I know, it can be confusing since we often hear the terms mindfulness, mindfulness meditation, mindfulness-based meditation, or just meditation used interchangeably.

But, are they really all the same?  This is what I like to cover in this blog, starting with the definition of mindfulness and its benefits.
Monday, February 28, 2022

The Secrets of the Soham (Haṁsa) Mantra: Its Meaning, Benefits and Purpose

soham hamsa mantra meditation

One of the most common types of meditations taught in India as part of the tradition of the Indian yogis is mantra meditation.  And the most important universal mantra that anybody can use for meditation is the so'ham or haṁsa mantra. 

What's significant about this mantra is that you don't need to receive any type of initiation to practice it.  It belongs to you, to me, and to all of us.  It is a powerful mantra and its meaning, purpose, and benefits are profound.  
Sunday, October 24, 2021

Radha's Spiritual Birth at the Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh [True Story]


Have you ever thought of visiting an ashram in India, such as the Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh?  Maybe you are searching for authentic spiritual experiences at the feet of a true guru.  Well, before you embark on your spiritual journey let me tell you about this small book that will motivate you even more.   
Saturday, October 16, 2021

Be Present with Yourself (Free Guided Meditation)

Be Present with Yourself Guided Meditation
Photo by Luka Reedy on Unsplash

Our minds are often so agitated, dissipated, and distracted that we even forget we are here, breathing. Don't you think so? Well, in this guided meditation, we will take a moment to remember ourselves, to become fully present with ourselves like we never had before, experiencing a natural sense of calm and serenity.
Friday, October 1, 2021

Releasing Physical or Emotional Pain (Free Guided Meditation)

Mindfulness Meditation for Emotional Pain
Photo by Fernando @cferdo on Unsplash

To release emotional pain such as depression, heartbreak, or despair, mindfulness meditation has proven to be extremely helpful.  It can even work to alleviate physical pain.  You can try it right now with this free guided meditation, or you can learn more about it in this blog.
 
Friday, September 24, 2021

Transforming Depression into Compassion (Guided Meditation)

Guided Meditation for Depression
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

If you or someone you love is struggling with severe depression then this free guided meditation might help.  It can be an intense meditation though, so use it mindfully and according to your needs.  If you need to pause or even quit the meditation, please feel free to do that as well.