Yes! I feel the same way. Simply noting it as “liking” and “not liking” feels quite revolutionary. There’s no “I” story that hangs on. It often flies through double speed. And I don’t hang on to “liking” or kick against “not liking”. Vedana becomes threaded through everything. When it’s a ‘foundation of mindfulness’, I see it everywhere on so many micro and macro levels. And, as the refrain has it, always coming and going, and therefore no ground for clinging.

Thanks so much for sharing Anne. That picture is wonderful. Is the Tantien the silver ball with the red baubles?

Happy 2025 Nancy! So wonderful that you've joined the Mindsprings gang. We're a friendly bunch and hopefully we'll be a boon in the coming year. Don't worry about the time difference if. you sign up to the live sessions we will send a recording so you can catch up if it's too early. Always wanted to come to Nova Scotia! Looks amazing. Alistair

hello Kerrie! How lovely that you took the time to write and introduce yourself. I hope you're having a nice break over Xmas and New Year and that we might see you in some capacity in 2025. All best wishes, Alistair

Thanks for posting @James Tennet 🙏

Ah. Can you also wish yourself free of the anger and resentment around your pain? That’s allowed too! 😀

My pleasure. And I now - by virtue of recognising the dog - I realise who Trev is. Are you flying under the radar? 😀🌊😀

hi there Trev, Thanks for your interesting question and I hope that I can help untwist your knickers. I am however a little unclear about these exact nature of your question. Are you asking whether forgiveness is selfish, that is to say, ego driven?or are you saying that ultimately when the ego is removed there’s no need for for forgiveness? If we conceive a forgiveness as letting go of judgement or hurt or a sense of ill treatment, then this would make sense. When we’re coming from a less centralised , story-driven point of view then the issue of wrongdoing or being hurt or harmed becomes less intensely felt. Therefore, it’s easier to let that narrative go and “forgive“. Of course, ultimate loving kindness – that is to say, free from the self that does the loving and the kindness – is often beyond our reach. Therefore, we can be compassionate for those parts of us that are not able to wish people well. Particularly those who have harmed us. So when we failed to forgive, it’s a cause for compassion rather than beating ourselves up for not being free of ego. Does that help at all?

Hi Zana, It seems to work for most people. Solution: 1. check your spam folder to see if it’s landed there 2. You can always access the codes for anything you’ve booked by logging into your Mindsprings account and clicking MY BOOKINGS. Chose the session you want and click on it and there will be an option to get the zoom link. But here’s tonight’s: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81575762166

Oh thank you so much for taking the time to write that Fran. It’s really lovely to hear that bits of the teaching land with people. And it’s always really lovely to hear from you anyway. All best Alistair.

Our positive imprints 100% DO spill out and effect the surrounding world - but not in ways that we can predict and control because of interdependence. Therefore the most skilful use of karmic awareness is to repeatedly bring positive intention to bear on our present moment mind states and not worry too much about how they play out. If we can carve out some time each day to watch this process moment to moment in our mindstream (ie by being meditatively aware of the imprints and patterns we create in our minds) then we gain confidence that this is true: bright intention does make life brighter.

Welcome John. We’re almost neighbours!

😀🌈😀

Great. Stay connected however suits you.

I hope you feel stronger soon. We miss you! 😢

Yes, I’ve come to appreciate that “counting” is just a concatenation of mental forms, sounds, ideas, breath. All of which are the “stuff” that can interest us when we’re meditating. Where I got stuck before was “thinking” that only pure breath counted. The great release is to be interested in it all as an ocean of shitting phenomena and then to swim or float in it all.

Hi Sue. It’s at 7pm UK time so I don’t know how that works for you. And yes, it’s a free part of Baobab

Hmm. Will review! Thank you for the feedback

Apologies @rach I was having to cancel on the hoof. You should have got an email as well but I’m sorry for the short notice.

Hi Meri-Sue. Greetings from Kathmandu. So glad you’ve joined us! 😃