2018 SUMMER

  Despite the two approaching typhoons, I just landed in Tokyo Narita airport. Again. Intercontinental travel is still tricky … but I get the hours needed to write you this letter. Below as always I share a mix of personal updates, learnings & creations. I wish you well! Miguel CREATIVITY: Vietnam train from Hanoi to Ninh […]

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Why I barely edit my writings

I write to think, reflect, ponder.   All in order to gain insights that will help me lead a better life. By extension, I assume there will be a fraction of Humanity that may benefit from them too – so I publish them online. This fraction may be less than one percent, but any amount over […]

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2018 Spring

Hi, Imagine staying for 2 weeks in an island doing nothing. I tried a self-retreat in the outskirts of Ubud, an artistic village in Bali, Indonesia – and failed. Below I share with you why, as well as other learnings, creations & personal news. Wishing you well, Miguel CREATIVITY: What would you do if you were given “carte […]

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You don’t want to retire

Try staying for 2 weeks in an island doing nothing. I did – and failed. At first it was glorious. Long days of reading, aimless walks and swimming pool afternoons. After a particularly demanding work project, I had scheduled time to recover. And that worked: my body, mind and soul were fully rested and restored. […]

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Set your own constraints

No limits leads to dissipation. Abundance without constrains is like a pig in a banquet. Compare an everything-goes buffet – versus a rice bowl in a temple. Freedom to do anything must be tempered with carefully chosen limits. The ideal meal, ideal exercise routine, ideal mind training practice, ideal work routine. This is the benefit […]

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Meaning does not come from reason

The scattered mind cannot find meaning, and questions everything   The flow mind makes life engaging, and meaning questions temporarily dissolve   The love no-mind makes life meaningful, and questions nothing   Therefore, when in a funk – drop into your heart      

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When your mind is calm, lean in deeper

When you feel your mind is calm enough, that is when you should mindfully lean in. You have been meditating twice daily, long sittings mostly, for a few days now. As it always happens, you see the benefit, and this new normal becomes comfortable. Your dedication to the next sitting becomes half hearted: “I’m ok […]

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Responsive or Proactive

There are two fundamental modes of action: responsive or proactive. It is important to step into the mode that best suits the situation. Most people only know how to behave in one of the two modes – and they apply that mode to all circumstances. This leads to frustration for yourself and others.   Responsive […]

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On Beauty

There are states of being that need no justification. There are moments in our lives when questions of meaning don’t arise, don’t exist. Beauty, the experience of heartfelt perfection through visual form, needs no arguments. Beauty can nourish the soul, it is love itself. Beauty quiets the mind. Beauty makes you breathe deeper. Beauty makes […]

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Songs To Change Your State

Music is the fastest mood enhancer. Mood influences thoughts. Thoughts influence behavior. Thefore designing a mood enhancing list helps have an optimal average day. The following lists contain songs for each of the states I strive to enter daily. In parenthesis you can see the activity that accompanies each state. Enjoy! ~ LOVINGKINDNESS (metta) –Mahamrityunjaya […]

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