Jessica Davidson's Blog, page 53

Dying to Live: Dancing in the Flames

I recently watched a fascinating film about the life of Jungian analyst Marion Woodman, known for her work on feminine psychology and addiction. The film features interviews with Marion by the mystic Andrew Harvey, covering the mysteries of death and rebirth, and how the soul grows through surrender, as illustrated by Marion’s life and her … Continue reading "Dying to Live: Dancing in theFlames"

Can’t Blog… Writing a Book…

I’m taking a break from blogging – just for a bit – while I finish writing my book on lojong for writers,Free Your Pen. There’s not enough space in my head or time in the day to write the book and edit the blog versionand come up with interesting stuff to share with you lot! … Continue reading "Can’t Blog… Writing aBook…"

Hold Your Own – Kate Tempest – a bodhisattva in action

I don’t know if Kate Tempest would describe herself as a bodhisattva, but to me she’s the perfect embodiment of what that would look like in the form of a performance poet. Here she is at Glastonbury in 2015, more than holding her own (full set here): “Know the wolves that hunt you, in time, … Continue reading "Hold Your Own – Kate Tempest – a bodhisattva inaction"

The Eightfold Path: Right Concentration

Right Concentration is the final practice of Mental Discipline on the Eightfold Path and is about disciplining the mind to see reality as it is. It’s also known as Right Meditation or Samadhi, and is the practice of focusing your mind on one thing until you’ve reached meditative absorption or jhana. Samadhi means concentration, and … Continue reading "The Eightfold Path: RightConcentration"

The Eightfold Path: Right Mindfulness

Right Mindfulness is the second practice in Mental Discipline on the Eightfold Path and involves being aware of the present moment with a clear focus. Right Mindfulness is the heart of Buddhist practice and applies across the whole Eightfold Path. When you’re mindful, your thinking is Right Thought, your speech is Right Speech, your actions … Continue reading "The Eightfold Path: RightMindfulness"

The Eightfold Path: Right Effort

Right Effort is the first practice in Mental Discipline on the Eightfold Path and is also known as Right Diligence. This practice supports all the others because it gives you the energy to keep practising, even through difficulties. It involves cultivating a positive attitude and cheerful determination on your quest for freedom from suffering. Right … Continue reading "The Eightfold Path: RightEffort"

The Eightfold Path: Right Livelihood

Right Livelihood is the final practice in Ethical Conduct on the Eightfold Path and is about how you earn a living and take responsibility for your choices. The ideal is to earn a living without going against the principles of love and compassion, and to do work that expresses the truth of your deepest Self. … Continue reading "The Eightfold Path: RightLivelihood"

The Eightfold Path: Right Action

Right Action is the second Ethical Conduct practice on the Eightfold Path and is about acting appropriately in every situation. It builds on all the other practices and can only work if you’re mindful of your true intentions. If you watch your thoughts and develop the right understanding of yourself and reality, your actions shouldn’t … Continue reading "The Eightfold Path: RightAction"

The Eightfold Path: Right Speech

Right Speech is the first practice in Ethical Conduct on the Eightfold Path and is about communicating with compassion and in a straightforward way. It follows from Right Thinking and Right Understanding, so you see reality as it is and then express that truth directly. It includes communication through speech and all forms of writing: … Continue reading "The Eightfold Path: RightSpeech"

The Eightfold Path: Right Thought

Right Thought is the second Wisdom practice of the Eightfold Path, and is also known as Right Intention. It follows directly from Right Understanding because your thoughts and intentions arise from your perception of reality. If you see reality as it is, you’ll have no problems. But if you see reality through a haze of … Continue reading "The Eightfold Path: RightThought"