Findhorn Press’s newsletter carries a feature by Gerry on the value and importance of living in the present moment, and some pointers about how to go about it:

http://www.findhornpress.com/pages/living-in-the-present-moment-pv-c0-603.html

The powerful transformative principles of Buddhism, for life, work, happiness, fulfilment and success

“Do not pursue the past; Do not idly hold out hopes for the future. The past is already discarded And the future has not yet arrived. Thoroughly discern the nature of the present, in the midst of reality. Simply set your heart on doing What must be done today”
– Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha

People think that Buddhism is all about giving things up, and sitting still all day, meditating – but that’s not necessarily the case. Many people also think that it’s about humble pennilessness and austerity – it isn’t. [Read more…]

I was sitting in a cafe In Brighton the other day, drinking a skinny decaff soy latte and pondering on the nature of existence, when I suddenly realised why things go so terribly wrong in our lives. It’s because of all those heavy negative trips that our parents lay on us when we’re young… Do these words ring any bells?.“You’ll poke your eye out with that stick!”…“We’re not made of money, you know”…“Don’t expect too much, then you won’t be disappointed.” This stuff can shape your whole outlook on life. HNTs, I call them. Thanks, Mum and Dad; I know you meant well. [Read more…]

Okay, here’s why it all goes wrong….

Society offers us a fairy-tale mythology about romantic relationship, and most of us buy into it. It’s surprising how deeply rooted yet this mythology can be in many of us – even though we might not admit it. Here are the basic points: [Read more…]

This is how it began.

Every Tuesday morning, I travel to the delightful Sussex village of Ditchling for yoga class; I’m the only man among thirty delightful Ditchling ladies. At the end of class, another delightful group of Ditchling ladies takes over the space for a choir rehearsal. As part of this activity they make wonderful cakes, chutneys and jams, and sell these to one another to raise funds for the choir. I purchased a jar of this home made jam from a delightful choir lady at the produce table, and brought it home; it was the most delicious jam I had ever tasted.   [Read more…]

Here’s a fun slide show of car recovery gone terribly wrong…

Irish Car Recovery

 

an hour-long interview on internet radio A to Zen:

about the book, Astral Sex to Zen Teabags, and also about how to get your life to work better

apologies for the variable sound quality!

click here to listen or download the interview

This is the start of a series of investigative articles about getting your life to work better in a wide-ranging and holistic way. [Read more…]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with grateful acknowledgement to Whyatt

I’d like to tell you a story about my friend Jemima Postlethwaite – a story of house purchase, feng shui and amazing miracles. I swear, every word is totally incredibly true. [Read more…]

Astral Sex – Zen Teabags, an illustrated New Age spoofapedia comes out in Europe in March and in US in June, so here to celebrate are a few of my favourite bits.

It’s a tongue-in-cheek dictionary of all things new-agey – designed to amuse, whether you love it or whether you hate it.  Comments welcome……

Affirmations
Things which people repeat ad nauseam about what they would like to have happen in their lives, instead of actually doing something about it.

Archetype
Nobody actually knows what this word means, but it is now so widely used that no-one can afford to admit that. Other terms which no-one will admit to not know the meaning of but use a lot to pretend they do: paradigm, process, gestalt.

Assertiveness
Pretentious term for being rude

Beaverweaver
Male who poses as a shaman purely in order to pull women.

[Read more…]

DIY comedy workshops: next session

Saturday July 23rd 2016:  £10
10.30-12.30   Shoreham by Sea

for anyone who would like to create comedy – or just be confident and funny

In this hands-on workshop, you will have the opportunity to have a go at creating comedy, whether it’s…

– stand-up comedy
– creating a humorous sketch
– learning improv
– giving a humorous speech eg at a wedding
– or just wanting to be more confident at being funny

The number of places is limited and advance booking is required.
To book a place, please visit www.positivecomedy.com

or email info@positivecomedy.com
or call UK 07986 561860

THE BETWIXT AND BETWEEN: a Celtic glimpse

”This is a time that is not a time
In a place that is not a place
On a day that is not a day,
Between the worlds, and beyond….”

Why is the Celtic festivals of Beltane (April 30th) and Samhain or Hallowe’en (Oct 31st) traditionally associated with spirits entering our world, and with potential for divining the future?

What were the medieval royalty of Europe up to when they went out at dawn on the first day of May, to roll around naked in the morning dew in a most undignified manner? [Read more…]