16 Comments
User's avatar
Tamy Faierman M.D.'s avatar

Thank you Sandra, for this thoughtful in depth dive into mindfulness. I asked the Zen teacher in my 5 day silent meditation last week what is the essence of the practice and she said : remembering.

Btw, i asked once we ended noble silence, not during lol

Expand full comment
Sandra Pawula's avatar

Tamy, what an incredible synchronicity! Thank you for sharing that. Congratulations on completing your 5-day silent meditation retreat. That inspires me!

Expand full comment
Tamy Faierman M.D.'s avatar

✨💗it’s an unparalleled experience that look to engage in more and more each year.

Expand full comment
christine's avatar

Lovely post - from someone who has practiced mindfulness for many years ♥

Expand full comment
Sandra Pawula's avatar

Christine, Thank you!

Expand full comment
christine's avatar

With all happening in the world, meditation is my way adding a positive energy to the oneness. I also do metta prayer for the wellbeing of all - even though it looks useless. I participated in my first meditation retreat in Jan 1990. My practice is both Buddhist and Kabat- Zinn.

Expand full comment
Sandra Pawula's avatar

Christine, your practice of metta inspires me! Thank you for practicing for our world. I've studied Buddhism, and I've also done Kabat-Zinn's MBSR program three times. All the best to you.

Expand full comment
Suzanne Heyn's avatar

It's so incredible that you've been studying Buddhism for 40 years! That is a lifetime of dedicated study. We are so lucky to have your wisdom on Substack. I find the idea of being mindful of one's motivation fascinating. In life, I've found our intentions behind an action have a powerful influence on the outcome of that action. Are we acting from fear or faith? The desire for expansion or contraction? I've never heard that discussed within the framework of Buddhism, so that was very interesting to read!

Expand full comment
Sandra Pawula's avatar

Suzanne, you seem very intentional; intention is a Buddhist core principle. I can see why that idea resonates with you, and I like how you frame it in terms of fear or faith, expansion or contraction. I'm glad you found this interesting to read! Thanks also for your kind words. I've had a few interruptions, but yes, it's more or less forty years. But I still only have a tiny fraction of knowledge about Buddhism. Thanks for your support.

Expand full comment
Lisa Tea's avatar

Thanks for the explanation, Sandra. So interesting to read about the different interpretations. ☺️

Expand full comment
Sandra Pawula's avatar

Thank you, dear Lisa. I’m glad you found it interesting!

Expand full comment
Charles Minguez's avatar

I love that mentioned mental factors! The teachings on mental factors and primary minds are fascinating. Great read!

Expand full comment
Sandra Pawula's avatar

Charles, I'm so glad my mention of mental factors resonated with you. I, too, find so much of Buddhism fascinating. Thanks for taking a moment to weigh in.

Expand full comment
Charles Minguez's avatar

Of course. Thanks for subscribing, too!

Expand full comment
Don Boivin's avatar

I enjoyed this very much, Sandra, thank you! Now that I've fed myself a generous portion of Buddhist and mindfulness literature over the past five years I've decided to slow down on the reading and try applying my learning with a little more distance. I think reading your new Wayward Mystic will be just the light touch/gentle reminder I'll need! 🙏💚

Expand full comment
Sandra Pawula's avatar

Don, thank you so much for the re-stack and kind words. I also want to spend more time in practice and action! I would be honored if my weekly pieces could be gentle reminders to support your path. I know I need regular reminders myself. Have a great day!

Expand full comment