Gentle Journey Inward

Mindfulness is "simple but not easy". The concepts are straight-forward and make sense if one is at peace with oneself and with life, but such a person would already be living mindfully.

How can we - who may often be anxious & stressed-out - learn to gently, pleasantly ease our way into mindfulness? Bill Morgan's book is all about making this, to us "Westerners", counter-intuitive, counter-cultural journey inward, not only accessible but pleasant.

“many people are scarred to death of their deeper nature. … these people – more than the others … are longing to connect with their warrior’s heart and with the hearts of their fellow humans.” Lesser E. “Broken open. How difficult times can help us grow.” Villard, NY, 2005.

"In the pursuit of freedom for India, Mahatma Gandhi said:

'The outward freedom that we shall attain will only be in exact proportion to the inward freedom to which we may have grown in a given moment. And if this is a correct view of freedom, our chief energy must be concentrated on achieving reform from within.'

Western culture is clearly not contemplative in this sense. The Declaration of Independence asserts that we are entitled to 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.' However, such pursuit is usually focused outward, toward personal goals, meaningful contributions to society, and enduring relationships, rather than to inner peace and happiness.

The Dalai Lama once said, 'You Westerners are in such a hurry for transformation. Maybe a little change every decade is enough.'

Eastern cultures appreciate the complexity of practicing meditation. Attunement to the inner landscape of the mind takes time and can't be hurried. It is like learning a new language."

Bill Morgan. "The Meditator's Dilemma: An Innovative Approach to Overcoming Obstacles and Revitalizing Your Practice." Shambhala, 2016.