#ItsAPractice
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bekindman.bsky.social
Noticing you are lost in thought and bringing your mind back to the present moment - noticing body sensations. Noticing whatever is being experienced right now.

It's not difficult to do; it's difficult to REMEMBER to do it. Over and over all day.

#BeHappy #BeMindful #ItsAPractice #metta
September 27, 2026 at 2:26 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
May you be happy, healthy, peaceful and free.

Pain is inescapable, but suffering is a choice.

#ItsAPractice #meditation #Buddhisim #mindfulness #vipassana #jhana
September 23, 2026 at 9:35 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
Let's try to find a way to be generous today. Holding a door, letting someone go first, maybe just listening patiently to what someone has to say.

#BeHappy #BeKind #itsapractice #metta
September 12, 2026 at 3:42 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
What if today is your last day?

What would you do?

Who would you call?

What would you say?

Don't wait. Do it now.

#BeHappy #itsapractice #metta #jhana #vipassana
August 27, 2026 at 2:14 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
Another Sunday #metta day. My plan is to wander around the city repeating metta phrases and radiating kindness and goodwill towards everyone I see.

... getting high on #jhana

Enjoy your day!

#BeHappy #itsapractice #vipassana #meditation #mindfulness
August 23, 2026 at 4:05 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
Just got an email from someone asking about equanimity vs anger and shouldn't we be angry about the fascism?

If we aren't angry will we be passive?

Can we fight fascism with a smile on our face and love in our hearts?

You bet we can!!

#BeHappy #itsapractice #metta
August 21, 2026 at 1:31 AM
bekindman.bsky.social
Sunday morning #metta

A perfect opportunity to check in with yourself and make sure the mind is tending towards the wholesome.

May you be happy, healthy, peaceful and free

You deserve it!

#BeHappy #itsapractice
August 9, 2026 at 1:49 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
Morning #metta

Taking a moment to read and reflect on metta.

In every moment, we have a choice to open or close.

Turn off auto-pilot and stay open to life.

Face whatever needs to be faced with an inner smile and an open heart.

#BeHappy #itsapractice #jhana #vipassana #meditation
This is what should be done By one who is skilled in goodness, And who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright, Straightforward and gentle in speech, Humble and not conceited, Contented and easily satisfied, Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways. Peaceful and calm and wise and skillful, Not proud or demanding in nature. Let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove. Wishing: In gladness and in safety, May all beings be at ease. Whatever living beings there may be; Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none, The great or the mighty, medium, short or small, The seen and the unseen, Those living near and far away, Those born and to-be-born - May all beings be at ease! Let none deceive another, Or despise any being in any state. Let none through anger or ill-will Wish harm upon another. Even as a mother protects with her life Her child, her only child, So with a boundless heart Should one cherish all living beings; Radiating kindness over the entire world: Spreading upwards to the skies, And downwards to the depths; Outwards and unbounded, Freed from hatred and ill-will. Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down Free from drowsiness, One should sustain this recollection. This is said to be the sublime abiding. By not holding to fixed views, The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, Being freed from all sense desires, Is not born again into this world.
August 6, 2026 at 10:51 AM
bekindman.bsky.social
Morning #metta

Having a crappy early morning breakfast in a cheap hotel. At least the coffee is strong.

Making my mental to-do list... People getting ready for work...

I wish them well. May they be happy, healthy, peaceful and free.

#BeHappy #itsapractice
August 5, 2026 at 10:45 AM
bekindman.bsky.social
Morning #metta

Sitting in my rental car in a parking lot - a few minutes before I have to go inside for work. Perfect opportunity to tune in to a metta vibe

I'll try to keep the metta vibe going, underlying all my interactions with people throughout the day.

#BeHappy #itsapractice
August 4, 2026 at 11:17 AM
bekindman.bsky.social
Airport #metta doing my best to radiate kindness and good will. Getting harder as I get more tired.

May all these people be at ease. May they all be happy, healthy, peaceful and free.

#vipassana #jhana #mindfulness #meditation #itsapractice
August 3, 2026 at 4:00 AM
bekindman.bsky.social
Another day to practice #metta, now while waiting for my pizza to be ready. Wishing to all the people in the restaurant:

May you be free from misery, suffering and pain. May you take care of yourself happily.

#BeHappy #itsapractice
July 23, 2026 at 7:56 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
#metta on my lunch break...

I just sent in an application for a 2 month intensive retreat at the end of the year - which seems more wholesome than trying to get to Burningman next month.

...the little angel and devil whispering into my respective ears.

Anyway. #BeHappy #itsapractice
July 22, 2026 at 9:48 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
Morning #metta

May you take a few moments to radiate metta to yourself and others

May you be happy, healthy, peaceful and free.

May you be patient and at ease.

#meditation #jhana #vipassana #mindfulness #Buddhism #BeHappy #itsapractice
July 21, 2026 at 1:50 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
"... Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways..."

I was reflecting that the happiest times of my life have generally included a backpack on my back and some money in my pocket.

May you let go of the things that no longer serve you.

#metta #BeHappy #itsapractice #Vipassana #jhana
This is what should be done By one who is skilled in goodness, And who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright, Straightforward and gentle in speech, Humble and not conceited, Contented and easily satisfied, Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways. Peaceful and calm and wise and skillful, Not proud or demanding in nature. Let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove. Wishing: In gladness and in safety, May all beings be at ease. Whatever living beings there may be; Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none, The great or the mighty, medium, short or small, The seen and the unseen, Those living near and far away, Those born and to-be-born - May all beings be at ease! Let none deceive another, Or despise any being in any state. Let none through anger or ill-will Wish harm upon another. Even as a mother protects with her life Her child, her only child, So with a boundless heart Should one cherish all living beings; Radiating kindness over the entire world: Spreading upwards to the skies, And downwards to the depths; Outwards and unbounded, Freed from hatred and ill-will. Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down Free from drowsiness, One should sustain this recollection. This is said to be the sublime abiding. By not holding to fixed views, The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, Being freed from all sense desires, Is not born again into this world.
July 9, 2026 at 1:53 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
Nothing like a nice solo hike in the mountains... Although mindfulness can be practiced anywhere under any circumstances...

One thing I noticed in the silence was how much my mind was wandering...

Bringing it back to #metta over and over again...

#BeHappy #itsapractice
July 8, 2026 at 11:28 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
May I humbly suggest beginning the day by reading and reflecting on the attached #metta sutta?

Our intentions are important as they guide our speech and actions. It's good to set intentions and be aware of what they are so we don't sleep walk through the day.

#BeHappy #itsapractice
This is what should be done By one who is skilled in goodness, And who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright, Straightforward and gentle in speech, Humble and not conceited, Contented and easily satisfied, Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways. Peaceful and calm and wise and skillful, Not proud or demanding in nature. Let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove. Wishing: In gladness and in safety, May all beings be at ease. Whatever living beings there may be; Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none, The great or the mighty, medium, short or small, The seen and the unseen, Those living near and far away, Those born and to-be-born - May all beings be at ease! Let none deceive another, Or despise any being in any state. Let none through anger or ill-will Wish harm upon another. Even as a mother protects with her life Her child, her only child, So with a boundless heart Should one cherish all living beings; Radiating kindness over the entire world: Spreading upwards to the skies, And downwards to the depths; Outwards and unbounded, Freed from hatred and ill-will. Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down Free from drowsiness, One should sustain this recollection. This is said to be the sublime abiding. By not holding to fixed views, The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, Being freed from all sense desires, Is not born again into this world.
July 5, 2026 at 3:14 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
Nothing like a foggy alpine lake for peaceful contemplation

May you be happy, healthy, peaceful and free!

#metta #BeHappy #itsapractice
July 2, 2026 at 8:04 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
It's possible to be happy despite all the terrible things happening in the world.

Be a light unto yourself.

Be a light that brightens the world.

#BeHappy #itsapractice

#metta to you all!
July 2, 2026 at 2:09 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
Contemplating my next long #meditation retreat. Balancing worldly concerns against spiritual rewards. Should I just black out the dates and go for it?

In the meantime, I must #metta

May you be happy, healthy, peaceful and free.

#itsapractice #BeHappy
July 1, 2026 at 1:39 AM
bekindman.bsky.social
Almost forgot to #metta post! (Don'ta forgetta to metta!)

May you be free from misery, suffering and pain. May you take care of yourself happily.

#BeHappy #itsapractice
June 29, 2026 at 2:47 AM
bekindman.bsky.social
Saturday #metta

I've been reflecting on the difference between the active investigation of experience in #vipassana vs relaxing into and aligning yourself with the present experience.

May you take some time this weekend to explore your inner world.

#BeHappy #itsapractice
This is what should be done By one who is skilled in goodness, And who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright, Straightforward and gentle in speech, Humble and not conceited, Contented and easily satisfied, Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways. Peaceful and calm and wise and skillful, Not proud or demanding in nature. Let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove. Wishing: In gladness and in safety, May all beings be at ease. Whatever living beings there may be; Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none, The great or the mighty, medium, short or small, The seen and the unseen, Those living near and far away, Those born and to-be-born - May all beings be at ease! Let none deceive another, Or despise any being in any state. Let none through anger or ill-will Wish harm upon another. Even as a mother protects with her life Her child, her only child, So with a boundless heart Should one cherish all living beings; Radiating kindness over the entire world: Spreading upwards to the skies, And downwards to the depths; Outwards and unbounded, Freed from hatred and ill-will. Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down Free from drowsiness, One should sustain this recollection. This is said to be the sublime abiding. By not holding to fixed views, The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, Being freed from all sense desires, Is not born again into this world.
June 27, 2026 at 7:23 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
#metta walking past the walking dead, hungry ghosts on the streets of Austin reminding myself "Do not despise any being in any state"

#metta facing the unpleasant with an open heart, without contracting or turning away... Loving awareness.

#BeHappy #itsapractice #vipassana #jhana
This is what should be done By one who is skilled in goodness, And who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright, Straightforward and gentle in speech, Humble and not conceited, Contented and easily satisfied, Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways. Peaceful and calm and wise and skillful, Not proud or demanding in nature. Let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove. Wishing: In gladness and in safety, May all beings be at ease. Whatever living beings there may be; Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none, The great or the mighty, medium, short or small, The seen and the unseen, Those living near and far away, Those born and to-be-born - May all beings be at ease! Let none deceive another, Or despise any being in any state. Let none through anger or ill-will Wish harm upon another. Even as a mother protects with her life Her child, her only child, So with a boundless heart Should one cherish all living beings; Radiating kindness over the entire world: Spreading upwards to the skies, And downwards to the depths; Outwards and unbounded, Freed from hatred and ill-will. Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down Free from drowsiness, One should sustain this recollection. This is said to be the sublime abiding. By not holding to fixed views, The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, Being freed from all sense desires, Is not born again into this world.
June 25, 2026 at 11:27 PM
bekindman.bsky.social
#metta is also about loving / accepting whatever is arising in the present moment in one's awareness.

Suffering = resistance to what is

Equanimity = non resistance / non reactivity

Metta = loving acceptance and alignment with what is

#BeHappy #itsapractice #vipassana #jhana
June 24, 2026 at 10:55 AM
bekindman.bsky.social
Morning #metta

May you be happy, healthy, peaceful and free.

May you be patient with yourself and others.

May you be generous

May you be kind

#BeHappy #itsapractice #vipassana #jhana
June 23, 2026 at 12:53 PM