David Jones is a retiree after an enjoyable 35-year career with the American government. Diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, he works through things by sitting with the breath and other meditation techniques. David writes about mental health and enjoys exploring the intersection of Abrahamic religion and Buddhist teachings. Scary movies, reading, writing and helping folks as they walk along their paths are among his most favorite things. He dearly loves his wife, their five children, and all their grandchildren. And yes, he’s aware that he’s weird.
Intoxicants and Intentions
I honor the Dharma, but I’m not its gatekeeper.
Mindful Appreciation of Wild Beauty
I’m not saying I can’t appreciate a well-manicured lawn. It looks great when someone with a huge yard mows it in patterns, and thick green grass looks beautiful.
This Does not Equal That: There is No Quick Fix
Expecting someone or something to fix us is a powerful illusion. A cheap drug that promises to make everything all better but almost inevitably leads to deeper pain and suffering—not because the thing or person is bad but because it’s our views and expectations that really need the work, and we just don’t see it.
Parenting as a Jehovah’s Witness and Regrets
Witnesses don’t celebrate holidays, but did you know they also don’t celebrate birthdays?
What is Love? Do You Believe in Love?
Nazareth sang about how Love Hurts. J Geils Band sang about how Love Stinks. Tina Turner asked, What’s Love Got to Do With It, insisting it’s just a second-hand emotion. We often speak from a place of pain.
Rethinking Attachment
I’d say that we may not need to let go of the things we’re attached to but should focus on seeing how our attachments affect our lives and often control us.
Floating in Meditation: My Experience in a Sensory Deprivation Tank
Now the idea of floating freely in water scares me. I don’t know how to swim, although I can tread water a bit for a minute or two. If I go overboard into the ocean I’m toast—very soggy toast.
Going Back to Beginner’s Mind and Writing for Joe
By David Jones I’m finally calling myself a writer. It felt weird at first, but it’s getting easier. I’m working on kicking Imposter Syndrome to the curb (kinda), and now that I’ve retired from my government job of 35 years I can finally write without...
The Reason I Talk to Animals (I’m Not Dr. Doolitle)
By David Jones We have two cats at home, a couple of dogs and a visiting dog who I call the Grand-dog because she feels just like a grandchild. I like dogs, but I'm much more of a cat person. I don't enjoy having my face licked or dealing with the boundless...
The Highly Sensitive Person: Finding the Middle Way
By David Jones Hi. I'm David, and I'm an HSP: a Highly-Sensitive Person. Hey, don't look at me with that tone of voice. HSP is the tag being used for those who are overly in-tune with their environment and the people who inhabit it. It's also been called...