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.
10 Ways We Sabotage Our Compassion
By David Jones Compassion isn't merely something you should have, it's something you should do. Compassion is best when it's used. But these days I find myself repeating lyrics from a song by The Echoing Green called Empath: "Tell...
Mindful Acceptance in an Unacceptable World
By David Jones Is the world making you feel uneasy, scared, angry, or hopeless? May I suggest trying Mindful Acceptance? Not mere acceptance, of course. Merely accepting the way things are is to admit defeat, throw in the towel, decide...
A Mindful Christian View of Metta
By David Jones "May I be happy. May I be well. May I be safe. May I be peaceful." Who is a Buddhist speaking to when they say this? It's not really an entreaty or appeal to someone, as if asking someone to grant these things; they're focusing on their desire...
Confessions of a Not-So-Great-Dad & the Flash of Insight that Changed Everything
By David Jones My dad wasn't the best in the world. He just couldn't do the whole Dad thing, or even the whole Husband thing. Alcohol and irresponsibility were his domain. But I loved him. He was my dad. So now I'm a dad, and I'm...
Meditation: Tired of sitting? Consider walking.
Our environments and surroundings aren’t distractions to try and block out while we practice; in fact, they’re what we’re focusing on.
Feeling Anxious about Social Distancing? 14 Things You Can Do to Get Through It Mindfully:
By David Jones An infectious disease is making the rounds, and I'm facing the same concerns many of you are. I've got kids and grandkids living with us, and we're going through the toilet paper apace. My workplace (Department of Homeland...
St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, Nigeria and Engineers (Who was He, Really?)
By David Jones This past weekend is normally northern Kansas City's Snake Saturday. It is a parade/carnival wherein a hodgepodge of participants stroll, ride or drive down the street to wave, throw candy, and otherwise just relish a...
How to Maintain Compassion During a Viral Pandemic
By David Jones So there's a virus out and about right now. That's not news, of course.There's always a virus causing suffering somewhere. Some strain of Zika, Ebola, Coronavirus, Influenza, West Nile, it just goes on and on. But let's talk about the virus...
What I Brought Back from a Holocaust Survivor’s Estate Sale (So Much More than Things)
By David Jones Today I spent a lot of money for a calendar. It didn't have pictures of adorable kittens, favorite Star Trek or Star Wars scenes, or even photos of tropical beaches I could die happily on. It was two framed sets of panels...
What Does a Spiritual Misfit Never Seem to Find?
Not every traveler walks the same path.