In this episode, our guest host Don Hemmings speaks with me about the backstory and beginnings of my book, Pathways to Stillness. My book invites you to discover your own pathways to peace and stillness in these very turbulent times.
 

In this episode Dr. Bill Randall and I discuss  practical guidelines for practicing narrative care, and helping both yourself and others explore unique pathways to stillness. Exercises such as signature stories and the ABC's of autobiographical memory are particularly effective, very accessible, and enjoyable.

Tai Chi is a great help in these times. The moving meditation—breathing and slow movements bring you to the present moment— which helps to calm the monkey mind that constantly wants to go to fearful future thoughts. Practice whatever you can often.
The Tai Chi Wisdom section of my book Pathways to Stillness will give you helpful guidelines. I highly recommend you check out Wu’s Tai Chi Chuan Academy in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

In this special episode we hear the story of my wife's career change from government to operating a bed and breakfast, and how it has brought her meaning, happiness and a new  pathway to stillness. It is also a story of how older adults can age meaningfully.

In this episode Thomas Moore and Dr. Bill Randall speak about the importance of teachers in our lives and how we can be teachers to each other by listening to each others' .stories. In this way we help each other find our own Pathways to Stillness.

A fascinating conversation with Thomas and Bill Randall discussing what life is all about on this planet.

The wonderful conversation with Thomas Moore and Dr. Bill Randall continues. In this episode we hear their wisdom about our finite and meaningful journey. 

The conversation continues with Thomas Moore and Bill Randall. In this episode they share their wisdom about how to care for the soul and find optimism in this time of turmoil and rapid change.

In this episode Thomas Moore and Dr. Bill Randall speak about Fate and our unique ordinary wisdom that we can discover if we are willing to look and explore. Also how we are shaped by life—we do not create our journey on our own.

 In this episode I continue my interview with Thomas Moore and Dr. Bill Randall about the difference between meaningful and successful aging as well as brain and soul fitness. 

The art of Tai Chi is the canvas for your body, mind, and spirit. You learn a set of movements, so you are moving your body—but Tai Chi is not only a physical activity. There is a cognitive - brain/mind - part to it as well, since you are invited to pay attention as you perform the movements. Besides these two benefits, it is also a wonderful pathway to stillness. You learn to breathe and to meditate in motion. With practice, you are brought more and more to the present moment - and you experience more peace, serenity, and balance in your life. Tai Chi is a form of whole self-care. I invite you to read more in my book found here. 

The German existentialist philosopher, Martin Heidegger, says that we human beings are “thrown into the world”. We “find” ourselves here without really knowing why. There is no step by step guide book to follow on our journey. In addition, we are aware that we are only here for a limited time - we know that we will die.

At first glance, this appears to be a recipe for depression and despair. However, this is not the only potential destination for your journey. In the near future, I will be launching a podcast series based on my book, Pathways to Stillness. We will explore how it is possible for you to find your own pathway to love and meaning on this existential ride that is human life. In the first episode of the series, Thomas Moore will share his wisdom on this topic.

​Stillness can be found anywhere and at anytime - it is our home base. It is the quiet place in the centre of the storm. However, it is an inside job. In the beginning, finding your own pathway to stillness requires that you stop, let go, and listen.

​We overlook stillness because it is what Pico Iyer and Leonard Cohen call - an adventure in going nowhere. The experience of stillness and peace emerge in the magic of the present moment. 

In my previous post, I described how stillness is not only found in “cross-legged” immobility - I have never quite managed to attain the lotus posture - let alone find it comfortable. Fortunately, stillness is also present in the midst of movement, such as in Tai Chi practice. 

In his insightful book, The Art of Stillness, the writer Pico Iyer gives us another non-stationary pathway to stillness. He explains that he had never been drawn to meditate - even with such an inspirational teacher as Leonard Cohen - he found his delight in movement. He even became a travel writer in order to blend work and pleasure. Stillness has more to do with what is going on inside than what is happening outside. With some openness, curiosity - or meandering as Thomas Moore would say - you can find your own pathways to stillness.

"I'm inspired and grateful to hear that you're working so hard to ​promote a sense of stillness." 
​Pico Iyer 

I am grateful to the Fredericton, New Brunswick Public Library for recently hosting a reading for my book Pathways To Stillness. It was a lovely evening of sharing and soul-talk.
One of the main themes we shared was that stillness is ever-present. It is not something to add on to our lives - it is already and always there. But we need many, many reminders - to come Home to Stillness. Reminders can be in the form of a formal practice like meditation or Tai Chi, but also in the form of personal pathways or refuges.
Read more in my book.