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.

We often do not think that there is anything helpful or positive in acceptance, letting go, allowing things to happen. We think that it is a negative action— giving up or throwing in the towel. However, it takes strength and courage to let go. This is because you have to give up control— and you need to trust that all is well, that you are ok— even if you are not sure what will happen next.
​So, when you encounter a situation that is causing you suffering, try taking a breath, step back to get a larger picture, and allow the situation to take its place in your journey. This will result in more stillness and peace in your life—little by little.

Finding Peace and Meaning in the Midst of a Pretty Crazy World.

Finding peace in our lives is a challenge at the best of times, and the holiday season is no exception. We tend to forget there is such a thing as an experience of quiet and stillness in the centre of our own life story. We tend not to pay attention to that because we’re too busy. Yet, many of us often feel overwhelmed and anxious.

My book and workshops are about the importance and the ability to discover calm and quiet in the midst of a busy and sometimes chaotic life. Start your New Year by being good to yourself.

Join us in an event that offers a clear path to restorative stillness. Please visit here for more information. 

How to Move With Change — An Antidote to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
The winter season, especially after the holidays, can be emotionally challenging. 
Give yourself and/or a loved one a Christmas gift of a Day of Light, Comfort and Camaraderie. 
Join us on January 19 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. 
We will spend the day learning to relax-into-stillness in order to find peace in the midst of 
the confusion and complexity of our lives.  
Please register or gift this event by clicking here 

Here is the link to my recent article, Finding Stillness in Your Story that was shared by Aging Horizons across Canada. 

One of the gifts of the experience of stillness is that you can embrace your life more as a journey. You may become less fearful about not knowing what is around the next bend. Your journey can become more imbued with curiosity, wonder, and more life—you can come to appreciate meandering or wandering along life’s pathways.
There may be less need for  “Six easy steps to wisdom and immortality”.  Rather, you may feel free to create and discover your own pathways, drawing from the ordinary wisdom, both within yourself—and in those around you. In this series of workshops you are invited to explore pathways to stillness that fit “your” life.

Join us for our Nov 24th workshop. Please click here for more information. 

I am honoured to have been invited to write a piece for the special issue of the  International Journal of  Reminiscence and  Life-Review. This issue is a tribute to the life and work of James Birren.  He died recently at 97. Jim was my friend, colleague, and mentor in my career as a gerontologist..