Today's Spirituality Pulse
Charitable giving highlighted as a path to spiritual fulfillment
Manila Bulletin’s feature “When you give alms…” examines the role of almsgiving in personal growth, while a companion piece “Treasures in heaven” reinforces the theme across two outlets.
Try Small Steps and Set the Bar Low: How to Find the Meaning of Life
Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, former Apple engineers, apply design‑thinking principles to personal purpose in their new book *How to Live a Meaningful Life*. They argue that the current meaning crisis—exacerbated by the pandemic, AI‑driven job fears, and economic slowdown—can be tackled with small, low‑bar habits rather than grand philosophical quests. The authors outline four pillars—wonder, flow, coherence, and community—and provide concrete exercises to embed them into everyday routines. The book launched in the US and the UK on March 12, offering a pragmatic roadmap to daily meaning.
Solving the Mystery of Consciousness
Michael Pollan’s latest book tackles the age‑old puzzle of consciousness, arguing that psychedelic experiences offer a practical window into the mind’s workings. The journalist, famed for his food‑focused writing, pivots to explore how substances like psilocybin, caffeine and opium reshape...
What Atheism Could Not Explain
Christopher Beha, former atheist and Harper's editor, recounts in *Why I Am Not an Atheist* how falling in love with his future wife sparked a return to Catholicism. He argues that secular philosophies—from scientific reductionism to Nietzschean romanticism—cannot account for...
My Depression Felt Creatively Expansive. Now I’ve Overcome It, How Do I Keep the Meaningful Parts? | Leading Questions
Eleanor Gordon‑Smith reflects on how her recent depression amplified her creative output, delivering vivid poetry, painting, and a darker artistic lens. She now feels better but fears losing the intensity and clarity that the depressive state provided. The essay argues...
Struggle and Ill Will: The Peace That Doesn’t Strive
George Cassidy Payne argues that struggle rooted in ill will—an aggressive desire for specific outcomes—creates suffering, while true peace arises from non‑striving and acting without attachment. Drawing on Buddha, Jesus, the Bhagavad Gita, and Lao zi, he shows that the ego’s endless...
If Your Past Self Doesn't Embarrass You, You're Stuck
David Pereira turns 38 and reflects on a lifelong journey from a modest factory‑worker family to a global product‑leadership coach. He credits early exposure to curious minds, relentless self‑directed problem solving, and a habit of taking responsibility without waiting for...
The Power of Inquiry in Spiritual Awakening - Part 2
In this episode Tara Brock explores the second domain of spiritual practice: inquiry. She explains how asking pointed questions—like "What stops me from opening my heart?"—illuminates hidden beliefs and fears, allowing us to de‑condition the automatic, fear‑driven lenses through which...
A Soul Minimalist's Guide to the Inner Life
The author introduces "soul minimalism," a practice of clearing mental clutter to let the inner self speak. By highlighting how invisible influences—unaddressed trauma and negative self‑talk—occupy mental space, the piece argues that intentional spiritual formation can restore wisdom, courage, and...
How to (Really) Read Tarot Cards
The author shares a decade‑long journey from casual tarot curiosity to mastering the full 78‑card deck, positioning tarot as a personal development tool. The post outlines essential meanings, interpretation techniques, and practical tips for beginners seeking structured practice. It emphasizes...
How to Reconnect with Your Inner Child
The article explains the inner‑child metaphor as a psychodynamic tool for uncovering early emotional imprints that drive adult reactions such as anger, fear of abandonment, and self‑criticism. It outlines three phases—recognition, in‑the‑moment management, and long‑term healing—using concrete techniques like naming...
Best of Both Worlds Podcast: Understanding the Mattering Instinct with Philosopher Rebecca Goldstein
Best of Both Worlds podcast released its first philosopher interview, featuring Rebecca Newberger Goldstein. Goldstein discusses her research on the “mattering instinct,” explaining why humans instinctively seek significance in personal and professional realms. She references her book, *The Mattering Instinct*,...
Quiet Mind, Joyful Soul: The Gift of Meditation
There is so much noise in the world, we don't realize how much our mind craves some quiet until we actually sit down to meditate. Meditation is the gift we give our mind. It's a break from the noise. The...
Heal Adult Emotions by Reconnecting with Your Inner Child
How to reconnect with your inner child: https://t.co/S39Ilwztfu The experiences you had as a child influence your emotional life as an adult. Recognising these dynamics can be healing. New Psyche Guide by psychotherapist Nickan Arzpeyma
The Art of Flourishing: Aristotle's Blueprint for the Good Life
Aristotle’s notion of eudaimonia reframes the good life as human flourishing achieved through virtuous action, not fleeting pleasure. He contrasts this with hedonism, arguing that true happiness stems from fulfilling one’s potential rather than chasing comfort. The philosopher’s Doctrine of...
Pray Everything, Live Briefly, Seek a Meaningful Legacy
In this little life of ours, for the few days God has allowed us to live, pray about anything and everything. Tell it all to God, you are safer that way. We will all leave this earth someday, but when you...
Kerouac’s Letter: Kindness Reveals Heaven Within
"Practice kindness all day to everybody and you will realize you're already in heaven now." On Jack Kerouac's birthday, his beautiful letter to his first wife turned lifelong friend about kindness and the illusion of the self https://t.co/ZprJn5qWi8
Are You an Artist If No One Sees It?
The essay asks whether an artist remains an artist when unseen, weaving personal experience with meditation practice. It argues that true artistic worth stems from internal recognition rather than clicks, likes, or external validation. The author describes how the tension...
True Devotion Means Losing Self in Life's Absolute Involvement
Devotion is when your involvement with life is so absolute that you yourself do not matter anymore. #SadhguruQuotes https://t.co/zDrh9LohRe
Discipline vs Compulsion: Jim Collins Redefines Self‑Control
“I always thought of myself as an incredibly disciplined person. I finally came to the conclusion I’m really not very disciplined. I am somewhat, but if you just can’t stop yourself, that’s not discipline. It’s compulsion.” — Jim Collins Listen to my...
Five Examples of Extraordinary People According to Nietzsche
The blog post examines Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch, tracing its first appearance in *Human, All Too Human* and its fuller development in *Thus Spoke Zarathustra*. It highlights five disparate figures Nietzsche cites—ranging from warlords to messianic leaders—to illustrate the...
Write Your Why Three Times to Defuse Anxiety
Whenever upset or anxious, ask “why” at least three times and put the answers down on paper. Describing these doubts in writing reduces their impact twofold. First, it’s often the ambiguous nature of self-doubt that hurts most. Defining and exploring...
Seasonal Haiku Paintings Hope War Passes Quickly
When the war began, I began a practice called Haiku Paintings, small paintings of the 4 seasons: Spring Summer Fall Winter. Haikus have a season word, reminding us tht things arise + pass from us. I want to see this...
How Understanding Yourself Can Change Everything You Do
Self‑awareness, often mischaracterized as self‑consciousness, is presented as a powerful personal asset. The article explains that understanding one’s values, triggers, and emotional patterns enables better decision‑making, stronger relationships, and greater emotional resilience. It outlines practical steps such as daily check‑ins,...
Life Unfolds Gradually, Layer by Layer
In The Making - A Poem to Growing Tree: perhaps even here the in-between you feel has a place: the way you remain here,�roots deep in the ground,�with branches reaching toward the sky,�is already the making of a life�where what is next begins...
Swap Judgment for Curiosity for a Day
See how often you judge someone or something as good or bad, right or wrong. Replace judgement with curiosity for one day. https://t.co/NuHi0WGXO6
In the Desert of the Heart
Paul Kingsnorth’s essay reflects on the Christian tradition of silence, tracing its roots from early desert fathers to the hesychastic practices of St Gregory Palamas. He argues that true inner stillness—essential for theosis—cannot be achieved merely by fleeing external noise, because the...
You Can Choose to Be Wonderful Right Now
No matter what you did yesterday, in this moment you can be a wonderful human being if you want to. Existence has given you this Freedom. #SadhguruQuotes https://t.co/Gp3uwOi7CU
Stoic Live Tour Returns to Australia & New Zealand
Australia & New Zealand — I’m coming back. This October, I’ll be returning for a 5-city tour to talk about Stoicism, discipline, leadership, and the lessons that have helped so many people around the world live a better life. Whether you’ve...
Your Inner Critic Has a Name
In this episode, the host shares a personal strategy for overcoming writer's block by committing to a daily 20‑minute writing sprint, reinforced with a supportive partner and a simple gold‑star reward system. The metaphor of each writing session as a...
Explore Your Seven Identity Layers with Amelie Rorty
How are you tending to each of your 7 layers of identity? Philosopher Amelie Rorty on what makes a person, in literature and life: https://t.co/4h169UOgbR
You Have Nothing to Prove...
The post reminds readers that their worth and every spiritual blessing come "by His doing," not through personal effort or achievement. It contrasts the common urge to prove oneself with the gospel’s invitation to rest in Christ’s wisdom, righteousness, sanctification,...
The Uses of Equanimity
The article explains that equanimity, while appearing as calm concentration, can conceal subtle attachment and delusion. It warns that staying absorbed in a state of equanimity without probing can prevent genuine insight. Practitioners are urged to use equanimity as a...
Le Guin: Menopause Signals Rebirth, Elders Empower Society
Ursula K. Le Guin on change, menopause as rebirth, and the civilizational value of elders https://t.co/F7JRCwG833
Multiple Truths Can Coexist—Pick Your Current Resonance
All of these can be TRUE at the same time. Which hits home for you the most right now?
Rethinking Equanimity: Margaret Cullen on Equanimity and Quiet Strength
Margaret Cullen’s forthcoming book Quiet Strength delves into equanimity as a distinct, teachable virtue, filling a gap in the crowded mindfulness market. After rejecting a workbook proposal, she pursued a deep‑dive manuscript that positions equanimity alongside mindfulness, compassion, and love....
What Happens When Faith Leaders Try to Force Forgiveness?
Amanda’s experience of being pressured by a biblical counselor to apologize to her abusive father highlights how some faith‑based counseling programs prioritize doctrinal conformity over survivor safety. Researchers document that coercive forgiveness often arises from unequal power dynamics within churches,...
The Gift that Makes You Unmeasurably Rich
The post marks Day 14 of a devotional series that spotlights God’s limitless mercy as a spiritual gift that makes believers richer than any material wealth. It invites readers to pause, reflect on divine compassion, and re‑evaluate success through relational...
The Sound of Silence
The essay explores how incessant internal dialogue functions as a form of noise pollution, clouding clarity and driving dualistic thinking. It presents chanting the name of Kanzeon—or any pure, intention‑free sound—as a pathway to a pre‑conceptual awareness that transcends mental...
How I Found Focus and Presence When Meditation Didn’t Work
The author describes how conventional seated meditation felt hostile, prompting a shift to spontaneous, nature‑based attention. A simple pause by a tree, observing a leaf without intent, softened her tension and revealed a gentler path to presence. Repeated micro‑moments of...
Awakening Heightens Sensitivity to Draining Family Energy
After spiritual awakening, you don’t just gain awareness. You gain sensitivity to energy that drains you. And yes, sometimes that energy belongs to the people who raised you. Here’s why that happens:
George Saunders: 3 Antidotes to Suffering Through Kindness
How to be an instrument of kindness in a harsh world – George Saunders on unthinking the mind, unstorying the self, and the 3 antidotes to your suffering https://t.co/DUCgC3JHbu
The Responsibility Shift: Care, Power, and Liberation
In this episode the host explores the distinction between being "responsible for" something—trying to control outcomes—and being "responsible to" someone—showing up with integrity while honoring their agency. They discuss how this shift impacts parenting, relationships, and personal well‑being, emphasizing self‑reflection...
Poetic Meditations on Time, Love, and Wonder
This week oasis of small sanities, in one place – Pablo Neruda on how to hold time; the figments of love and the hallucinations of reason; the aurora borealis and the polar expedition saved by wonder: https://t.co/lvthiGXFPS https://t.co/SGPhzPIJb2
Returning Home — March 8–14
The March 8–14 post “Returning Home” uses tarot symbols to describe a paradox where family fulfillment coexists with a deep sense of not belonging, urging readers toward a spiritual break. It frames the inner quest as surrendering identity, embracing emptiness,...
Beyond Us & Them: Science of Compassion
How do we stay grounded in the heart when the world feels more divided than ever? Join the globalcompassioncoalition for a profound conversation between teacher Tara Brach and scholar Paul Gilbert, chaired by Rick Hanson. Together, they explore the biology...
Psychedelic Science and Radical Healing, with Gül Dölen
The episode with neuroscientist Gül Dölen explores how psychedelic‑assisted therapies are delivering dramatic results for complex PTSD, addiction and treatment‑resistant depression. Clinical trials across universities show rapid symptom relief and measurable neuroplastic changes. Dölen highlights the science behind these outcomes,...
Reality vs Perception: From Zeno to Borges
Superb read on the endless tug-of-war between human nature and the nature of reality, from Zeno's paradox to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle to Borges's mirror https://t.co/jNaaCY1w60
Why Closure Is Often Self-Created, Not Externally Given
Many people expect closure from others—an apology, explanation, or conversation—yet life rarely provides neat endings. The article explains that the mind craves complete narratives, causing endless replay until acceptance replaces the need for answers. True closure is a personal decision...
Why Purpose Feels Different Later?
The article explains how purpose evolves from a loud, achievement‑focused drive in early career stages to a quieter, personally aligned motivation later in life. Initially, purpose is tied to proving oneself, gaining recognition, and rapid growth. Over time, experiences such...
What to Do with the Weight of Unmet Expectations
The post explores how unmet expectations create a heavy emotional load, often manifesting as guilt and resentment. It argues that embracing forgiveness can dissolve that weight and restore mental clarity. By shifting perspective from blame to understanding, readers can transform...