The Urban Monk aims to provide a free additional voice, a companion, in your personal development journey inwards into yourself and outwards into the urban world - modern life, entwined with ancient spirituality.
May 9, 2008
There was a famous teaching once, a long time ago – the origin of suffering is attachment, desire. This post will prepare us by introducing attachment, the root of all our unskilful behaviours and pain, and how to uncover them in our own lives.
May 2, 2008
How do we deal with the various intrusions on our boundaries? This post goes in slightly more depth, outlining unskilful response styles, and detailing a healthy and mature response.
Apr 24, 2008
Sometimes achieving success is not simply about succeeding. Failure can also be an important part of success allowing you to grow and develop, to achieve greater success, whilst also making you more grateful of the success you make.
Apr 19, 2008
There is a statement once, a teaching, by a very special man – Life is suffering. There is no one who has not suffered. Some are not aware of it; others are intimately acquainted with the pain in their heart. And yet that is only the beginning of his teaching. The remainder sends a message of hope – there is a way out.
Apr 14, 2008
In the previous post, we spoke of the importance of developing personal boundaries. The question remains, then – how? This post covers recognition, reflection, preparation, and finding the internal courage; all important preparatory steps.
Apr 8, 2008
What are boundaries? Are they a sign of selfishness, or a sign of strength? Is saying yes a sign of weakness, or a sign of generosity and compassion?
Boundaries can come in many different forms, but at its core, they simply involve saying No. No to giving something you don’t want to give; no to behaving in a certain way; no to being treated in a way that will hurt your heart, your body, your totality.