Lovely words from Maia. I said the very same thing about ‘mindfulness’ when I was teaching at my Buddhist Centre last weekend. Being mindful is a practice which is very radical, and allows us to connect with life in a way that is technicolour, vibrant, pulsing, energetic, and full of heart and joy. But the overuse has really dulled our sense of what it is, what it means, sadly.
I love this idea of interviewing other writers. It is lovely way to discover fresh perspectives and connection. Whilst I understand the difficulties with overuse of a word, I still think it speaks poignantly. One of the great obstacles to connection and presence is an overactive mind at the mercy of its thoughts. To be mindful of our minds is perhaps to acknowledge the presence that watches the thoughts and is eternal and limitless. Thank you for creating the opportunity to reflect on this <3
That’s a really great point, Rachel. Being mindful, for me, has very much been about recognising that I am not my thoughts and that I don’t have to follow them.
"To me, mindful (heartful!) writing simply means that I enter the act of writing as a practice opportunity, not an assignment".
I appreciate the connection Maia makes between mindful and heartful. In Sanskrti, the word manas, means both the mind and the heart - depending on the context. When we intentionally sync the mind and heart up, whether in writing or in life, that's taps us into our source.
Thank you for that mini lesson in Sanskrit, Paulette! Yes, in Japanese as well the word "shin" is sometimes translated as heart/mind. I think there are a lot of benefits to using the word 'mindfulness,' especially now that it's well recognized. I didn't mean to come across as overly critical or cranky. But one shortcoming of it, and this is mostly reflective about the limitations of the English language, is that it tends to reinforce that idea that mind is separate from heart and body.
From my read you didn't come across as critical or cranky at all. I'm not a Sanskrit scholar by any stretch of the imagination, but the expressions and words that I've learned are so layered and nuanced with textured meaning. I so appreciate the richness and depth that evokes in all forms of communication. I so wish I spoke another language for the thrill of embracing that more. I appreciate the conversation.
Hello Amanda, my dear friend Paulette just forwarded your info on to me. I'm excited to learn more about your newsletter and you. And if you find my newsletter interesting, I'd love to be considered for your open slot in December. Cheers to this wonderful experience here on Substack.
I'd love to! Sounds like a wonderful project to begin the year. In the meantime, I will enjoy reading about my fellow Substack writers and their wisdom, along with yours. Thank you so much, Amanda. Have a wonderful week. 💚
Thank you, Maia. I was just chatting with a client yesterday about how the words “curiosity” and “noticing” get over used in the world of mindfulness, contemplation, etc. I like your use of “heartful.” I would also qualify as a gregarious introvert. I love people, but I need quiet and solitude to return to myself.
Reading through the comments has made me feel I'm in the right place, I've found my tribe kinda feeling. Thank you for the "discovering mindful writers" interviews, Amanda. Interested in being a guest interviewee.
I'm really happy to hear that! I'm so glad everyone is enjoying the series as much as I am. Thanks too for the interest in appearing. I now have a full schedule until April of next year so taking on anyone else is now on hold until the Autumn. But I will let everyone know when it's open again so please do get in touch then.
Lovely words from Maia. I said the very same thing about ‘mindfulness’ when I was teaching at my Buddhist Centre last weekend. Being mindful is a practice which is very radical, and allows us to connect with life in a way that is technicolour, vibrant, pulsing, energetic, and full of heart and joy. But the overuse has really dulled our sense of what it is, what it means, sadly.
I agree it is everywhere but I think when you remain connected to the true reality of it, its power remains with you.
Yes, I absolutely agree 💚
I love this idea of interviewing other writers. It is lovely way to discover fresh perspectives and connection. Whilst I understand the difficulties with overuse of a word, I still think it speaks poignantly. One of the great obstacles to connection and presence is an overactive mind at the mercy of its thoughts. To be mindful of our minds is perhaps to acknowledge the presence that watches the thoughts and is eternal and limitless. Thank you for creating the opportunity to reflect on this <3
That’s a really great point, Rachel. Being mindful, for me, has very much been about recognising that I am not my thoughts and that I don’t have to follow them.
"To me, mindful (heartful!) writing simply means that I enter the act of writing as a practice opportunity, not an assignment".
I appreciate the connection Maia makes between mindful and heartful. In Sanskrti, the word manas, means both the mind and the heart - depending on the context. When we intentionally sync the mind and heart up, whether in writing or in life, that's taps us into our source.
Thank you for that mini lesson in Sanskrit, Paulette! Yes, in Japanese as well the word "shin" is sometimes translated as heart/mind. I think there are a lot of benefits to using the word 'mindfulness,' especially now that it's well recognized. I didn't mean to come across as overly critical or cranky. But one shortcoming of it, and this is mostly reflective about the limitations of the English language, is that it tends to reinforce that idea that mind is separate from heart and body.
From my read you didn't come across as critical or cranky at all. I'm not a Sanskrit scholar by any stretch of the imagination, but the expressions and words that I've learned are so layered and nuanced with textured meaning. I so appreciate the richness and depth that evokes in all forms of communication. I so wish I spoke another language for the thrill of embracing that more. I appreciate the conversation.
Lovely word. Thank you for sharing. I do think English is lacking in many ways when it comes to that one word for something.
So true!
Mindful writing is a great practice to tap into flow. ❤️
It really is. If you’d like to come on the Q&A series, I’d love to have you along Paolo!
Yes please! Thank you for this. ❤️
Great! It’s proven very popular so I’m afraid the next free slot isn’t until February!
Hello Amanda, my dear friend Paulette just forwarded your info on to me. I'm excited to learn more about your newsletter and you. And if you find my newsletter interesting, I'd love to be considered for your open slot in December. Cheers to this wonderful experience here on Substack.
Hi Sue, thanks for your lovely message. I'm afraid the December slot has already been nabbed! But you can open 2025 for me if you would like to 😊
I'd love to! Sounds like a wonderful project to begin the year. In the meantime, I will enjoy reading about my fellow Substack writers and their wisdom, along with yours. Thank you so much, Amanda. Have a wonderful week. 💚
Great! Looking forward to getting to know you 💙
Thank you, Maia. I was just chatting with a client yesterday about how the words “curiosity” and “noticing” get over used in the world of mindfulness, contemplation, etc. I like your use of “heartful.” I would also qualify as a gregarious introvert. I love people, but I need quiet and solitude to return to myself.
I’m one too!
That does not surprise me:)
Reading through the comments has made me feel I'm in the right place, I've found my tribe kinda feeling. Thank you for the "discovering mindful writers" interviews, Amanda. Interested in being a guest interviewee.
I'm really happy to hear that! I'm so glad everyone is enjoying the series as much as I am. Thanks too for the interest in appearing. I now have a full schedule until April of next year so taking on anyone else is now on hold until the Autumn. But I will let everyone know when it's open again so please do get in touch then.
Okay, I will when that time comes.