God, The Universe, and Everything In Between

Published on: 5th February 2020 by Jessica 26 Comments

Last week’s blog post about the meaning and possible interpretations of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo generated some interesting discussions online, especially around one particular example: “I Am God”

I can very much relate to a certain level of resistance to a term that is inherently associated with a monotheistic concept, especially when used in the context of Buddhist practice and modern spirituality. I used to be just as opposed to the concept myself, but I wanted to explain in a bit more detail how I now think about God, and offer some more food for thought and discussion.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo – Meaning and Interpretations

Published on: 29th January 2020 by Jessica 21 Comments

Chanting nam myoho renge kyo is a truly powerful practice which can transform your life and mindset in hugely positive ways. There are a few ways you can focus your mind when chanting, but the practice becomes even more profound when you focus your attention on the meaning of what you’re actually saying. Not just the literal translation of the words, but what they represent. This mantra is rich in history and symbolism and can be interpreted in various ways, but all really coming down to the same general idea.

How to Get What You Want: Create a Vision Board for What You Have

Published on: 15th January 202015th January 2020 by Jessica 3 Comments

When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around

Vision boards are hugely popular, I see references to them and guides and templates for putting one together everywhere I look, especially at this time of year when everyone is making resolutions and plans and goals for the year ahead.

Usually, a vision board is created with the intention to immerse yourself in images of the things that you want, so you put up a picture to represent that new car you haven’t got yet, or that beach holiday you’re aching to go on, or that bank balance with more zeroes than you’ve ever had in your life. By meditating on this, imagining yourself as if you already have all these wonderful things, getting into that place of high energy and “Thanks in Advance” gratitude, the Universe will see your heart’s desire and conspire to make it happen. And it does work! Countless people have testified to how effective they can be.

However, I like to do things a bit differently…

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo – What’s Your Origin Story?

Published on: 15th December 201916th December 2019 by Jessica 9 Comments

On Saturday 15th December 2012, I sat alone in my apartment and chanted for the very first time. I had been having great conversations about the practice with a good friend who had started it a couple of months before that, but as a cynical atheist I was more interested in the philosophical debate than the airy-fairy spiritual side of things. Boy, how things can change…

10 More Christmas Gift Ideas for Him, for Her, or for You

Published on: 26th November 201927th November 2019 by Jessica Comment

Ho-ho-hooo! It’s that time of year again and it’s time to splash out on the ideal gift for the loved ones in your life, or indeed on a special treat for yourself! My first 10 Christmas Gift Ideas post is still chockablock full of good ideas, but I figured it was about time to put together a brand new bumper list of some of my favourite things I use in my everyday life that would make a fantastic gift, or set you up to start the next New Year in the best way.

How to Deal with Negative People in Five Easy Steps

Published on: 27th August 2019 by Jessica 1 Comment

A few years ago, there was a guy in my life. I won’t go into the boring (and ultimately irrelevant) details of what happened, but suffice to say he was not a good guy. It took me a while to realise that, though, as he had enough charm and wit to get under my skin, and also had the same effect on two close friends. He was quite manipulative and in the end, he had managed to play us all against each other, even resulting in a rift in our friendship. He didn’t care that he was hurting us; on the contrary, he actually seemed to get enjoyment from toying with our lives and emotions. We all worked in the same company so it was a very difficult time, with every day bringing new arguments and feelings of resentment, anger, and hurt. Even after I cut off contact with him, I couldn’t get the situation out of my mind. Every time I saw him in the office, strong feelings of bitterness and hatred would rise up, spoil my mood, and ruin my day.

Enchant Your Life in 2019

Published on: 31st December 2018 by Jessica 1 Comment

A New Year is a great time to start a healthy new habit, or to refresh old ones that may have lapsed or need a bit of a boost. This New Year, why not commit to your chanting practice to raise your Spirit, your energy, your wellness, your life in 2019? Whether you’re a seasoned nam myoho renge kyo pro or a total newbie, everything you need is right here.

A Big Confession, A Big Commitment

Published on: 28th February 2018 by Jessica 18 Comments

A Big Confession

Once again I’ve come with promises, and once again I’ve left you high and dry. Months have passed since my last post and my voice on this page remains silent.

The truth is, I’ve been struggling.

A Return From Recess

Published on: 14th November 2017 by Jessica 3 Comments

The other day I was sitting on the beach here on Koh Lanta, my home away from home again this winter, watching this serenely beautiful sunset. I was thinking about someone, a person in my life whom I have come to love beyond measure.

A New Year: Reflections and Hope

Published on: 31st December 201614th January 2017 by Jessica 5 Comments

Well, 2016 has been a real humdinger of a year, amiright?!

On a global level, it has sometimes felt like the world is collapsing around us. We’ve lost so many incredible artists and global icons. We’ve witnessed political calamities unfolding like Brexit and the election of Trump. In public commentary, behaviour and voting patterns we’ve seen an unfortunate rise in anti-“outsider” sentiment and blatant racism. Terrorist attacks continue to inspire fear and sorrow around the world, and our hearts have broken wide open upon seeing the ongoing atrocities and slaughter in war-torn Syria.

On a personal level, 2016 was really a year of two halves.