Many spiritual teachers have emphasised the notion of being fully present ‘in the now’. Proponents of meditative practices of various sorts tout meditation as a way of immersing oneself fully in the present moment, and not attending to the past or future. The spiritual teachers (including prominent authors) and proponents of meditation typically point to…
Inspiration
Chile is one of the most picturesque countries in the world, and yet is not bursting at the seams with tourists. So that means that you have the chance to explore in comparative solitude. So that you know, Chile is is a long, narrow country along the southern half of the west coast of South America,…
I have a confession. As a physicist and psychiatrist, I find it difficult to engage with conversations about consciousness. My biggest gripe is that the philosophers and cognitive scientists who tend to pose the questions often assume that the mind is a thing, whose existence can be identified by the attributes it has or the…
One of the most beautiful and friendly countries in Europe, Lithuania is a hidden gem.
But that may soon not be the case, as the country is opening its doors for those looking for a new experience.
If you want a change, this is a wonderful opportunity. And the Lithuanian government makes it easy - they've created…
‘If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.’ How many times did I hear that growing up? My parents were attempting to teach me (just in case I hadn’t absorbed it from their actions) the importance of striving for excellence.
They were encouraging what some psychologists call ‘constructive perfectionism’ or ‘healthy perfectionism’ – a personality…
Expedia.com reveals the top travel trends and tips for U.S. travelers in 2021 Whether it was by necessity or design, it's clear Americans spent 2020 exploring small towns, scenic drives, nearby lakes and beaches, or in some cases, their own backyards. Today, Expedia.com® released its 2021 Travel Trends Report, analyzing traveler data to uncover the…
In South Korea, the solar panels in the middle of the highway have a bicycle path underneath..cyclists are protected from the sun, isolated from traffic, and the country can produce clean energy. It is being trialed along a specific section of highway between Sejong and Daejeon/Gongju, but could act as the template for the future…
A floating church has moored in East London. The work of locally-based architecture studio Denizen Works, this innovative project brings together architecture and boat building, religious, community spaces and practice, and contemporary design. The project was spearheaded by the Diocese of London for the St Columba East London community, and has been created in close…
....but a process of inference. I have a confession. As a physicist and psychiatrist, I find it difficult to engage with conversations about consciousness. My biggest gripe is that the philosophers and cognitive scientists who tend to pose the questions often assume that the mind is a thing, whose existence can be identified by the…
Living in abroad is a dream for many of us but the options are limited when it comes to residency permits. Luckily Spain has a great option for people who do not intend to work here but rather retire or even experience a year or two living in these sunny lands.
A non-lucrative…
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In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, few industries have fallen as hard and as fast as tourism. The numbers are staggering: in 2019, travel and tourism’s indirect and induced impact accounted for a $8.9 trillion contribution to the world’s GDP, 10.3 per cent of global GDP and 330 million jobs…
A psychedelic experience can be deeply rewarding, but also carries real risks. Here’s how to avoid a bad trip.
Humans have consumed substances with consciousness-altering properties for millennia. Traditional societies used them in healing rituals, initiation ceremonies and to make contact with the gods and the dead, among other practices. Today they are…
In 1978, the science-fiction author Michael Moorcock wrote the celebrated essay ‘Epic Pooh’ that lambasted J R R Tolkien and his ilk for constructing fantasy universes in which – whatever the ‘there and back again’ meanderings of the plot – nothing ever really changes. Moorcock felt that his own ‘new worlds’ science fiction of the…
There’s nothing quite like stepping out onto the summit of Masada, the sun beating down on you and the Dead Sea stretching out before you.
This stunning ancient fortress is one of the most visited sites in Israel for a reason, and everyone should aim to visit at least once if planning a visit…
Dave and Iola Brubeck were already living in one masterpiece of modern design when they started thinking about building a second. It was the 1950s, and the jazz legend was touring constantly with his band, the Dave Brubeck Quartet. “The whole group would pile into my dad’s Kaiser Vagabond, drive across the country, and play,…
I stumbled upon Daphne on the rooftop of a dusky riad in Marrakech. This six-foot Canadienne with man-sized feet was the only other guest there, and she was naked. Or mostly naked, which is startling for me at the best of times, but particularly in Morocco – a conservative north-African Muslim country. “Oh, er, hello!”…
Did you know that Japan’s shrines and temples welcome regular tourists to stay for a night or more? Experience authentic Zen meditation, the traditional, vegetarian cuisine called shojin ryori, and explore a fascinating world so different from anything you know. Staying at a shrine or temple is an experience that even a lot of Japanese people don’t get to have that easily, a…
You’ll almost certainly be familiar with the Channel Island’s main settlements, Jersey and Guernsey, part of the UK. They’re famous for their handsome cattle and the unctuous, buttercup coloured milk they produce. But there are three others – Sark, Herm, and Alderney. While the first two are trickier for tourists, Alderney is a precious, hidden…
Italy’s most famous lake has appealed to second-home owners for hundreds of years, reports Liz Rowlinson. But where can you bag a bargain? Its deep, mirror-like waters beneath dramatic mountains, the tropical gardens flourishing in the balmy microclimate, have beguiled artists, writers and royals for centuries and, in recent years, Arab princes, wealthy footballers, Hollywood…
Remember Google Earth? Many years ago, it was on everyone's lips. Oooh and ahhhh. But then it all seemed to go quiet. Perhaps it's time for another look. Not only is it dazzling technology, but it can also be very useful in your holiday planning. See more courtesy of GoogleEarth.com
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