by Phyllis Leavitt | Jan 7, 2026 | Blogs
I found this quote in a recent Medium Magazine article by Rami Dhanoa, entitled, “The Single Sentence Buddha Kept Repeating When He Taught Mindfulness.”
To pursue mindfulness more intensely means to be ready for all the impurity that might come up as a result of it.
I don’t know if Buddha actually said this or not, but what I do know is that in a true growth process, we will inevitably be confronted with all our less-than-wonderful qualities and behaviors– not for blame and shame but in order to heal them
by Phyllis Leavitt | Jan 7, 2026 | #Psyche&Soul, Blogs
I wanted to write something about gratitude for Thanksgiving, but nothing came to mind that felt powerful enough. Without question, I am beyond grateful for all I now have, and especially as I get older, I am even more aware of how fortunate I am in this world where... 
by Phyllis Leavitt | Jan 5, 2026 | #Psyche&Soul, Blogs
Many years ago, I read an unforgettable story. In the rubble of a Nazi concentration camp, the body of a man was found with one hand still clutching a crumpled piece of paper on which he had scribbled these words, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” This man did not succumb to hate even in the worst hour of persecution. He died with loving compassion and forgiveness for his tormentors.
by Phyllis Leavitt | Nov 13, 2025 | #Psyche&Soul, Blogs, Uncategorized
I wrestle with the need to stay informed about some of the worst of what is happening in the world, and the even more pressing need to focus on what is mine to do, and hold onto light in the apparent darkness.
by Phyllis Leavitt | Oct 30, 2025 | #Psyche&Soul, Blogs
Technology and science have shown us that we are One World in many obvious ways.
Worldwide information is one click of a computer keyboard away. We can see real-time images of a hurricane tearing its deadly path across a foreign shore, children sobbing in the face of yet another bombing, or documentaries on humanitarian efforts to feed the starving and stem the tide of deadly diseases. The list of course is endless.
by Phyllis Leavitt | Oct 14, 2025 | #Psyche&Soul, Blogs
I am 78 and the issue of my own mortality becomes more unavoidable every day. I feel much younger than my age might imply, even ageless at times. Yet, as I move inexorably toward the death of Phyllis, I am deeply aware that in our human forms, our lives are both vitally important and will also vanish in an instant. We are a fleeting speck in time on this Earth, a drawing in the sand that will be washed away, and equally true, what we do here matters tremendously. This is a paradox that I have been learning to live with– that we make our brief appearances with all our struggles, accomplishments, loves, joys, sorrows, and moments of transcendence… and then we pass away.
