Nick Cave is a total dude. His Red Hand Files are one of the best emails I get each week. This week he’s answered a question about the link between creativity and suffering. Suffering as a constant, as described by the Buddha in his enlightened teachings, sets a realistic expectation. From this vantage point things […]
Author: james
Dancers and dreamers
I’m a dancer and a dreamer. My way of being speaks to the philosophical questions of life, to the higher purpose and meaning of this existence, to the lofty heights of creativity and artistic expression. Day to day that means I appear to be slack, procrastinating and ineffectual. Such are the metrics of modern life. […]
Life divine
Divine life is full, infinite, perfect and blissful. Therefore, lead the life divine. Sivananda.org
As a keen cyclist I’ve ridden many miles on two wheels. Accidents are part the risk associated with the activity. I had two crashes that resulted in whiplash. At the time I experienced shock and the symptoms associated with it. I brushed off the impact as nothing serious. I went to work, didn’t bother with […]
I’ve stated before that I do not consent to these restrictions. I’ll say it again right now – I do not consent to any Corona induced legislation, not in my name. I shared a petition recently to repeal the Corona Virus Act. The sweeping powers that destroyed ancient civil liberties was agreed for six months […]
There are divisions in this world: one wanders in it with indifference, one through means and modes of life, and one delights in beauty’s pleasure. -Bhartrihari
Persian teachings
In ancient Persia, fathers were intent on teaching their sons ‘to ride, to draw the bow and to speak truth’. Seems like a sensible place to start.
Last year I almost drowned in the Ganga. I attempted to rescue a drowning man and failed. It was an exhilarating experience. As close as I felt to drowning, I knew that it was in my power to live – it was more an awareness of extreme danger than that of a near death experience. […]
I’ve often felt that music has the power to transform. I’m a big fan of many genres and styles but it’s lyrics that tend to stay with me. There’s a magical transcendence imbued in the words of a great song. For me that song is ‘Sometimes‘. It’s a kind of mantra. I feel fucking elated […]
Breathwork James
I’ve just switched back to my old instagram account. Running two personal accounts wasn’t working for me. I’ve created a new handle @bikebookbreath. Join me for all the latest daily inspiration in pictures. The content may vary from time to time so if you have an account, it’s probably worth signing up. I’ll share a […]