Why is that?

There it is, lying in front of me on the table. Crunch crunch, the first chips are happily removed from the packet, and then I have to repeatedly realize that I'm not eating the last potato chip, meaning the packet is empty. Until then, there's no stopping. Why?

Well, the food industry is "to blame," and probably a weak mind in ourselves. The body needs sugar in the form of carbohydrates, and since sugar is even added to chips, it subconsciously creates this craving for more. The industry is aware of this connection and has tailored its products accordingly. Even artificial sweeteners produce this addictive effect.

Just think of a bar of chocolate. Once opened, there's no stopping until the last bit is eaten. Cocoa powder contains endocannabinoids. These stimulate the body to produce happiness hormones. And then it's just begging for more...

A lighthouse shows the safe way

Terrestrial Life Management (TerLiMa) makes navigating life easy and safe. Just as lighthouses on the horizon guide captains to the right course, TerLiMa stands for precise and reliable positioning in life. I deliberately adopted the term "terrestrial" from the nautical world. So-called "terrestrial navigation," finding one's way using clear, fixed land and sea landmarks, is the safest method for determining one's position. And that's how reliable TerLiMa is intended for determining one's position in life. Anything else will cause us to stray from our course.

 Photo: Inner Passage of the Ile de Ouessant, France, 1982

Everything is transient

It is therefore illusory to believe in the permanence of things in this world. 

In Buddhist Zen, we know that everything has a beginning and everything has an end. 

A beautiful example of this is the "Symondsbury Zen Garden," which I and my students created at a magical place of power in the southwest of England. Have a look...some pictures.

We used the garden for several year as a refuge of peace and relaxation and for meditation. After I left the area for a while, my students cared for this beauty spot another two years and after that the landowner required the plot back.

Hoping for repairs from the doctor

The negative news surrounding current medical care in our country, Germany, is endless.
From a 115 perspective, I can only say that, unfortunately, most of it is self-inflicted. And these self-inflicted illnesses are destroying one of the best healthcare systems in the world, bit by bit.
By self-inflicted illnesses, I mean:

1. Systematically self-inflicted illnesses, such as those caused by smoking, drinking, or excessive obesity.

2. Visiting the doctor as a "hobby" or to have someone to talk to.

3. The greedy influence of the pharmaceutical industry on the healthcare system.

The list goes on and on. More personal responsibility is required! Keep your "boat" in good seaworthy condition! Get involved in health policy before you end up in the hospital yourself!

About Breathing

 It doesn't have to be a self-made Zen Garden, as pictured here.

More than four years ago, my students and I created the Symondsbury Zen Garden. It was meant to be a place for meditation. But you can practice relaxing breathing almost anywhere. When sitting, ensure your back is straight and don't squeeze your stomach. 

I always practice my breathing in the morning before meditation. Or sometimes in the evening, when I'm already in bed. This usually leads quickly to sleep. I strongly advise against practising this kind of exercise while driving. Deep breathing is too relaxing and can negatively affect your driving.

Two legs for running

It doesn't have to be the marathon distance. The journey is more important than the destination, even when running. As the poet and thinker Goethe said, "Travel for the sake of travelling."  

And once you've started, the next step becomes easier. Honestly, this creature, called my inner demon, usually gets the better of me initially. And that's despite a few worn-out running shoes. It's the beginning, getting up on my ass, that's it.  

Unfortunately, humans are wired to take the easiest route. Why should I run when I can drive? Those who run regularly not only get more out of life. 

They are also generally healthier, sleep better, are more relaxed, and look better because fresh air positively affects their skin.

 Horst Lindenau, a Longevity consultant, completed the Berlin Marathon in 1992