Madhu Bazaz Wangu

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More than ever before, our recent trip in Southern Africa has made me realize how traveling makes us see instead of merely look. As I journey I do not take anything for granted. Even the routine such as eating, bathing, sleeping, talking get framed with attention. With each travel the new experiences stretch mind and open heart a bit more. As outer surroundings widen the world within also broadens. Traversing gives contour to the routine at home because you see them with new eyes. You don’t have to go to a distant land. You may choose to go to plains if you live in the mountains or visit small towns if you live in the big city. “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before,” advises Dalai Lama. CAPE TOWN,...

Our Heartfelt Condolences

Posted on October 28, 2018

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I am saddened and shocked by the tragic shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill—the neighborhood I lived in for ten years and love. Everyone’s friend, Mr. Rogers lived and worshipped in this neighborhood. To those who lost loved ones or friends, on behalf of the Mindful Writers Groups and Retreats, I extend my heartfelt condolences. To all others who have been either injured or impacted by this senseless act of violence, our thoughts are with you. Mindful Writers celebrate diversity of religion and race and honor our common humanity. We truly believe in diversity, honoring our neighbors and seeing the other as our own self. Our gathering spaces are sanctuaries of creativity and comfort. What is a writerly thing to do after hearing about such insane...

Journaling in South Africa

Posted on October 16, 2018

My recent vacation in Southern Africa, with my husband, was one of the most mind stretching and heart opening trip we have ever had. Some thirty years ago, with the practice of mindfulness meditation I experienced my body, mind and heart integrate and become whole. In 2010, I invited writers of all levels to practice Writing Meditation with me. Recently, in Africa my integrated-self awoke to a deeper connection within because I was alive and attentive to the vivid web of natural world around me. The terms such as interconnectedness and impermanence of each moment and every life form was made real. The force that animates the universe and is felt in deep meditation became more meaningful. This tremendously powerful phenomenon gets lost in the hullabaloo of civilization. Our previous travels...

Literary Awareness and an Elegant Festival of Books!

Posted on September 21, 2018

I attended an outstanding book festival on September 14 & 15 with some Mindful Writers. Thanks to Denise Weaver and Hilary Hauck for making us aware of the first Allegheny Regional Festival of Books at Bedford, Pennsylvania! http://alleghenyregionalfestivalofbooks.org/index.php/the-arfb-story/ What an elegant evening and the exquisitely planned affair! The opening night at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort was graced by the local author, Ellen Prentiss Campbell, the author of the novel The Bowl With Golden Seams. The following day about forty colorful and attractive author tables were set under four huge tents in front of the Courthouse. Readings by various authors were held at selected shops throughout the business district. My reading was at https://www.backstagealpaca.com. Thanks to Diana Morris for hosting me! Looking forward to attending the next years festival at Somerset, Pennsylvania....

WRITERS WRITE! READERS READ!

Posted on September 7, 2018

Hi All, Here are two more poems, not only for writers but for all to enjoy! WRITERS WRITE! READERS READ! Write alone! Let the vital energy emanate from you. Write with others, Feel charged with the collective energy. Write! Go on a quest. Conquer demons. Find the elixir. Narrate the experience, As a gift to your readers. Read! Reinvigorate the energy that exudes. Rejoice in the gift. Connect with the giver. Connect with the glorious energy beyond...

DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY

Posted on September 4, 2018

DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY A careless critique from a fellow writer? Return hers with honest comments. “Here” she hands you the draft. “the weak parts highlighted!” Show her where her strengths lay. He grabs the opportunity that was rightfully yours, Congratulate him on his success. By critiquing honestly, By learning from your own strengths and skills, By preparing through tough circumstances, Attain the strength no one else can. When you are ready inward. The door of opportunity opens only for you....

MINDFUL WRITING

Posted on September 2, 2018

MINDFUL WRITING I sit still. A silence speaks to me. It speaks of complete surrender, to feelings, to thoughts, to muses. Words flow out, Shifting me to my writing dream world. I scribe in silence. Yesterday's suffering transforms into compassion. Yesterday's trial into today's courageous act. Yesterday's transgression into redemption. The dream has no second, mind-born from the source within....

SIMPLY WRITE!

Posted on August 17, 2018

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SIMPLY WRITE! Simply write! Do not speak of writing. Do not speak of publishing. Do not speak of other people’s writings. Sit still in silence and solitude. When body, heart and mind are one. When your senses have moved inward. Let the stream flow. Unravel your knots in spontaneous words. Other writer’s success or failure does not affect you. Profit or loss does not touch you. Praise or criticism does not ruffle you. Derive pleasure solely from writing. Experience the bliss. Simply write! ...

To My Husband

Posted on May 22, 2018