Life

Mezrab storytelling

/ Amit / Leave a comment


On March 30th, I stepped onto the stage at Mezrab, Amsterdam’s renowned House of Stories, to share my experience with Vipassana meditation before a live audience of 300 people. It was both exhilarating and humbling to be part of such a vibrant storytelling community, where tales come alive and listeners are invited into new worlds of imagination and insight.
I chose to talk about Vipassana—often called “insight meditation”—and how it offers a powerful way to understand and control the mind. My story began with a simple metaphor: imagine your mind as a television, with thoughts and emotions flickering across the screen. Normally, we’re at the mercy of whatever channel is playing, reacting impulsively to each sensation or story that arises.
Vipassana, I explained, is like discovering a remote control for your mind. Instead of being lost in the narrative, you learn to observe your thoughts and feelings as they come and go, without getting swept away. This ancient Buddhist practice trains you to sit with discomfort, joy, fear, or boredom—simply noticing, not reacting, and gradually gaining mastery over your inner landscape.
On stage, I described my own journey: the struggle to sit still, the whirlwind of thoughts, and the moments of clarity when I realized I could choose not to be controlled by every passing emotion. I shared how Vipassana rewires the brain, reducing stress, improving focus, and helping us respond to life’s challenges with calm and resilience.
The audience listened intently, some nodding in recognition, others smiling at the metaphor of the mind as a TV. Afterward, several people approached me to share their own meditation experiences or to ask for tips on starting a practice.
Performing at Mezrab was a milestone for me—a chance to connect deeply with others through story, and to show how something as simple as mindful observation can transform the way we experience life. I left the stage grateful for the opportunity and inspired to keep exploring the stories we tell ourselves, and the power we have to change them.

Cheers!

Vipassana Meditation: A Path to Mental Clarity and Peace

/ Amit / Leave a comment

As I write this, just days after emerging from my third 10-day Vipassana meditation course, I’m struck by how different everything feels. The same world surrounds me, yet my perception has shifted fundamentally. Like countless others before me, I embarked on this journey in spring of 2017 in Texas, USA following the teachings of S.N. Goenka, seeking something I couldn’t quite name.

The course structure is deceptively simple: ten days of noble silence, meditation from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM, vegetarian meals, and no external communications. But within this simplicity lies a profound technique for mental purification that has been preserved for over 2,500 years.

The first three days focus solely on Anapana meditation – observing the natural breath. I initially found this frustrating. “Just breathing? For three whole days?” My mind rebelled, churning up forgotten memories, future plans, and endless distractions. But gradually, almost imperceptibly, my attention grew sharper, more focused.

Then came Vipassana proper – the systematic observation of bodily sensations with complete equanimity. Goenka-ji’s evening discourses illuminated the profound wisdom behind this practice. Every sensation, pleasant or unpleasant, shares one characteristic: impermanence (anicca). By observing this truth experientially, we begin to break free from the cycle of craving and aversion that causes our suffering.

The challenges could be intense for many people. Sitting still for hours can bring physical pain. Old memories and emotions surfaced with surprising intensity. Yet the technique offered a practical tool: remain equanimous, observe sensations objectively, and watch them pass away. Through this process, deep-rooted mental patterns (sankaras) gradually dissolve.

What strikes me most was the scientific nature of the technique. This isn’t about adopting new beliefs or joining a religion. It’s a practical method of self-observation and mental purification that anyone can verify through their own experience. As Goenkaji often emphasized, “Truth is truth. Don’t accept it because I say so – experience it for yourself.”

The benefits have been profound. My mind feels clearer, more stable. Reactions that once seemed automatic now have a pause button. There’s a deeper understanding that everything – good or bad – is temporary. Most importantly, I’ve gained a practical tool for continuing this work of mental purification in daily life.

To those considering a Vipassana course: yes, it’s challenging. Yes, it requires dedication. But the potential rewards – genuine peace, mental mastery, and liberation from suffering – are immeasurable. The courses are offered freely, run purely on donations from those who have completed a course and experienced benefits.

As Goenkaji would say, “Be happy!” But not just with blind faith – experience the truth for yourself. May all beings be happy, peaceful, and liberated.

Cheers!

Summer Fun: Making the Most of Your Family Holiday

/ Amit / Leave a comment

As the warm days of summer approach, it’s time to start planning that perfect family getaway. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, a summer holiday is an excellent opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Choose the Right Destination

Consider a destination that offers something for everyone. Beach resorts provide sun, sand, and water activities, while national parks offer hiking, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking scenery. For a cultural experience, explore a new city or even a different country if your budget allows.

Plan Activities, But Stay Flexible

While it’s good to have a rough itinerary, remember that some of the best moments happen spontaneously. Plan a few key activities but leave room for unexpected discoveries and lazy days by the pool.

Involve the Whole Family

Let each family member choose an activity or destination for one day of the trip. This ensures everyone feels included and excited about the holiday.

Capture the Memories

Encourage everyone to document the trip in their own way. Kids might enjoy keeping a travel journal, while teens could create a family vacation vlog. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos!

Embrace Local Culture

Wherever you go, try to immerse yourself in the local culture. Sample regional cuisines, attend local festivals, or try learning a few phrases in the local language.

Remember, the most important aspect of a family holiday is spending quality time together. Whether you’re building sandcastles on the beach or exploring a new city, these shared experiences will strengthen your family bonds and create memories that last a lifetime.

Cheers!

Meaningful New Year Resolutions

/ Amit / Leave a comment

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many of us embark on the tradition of setting resolutions, envisioning a fresh start and new opportunities. Beyond the cliche promises to hit the gym or adopt a healthier lifestyle, consider resolutions that prioritize personal growth and well-being. Perhaps it’s cultivating mindfulness, fostering stronger connections with loved ones, or learning a new skill. The key is to set realistic goals that align with your values, promoting long-term success.

In 2024, let’s move away from the pressure of grandiose resolutions and instead focus on incremental changes that lead to lasting impact. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and be kind to yourself along the way. By fostering a mindset of continuous improvement, you can turn your resolutions into meaningful habits that shape a brighter, more fulfilling future. Here’s to a year of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of our most authentic selves. Cheers to a New Year filled with purpose and positive transformation!

Cheers!

AMC Model

/ Amit / Leave a comment

Attitude, motivation, and commitment are three key components that drive human behavior. These factors are critical for success in personal and professional life.

The AMC model proposes that an individual’s behavior is determined by their attitude, motivation, and commitment towards a particular task or goal. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors:

Attitude: Attitude refers to an individual’s feelings or beliefs towards a particular task or goal. A positive attitude towards a goal or task can lead to a higher likelihood of success, while a negative attitude can lead to failure. Attitude is influenced by a variety of factors, including past experiences, social influences, and personal values.

Motivation: Motivation refers to an individual’s drive or desire to achieve a particular goal or task. It is the internal or external stimulus that drives an individual to take action towards their goal. Motivation can come from a variety of sources, including personal goals, rewards, recognition, or pressure from external factors.

Commitment: Commitment refers to an individual’s dedication and persistence towards achieving a particular goal or task. It involves making a conscious decision to pursue a goal and sticking to it despite challenges or obstacles. Commitment is influenced by an individual’s values, beliefs, and sense of responsibility towards their goal.

The AMC model suggests that these three factors work together to influence an individual’s behavior. For example, if an individual has a positive attitude towards a goal, they will be more motivated to pursue it. If they are motivated, they are more likely to commit to the goal and put in the effort required to achieve it.

Here are some practical tips for developing a positive attitude, motivation, and commitment:

  1. Focus on the positive aspects of a task or goal, and try to reframe negative thoughts.
  2. Set clear goals and establish a plan for achieving them.
  3. Find sources of motivation, such as rewards or recognition, and use them to stay motivated.
  4. Remind yourself of the reasons why you are committed to a goal and the importance of achieving it.
  5. Surround yourself with positive influences, such as supportive friends or mentors.

Remember, attitude determines altitude, and with the right attitude, motivation, and commitment, the sky is the limit.

Cheers!