This is a delightful and apt introduction to Buddhist practice for westerners that is entirely free of Asian cultural relics such as Sanskrit words, malas, mandalas, all the rest. And it gets right to the point: the present is all there is; the past is gone, and the future just a mental formation with no real existence at all. And this “self” whose storyline we cherish so much is also just a mental formation. As I often tell people, Buddhist practice consists essentially of three simple and interrelated injunctions:

1. BREATHE in order to observe;
2. OBSERVE in order to let go, and
3. LET GO in order to breathe.

Repeat as often as necessary. All the rest is commentary, for this practice quite naturally instills attitudes of benevolence, compassion, selfless joy in the present moment, and equanimity.

Thanks again for sharing your insights!