The resources I share are not a magic solution to feeling better and getting life and emotions sorted out. I think the best is to surrender to never having full control over your life, trying to relax more into the chaos and living a life according to your values - a meaningful life, with ups and downs, sorrows and joys. Easier said than done.
I personally consider myself an atheist with a scientific mindset and am not drawn to esoteric ideas. At the same time, I carry a deep longing to feel connected — to nature, to other beings, and to the universe. I sometimes call this “secular spirituality.” The resources I share resonate strongly with me, though I admit they sometimes use less scientific language. I hold them as metaphors or stories rather than literal facts, while still finding great value in the wisdom they convey. For example, the phrase “A flower is blooming out of my hand” is not something I take literally, but as a helpful image that allows my mind to cultivate the sense of connection with nature and wonder that I long for. The same goes for references to the “Buddha” — a word that often irritates me at first. My advice: don’t let terminology put you off when learning more about mindfulness. Many studies have shown how beneficial it is. Find teachings that inspire you, question teachings and don't believe anything you read. Try it out yourself and see what works for you.
Finally, about meditation itself: having thoughts while meditating is completely normal. In fact, without them, you wouldn’t have anything to practice with. I like to think of thoughts as the brain lifting weights: it’s through this process — noticing them, returning, and strengthening awareness — that the mind becomes steadier over time.
Note: I will update these resources as I come across more teachings and inspirations. Latest update: 25/8/2025
weekly every Sunday, mindful service vibe (playful mindfulness and connection with others)
offer workshops and retreats
Retreat Centres worldwide
they offer retreats much cheaper when you sign up as a volunteer
Online Courses
Daily Online
Online Recorded Meditations
People
Mindfulness-based psychotherapy:
Apps
Waking Up (they have full scholarships)
I love especially this series: “Compassionate Awareness” by Jitindrya
somehow their daily meditations don’t resonate that much with me
Podcasts
Daily dose of mindfulness
Books
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself - Kristin Neff
Deeper Mindfulness: The New Way to Rediscover Calm in a Chaotic World – Danny Penman, J. Mark G. Williams
Wherever You Go, There You Are - Jon Kabat-Zinn
Meditations for Mortals: Four weeks to embrace your limitations and make time for what counts - Oliver Burkeman
Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout - Kristin Neff, Christopher Germer
Being with Busyness - Brother Phap Huu, Jo Confino
A Field Guide to Nature Meditation: 52 Mindfulness Practices for Joy, Wisdom and Wonder - Mark Coleman
Trusting the Gold - Tara Brach
Books by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Art of Living
Call Me by My True Names
Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: Practices for Safe and Transformative Healing - David A. Treleaven
In Love with the World: A Monk's Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying - Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Compassion for Couples: Building the Skills of Loving Connection - Michelle Becker, Christopher Germer
ACT Daily Journal: Get Unstuck and Live Fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Diana Hill
Mindfulness-based psychotherapy:
The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT - Russ Harris
Act With Love: Stop Struggling, Reconcile Differences, and Strengthen Your Relationship With Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Russ Harris
What I am currently reading (and enjoying):
Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion - Sam Harris
Lotus in a Sea of Fire - Thich Nhat Hanh
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within - Natalie Goldberg
On my reading list:
I've Got Time: A Zen monk's guide to a calm, focused and meaningful life
I hope this list of resources gave you some inspiration! Feel free to share recommendations with me.