Why Practice??
January 2026 Newsletter
Why Practice??
The world is vast and wide.
Why do you put on your robes
At the sound of a bell?
- Zen Master Unmon
At the dawn of the new year, it’s worth asking ourselves why we’re practicing mindfulness? Why get up early each morning to sit on our cushion when the whole wide world invites us to roam? Why focus on the breath when there are 100’s of TV channels to choose from? Why rest in a state of tranquility when our phones tempt us with the next dopamine hit? Why cultivate Loving Kindness for all beings when we could simply stay in bed a little longer?
There’s a story I like which points to the answer:
Many years ago, a highly regarded professor attended a conference on global spirituality. During a break he found himself chatting with a Zen Master.
“Why do you do it?” He asked, slightly exasperated. “Why do you sit on your cushion every day, meditating? What’s the point??”
The Zen Master laughed a little and raised his eyebrows, “Well” he said, “How long have you got!”
The professor chuckled but the Zen Master suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled him close. “No!!!” he said, his fierce eyes staring into the professors shocked face, “How long have you got left to live??”
“I don’t know!! I don’t know!!” said the startled professor, pulling his arm away in fear.
“Exactly.” Said the Master, calmly sipping his tea. “This is why we meditate.”
We practice to be fully present in this very moment, a moment which is like a flash of lightening, already gone, a life which is uncertain, fragile and precious.
We practice knowing this moment as it actually is, without the addition of the minds endless stories, beliefs, dramas and identities.
We practice to be free from the delusion inherent in the human experience and to know first-hand, the boundless liberation which rests at its heart.
We practice to know ourselves to the bone, and in that knowing, become the bones of all beings, past, present and future.
We practice to understand that we are already dead, and yet, here and now, we live. We breathe. We smile. We feel the sun on our face.
We practice to be this miracle and to remind others of their own sacred presence.
We practice, because if we’re not practicing then we’re not evolving, we’re not moving forwards, but stagnating in our own limitations and projecting them outward into the world.
We practice to recognise that the reason practice is even possible, is because we’re already fundamentally free.
I wish you all a happy new year,
a happy new moment,
and a happy new life.
Mike.
New Episode: Naikan - True and Trusting
In this new episode of the Wide Aware Podcast I speak with Gregg Krech, Director of the ToDo Institute and author of several books including “Naikan: Gratitude, Grace, and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection.”
While many in the West know Zen Buddhism, few have heard of the practice of Naikan, yet it offers a transformative lens for understanding ourselves, our relationships, and revealing the unseen web of support that shapes our lives.
In this conversation we explore the differences between Western and Eastern psychology, the art of noticing your life, and the simple yet profound practice of saying “thank you” - to your partner, the rain, and even your favourite chair.
January Mindfulness Group | Monday 12th January
Join me each month for my Mindfulness group at Vibe Cafe in Douglas, Isle of Man. These drop-in sessions are aimed at anyone interested in enhancing their mental fitness and wellbeing through the practice of Mindfulness, and those interested in meditation, embodiment and awakening.
Next Date: Monday 12th January 2026
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Vibe Plant-based Café, 9 Ridgeway Street, Douglas, Isle of Man
Price: £10 per person / £5 concessions
Spaces are limited to 25 participants — booking is essential.
To reserve your place, email: hello@mikekewley.com
1-Day Meditation Retreat | Sunday 11th January
***Last Places Available***
Join me on Sunday 11th January at the Laxey Working Men’s Institute and discover how the art of meditation can transform your life, from the inside out.
Whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your mindfulness practice, this 1-day retreat is an opportunity to explore the power of guided sitting and walking meditation, supported by wisdom teachings, and practical ways we can transform our relationship with our thoughts, emotions and circumstances.
Date: Sunday 11th January 2026
Venue: Laxey Working Men’s Institute, Isle of Man
Time: 10am – 4pm
Early Bird Price: £75 (includes lunch)
6-Week Mindfulness Course | Starts Tuesday 3rd February
Train your mind and transform your life
Are you ready to explore a radically new relationship to your thoughts, feelings and emotions? Join me for my next in person 6-Week Mindfulness Course in Ramsey this February and discover how the power of mindfulness can transform your life from the inside out.
Over six weeks, this mindfulness course will guide you to:
– Develop a consistent meditation practice that suits your lifestyle
– Reduce stress, anxiety, and overthinking naturally
– Improve emotional wellbeing and mental clarity
– Gain practical tools to live more mindfully and intentionally
– Explore perspectives that can transform your life
Course Details:
Dates: Tuesday 3rd February – Tuesday 10th March 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Venue: Perfect Harmony, Union Lane, Ramsey, Isle of Man
Early Bird Ticket: £95.00
February Silent Retreat | Friday 6th-9th February
Step away from distraction. Discover inner stillness. Experience the power of silence.
Join me from Friday 6th-9th February at the magical Mill House in Santon on the Isle of Man, for a transformational silent meditation retreat.
Immerse yourself in a programme of traditional sitting and walking meditation, guided mindfulness sessions and inspiring evening talks – all set in the peaceful luxury of a 500-year-old Mill, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Fairy Glen and the Santon river.
This weekend residential retreat is designed for anyone looking to:
– Deepen their mindfulness practice
– Explore self-discovery and spiritual growth
– Experience a weekend of calm, clarity, and stillness
– Take a digital detox and step back from the busyness of everyday life
Retreat Testimonials:
“A beautiful and profound experience.”
– Steve
“This retreat completely changed the way I perceive life, death, those around me and my true self. Magic in its purest form.”
– Lou
“It was intense, profound and moving”
– Cathy
Dates & Pricing:
Friday 6th – 9th February 2026
The Mill House, Santon, Isle of Man
Price: £300.00 per person (shared double en suite, all meals included)
A £100 deposit secures your place.
Email hello@mikekewley.com to book your place.
The question "Why practice?" reconnects us to the source. Thank you so much, Mike Kewley. Beautifully written.
“We practice to understand that we are already dead, and yet, here and now, we live. We breathe. We smile. We feel the sun on our face. “
Thank you Mike.